The Realm of Smart Biomass Degrading Enzymes in Low-Carbon Fuels and Chemicals Production

Abstract

Due to the depletion of fossil fuel sources and the issues posed by climate change, there is an increasing demand for renewable and sustainable fuel alternatives. Biofuels are a viable replacement for fossil fuels since they are made from renewable biomass. Degradation and valorization of renewable biomass start in the biorefinery with the main goal of producing biofuels and biochemicals in a more sustainable way. Lignocellulosic biomass (LB) presents one of the most abundant feedstocks for low-carbon fuel production. Enzymes belonging to cellulase, xylanase, pectinase, laccase, amylase, and lipase are utilized for biomass degradation and for the biofuels production. The emphasis of this chapter will be on the smart degrading enzymes designed to produce the two low-carbon biofuels, bioethanol and biodiesel, which are mostly used in the industrial sector. The technological development of commercial enzymes involved in biofuel and chemical production is also discussed.