Lignocellulose biotechnology: issues of bioconversion and enzyme production

Lignocellulose biotechnology: issues of bioconversion and enzyme production

December 2003 | Howard R.L.1*, Abotsi E2., Jansen van Rensburg E.L.1 and Howard S.3
This review, authored by scientists from a developing country, highlights the economic potential of bioprocessing residual plant materials, often considered waste, and discusses modern approaches to address the high cost of enzymes, a major barrier to the commercialization of lignocellulose bioprocessing. Lignocellulose, composed of lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose, is a renewable resource with significant biotechnological value. The review covers potential bioproducts such as biofuels, chemicals, and animal feed, and emphasizes the importance of lignocellulolytic enzymes in various industries. It discusses the challenges in degrading lignocellulose, including the recalcitrance of lignin and the crystalline structure of cellulose. The review also explores solid-state fermentation as an alternative to traditional methods, which is more cost-effective and suitable for developing countries. Additionally, it reviews the diversity of lignocellulolytic microorganisms and their enzymes, focusing on fungi like Trichoderma reesei and white-rot fungi. The cost of enzymes is a significant issue, and the review discusses strategies to reduce this cost, including screening for novel enzymes, strain improvement, and enzyme engineering. Finally, the review concludes by emphasizing the strategic importance of lignocellulose biotechnology for addressing energy and environmental crises, particularly in developing countries.This review, authored by scientists from a developing country, highlights the economic potential of bioprocessing residual plant materials, often considered waste, and discusses modern approaches to address the high cost of enzymes, a major barrier to the commercialization of lignocellulose bioprocessing. Lignocellulose, composed of lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose, is a renewable resource with significant biotechnological value. The review covers potential bioproducts such as biofuels, chemicals, and animal feed, and emphasizes the importance of lignocellulolytic enzymes in various industries. It discusses the challenges in degrading lignocellulose, including the recalcitrance of lignin and the crystalline structure of cellulose. The review also explores solid-state fermentation as an alternative to traditional methods, which is more cost-effective and suitable for developing countries. Additionally, it reviews the diversity of lignocellulolytic microorganisms and their enzymes, focusing on fungi like Trichoderma reesei and white-rot fungi. The cost of enzymes is a significant issue, and the review discusses strategies to reduce this cost, including screening for novel enzymes, strain improvement, and enzyme engineering. Finally, the review concludes by emphasizing the strategic importance of lignocellulose biotechnology for addressing energy and environmental crises, particularly in developing countries.
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Understanding Lignocellulose biotechnology%3A issues of bioconversion and enzyme production