A panoramic view of technological landscape for bioethanol production from various generations of feedstocks
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Date
2022-06
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Abstract
Bioethanol is an appropriate alternate energy option due to its renewable, nontoxic, environmentally
friendly, and carbon-neutral nature. Depending upon various feedstocks, bioethanol is classified in
different various generations. First-generation ethanol created a food vs fuel problem, which was
overcome by second-generation, third-generation and fourth-generation ethanol. The considerable
availability of lignocellulosic biomass makes it a suitable feedstock, however, its recalcitrant nature is
the main hurdle in converting it to bioethanol. The present study gives a comprehensive assessment of
global biofuel policies and the current status of ethanol production. Feedstocks for first-generation
(sugar and starch-based), second-generation (lignocellulosic biomass and energy crops), third-genera tion (algal-based) and fourth-generation (genetically modified algal biomass or crops) are discussed in
detail. The study also assessed the process for ethanol production from various feedstocks, besides
giving a holistic background knowledge on the bioconversion process, factors affecting bioethanol
production, and various microorganisms involved in the fermentation process. Biotechnological tools
also play a pivotal role in enhancing process efficiency and product yield. In addition, most significant
development in the field of genetic engineering and adaptive evolution are also highlighted.