Technoeconomic and environmental perspectives of biofuel production from sugarcane bagasse: Current status, challenges and future outlook

Abstract

Sugarcane bagasse (SCB) is an attractive lignocellulose feedstock for biofuel production due to its high organic content and biomass yield, and ease of collection and storage. SCB-based biofuel production through the biochemical route is considered to be an eco-friendly option. However, the sustainability of this green technology is still questionable for some technoeconomic challenges associated with the pretreatment , detoxification, microbial tolerance to inhibitors, and conversion of SCB hydrolysates into biofuels. Researchers have attempted to overcome these issues, particularly by developing cost-effective pretreatment methods and engineered strains capable of tolerating inhibitors and converting SCB-derived components more efficiently. This review aims to present the current status and challenges in the conversion of SCB into biofuels like biohydrogen, biomethane, biomethanol, bioethanol , and biobutanol. The major economic and environmental perspectives are also discussed to assess the economics and eco-friendliness of SCB as the feedstocks for biofuel production. In addition, this paper also highlights existing knowledge gaps that might inspire the readers to fine-tune their research, innovations, and business plan for the development of cost-effective technologies for SCB-based biofuel production. • SCB as a feedstock for various biofuels has been discussed in this review. • Production of SCB-based biofuels has a high affordability of the raw material. • Pretreatment still remains a key challenge in viable SCB-based biofuel production. • Multi-product biorefinery for maximum use of SCB is of great importance.