Recent developments of key technologies on cellulosic ethanol production

Abstract

Conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to fuel ethanol involves pretreatment process followed by enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis to make fermentable sugars. Efficient pretreatment method can significantly enhance hydrolysis of biomass and hence can reduce ethanol cost. Optimization of enzyme loading and selection of suitable fermentation technique based on biomass will further improve ethanol yield. Present review focuses on various pretreatment techniques based on composition of lignocellulosic biomass and also discuss simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation and co-immobilization for cellulosic ethanol production.