Ideal Feedstock and Fermentation Process Improvements for the Production of Lignocellulolytic Enzymes

Abstract

The usage of lignocellulosic biomass in energy production for biofuels and other value-added products can extensively decrease the carbon footprint of current and future energy sectors. However, the infrastructure in the processing of lignocellulosic biomass is not well-established as compared to the fossil fuel industry. One of the bottlenecks is the production of the lignocellulolytic enzymes. These enzymes are produced by different fungal and bacterial species for degradation of the lignocellulosic biomass into its reactive fibers, which can then be converted to biofuel. The selection of an ideal feedstock for the lignocellulolytic enzyme production is one of the most studied aspects of lignocellulolytic enzyme production. Similarly, the fermentation enhancement strategies for different fermentation variables and modes are also the focuses of researchers. The implementation of fermentation enhancement strategies such as optimization of culture parameters (pH, temperature, agitation, incubation time, etc.) and the media nutrient amendment can increase the lignocellulolytic enzyme production significantly. Therefore, this review paper summarized these strategies and feedstock characteristics required for hydrolytic enzyme production with a special focus on the characteristics of an ideal feedstock to be utilized for the production of such enzymes on industrial scales.

Cellulase: Distribution, Production, Characterization and Industrial Applications

“…Researchers have shown that characterization of cellulase producing bacteria and their genome functional analyses help to improve waste management [276]. All the wastes are now wisely used to manufacture useful goods such as enzymes, carbohydrates, biofuels, chemicals, low-cost energy fermentation streams, enhanced cattle diets, and human nutrition dietary supplements [204,277,278].…”

Microbial-environmental interactions reveal the evaluation of fermentation time on the nutrient properties of soybean meal

“…Long or too short a fermentation time is not conducive to highlighting the nutritional value of fermented feed. It may even undermine its existence, making animal production disadvantageous (Iram, et al, 2021). Some studies have shown that as the fermentation time changes, the crude protein content, as well as small peptides and free amino acids (Bratosin, et al, 2021).…”

Integrating 1G with 2G Bioethanol Production by Using Distillers’ Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) as the Feedstock for Lignocellulolytic Enzyme Production

“…Therefore, the breakdown of such materials as an energy source is naturally more difficult than starch or simple sugars. The enzymes required for the breakdown are known as cellulases, hemicellulases, and lignases or lignin-modifying enzymes [11,12]. These enzymes are currently a major topic of research interest due to their underlying applications in the production of 2G biofuels [11].…”

“…The enzymes required for the breakdown are known as cellulases, hemicellulases, and lignases or lignin-modifying enzymes [11,12]. These enzymes are currently a major topic of research interest due to their underlying applications in the production of 2G biofuels [11]. However, such enzymes are currently not of industrial standards, and, in addition, they are very expensive as high loading is required.…”

“…In the case of corn-based DDGS, the composite fiber content is around 33-40%, the crude protein content is 26-33%, and the fat or oil content can be around 9.1-14.1% [14]. The fiber and protein contents in DDGS make it desirable for the production of microbial products via microbial fermentations such as lignocellulolytic hydrolysis enzymes, which are required to hydrolyze cellulose and hemicellulose fibers in the fermentation media for their efficient utilization [11].…”