Lignocellulose as a sustainable option for bioethanol production by fungal lignocellulosomes - a review

Abstract

This review presents current advances and future perspectives for bioethanol production by fungal lignocellulosomes, based on studies conducted in the last few decades. The key steps for obtaining fermentable sugars for bioethanol production from lignocellulose are its pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification. Lignocellulosics are abundant and cost-effective sources as a potential “green” substitution for fossil fuels. Therefore, it is not surprising that the powerful fungal lignocellulolytic enzymes have been intensively studied, especially in terms of environmentally friendly economic and social development. The effects of fungal co-cultivation on the capacity of their lignocellulosomes are also discussed. As bioethanol production has not yet developed on a large scale, the future of this field lies in redesigning enzyme cocktails and reducing limitations in the conversion process. Lignocellulose is definitely a promising source for biofuel production, but on the way to its successful transformation are obstacles that will be overcome by future research.