Biotechnological Aspects of Lignocellulose and Biomass Degradation

Abstract

Vast amounts of lignocellulose/biomass are available, both naturally and as agricultural wastes, for exploitation as sources of chemical feedstocks, fuels, foods and feeds. In fact, cellulose is the only renewable biological resource available in sufficient quantity to support such large-scale industrial processes. The major constraints to these conversions and the utilization of lignocellulosic materials are economic. Apart from specially grown biomass crops the cellulose and hemicelluloses from crop residues show considerable potential for exploitation, especially as fossil fuels become depleted and less accessible. The problems may appear great but so too are the rewards.