Current Developments in Lignocellulosic Biomass Conversion into Biofuels Using Nanobiotechology Approach

The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass (LB) to sugar is an intricate process which is the costliest part of the biomass conversion process. Even though acid/enzyme catalysts are usually being used for LB hydrolysis, enzyme immobilization has been recognized as a potential strategy nowadays. The use of nanobiocatalysts increases hydrolytic efficiency and enzyme stability. Furthermore, biocatalyst/enzyme immobilization on magnetic nanoparticles enables easy recovery and reuse of enzymes. Hence, the exploitation of nanobiocatalysts for LB to biofuel conversion will aid in developing a lucrative and sustainable approach. With this perspective, the effects of nanobiocatalysts on LB to biofuel production were reviewed here. Several traits, such as switching the chemical processes using nanomaterials, enzyme immobilization on nanoparticles for higher reaction rates, recycling ability and toxicity effects on microbial cells, were highlighted in this review. Current developments and viability of nanobiocatalysts as a promising option for enhanced LB conversion into the biofuel process were also emphasized. Mostly, this would help in emerging eco-friendly, proficient, and cost-effective biofuel technology

Production of Therapeutically Significant Genistein and Daidzein Compounds from Soybean Glycosides Using Magnetic Nanocatalyst: A Novel Approach

Genistein and daidzein are well-known biologically active pharmaceutical compounds that play significant roles in the treatment of various diseases such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, etc. In some plants, the glycosides daidzin and genistin are present in ample amounts that can be converted into aglycones, daidzein and genistein, through hydrolysis. Here, magnetic cobalt ferrite alkyl sulfonic acid (CoFe2O4-Si-ASA) nanocatalyst was used for the hydrolysis of glycosides into aglycones. The application of CoFe2O4-Si-ASA nanocatalyst generated a maximum 8.91 g/L diadzein and 12.0 g/L genistein from 15.1 g/L daidzin and 19.3 g/L genistin with conversion efficiencies of 59.0% and 62.2%, respectively, from soybean glycosides at 80 °C in 3 h. The use of a modern nanocatalyst is preferred over enzymes because of its lower production cost, higher rate of reaction, higher stability, etc. To our knowledge, this is the first report on using nanocatalyst for the production of genistein and daidzein in a sustainable manner

Sustainable Strategies for the Conversion of Lignocellulosic Materials into Biohydrogen: Challenges and Solutions toward Carbon Neutrality

The present review mainly discusses advanced pretreatment techniques for converting lignocellulosic biomass into hydrogen. The focus of this review is also to acquire knowledge concerning lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment processes and their impact on the efficiency of biohydrogen fermentation. The deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass is presented using various pretreatment techniques albeit with several advantages and disadvantages, particularly about the interference due to the generated inhibitory compounds is toxic to microbes used for fermentation. The use of an appropriate pretreatment process can make the recalcitrant lignocellulosic biomass substrates amenable for further microbial fermentation to produce hydrogen. Although till date there is no ideal pretreatment step available to develop a cost-effective process for conversion of lignocellulosic materials into fermentable sugars, nanotechnology seem to be a more sustainable approach as compared to the traditional processes

Production of Therapeutically Significant Genistein and Daidzein Compounds from Soybean Glycosides Using Magnetic Nanocatalyst: A Novel Approach

Genistein and daidzein are well-known biologically active pharmaceutical compounds that play significant roles in the treatment of various diseases such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, etc. In some plants, the glycosides daidzin and genistin are present in ample amounts that can be converted into aglycones, daidzein and genistein, through hydrolysis. Here, magnetic cobalt ferrite alkyl sulfonic acid (CoFe2O4-Si-ASA) nanocatalyst was used for the hydrolysis of glycosides into aglycones. The application of CoFe2O4-Si-ASA nanocatalyst generated a maximum 8.91 g/L diadzein and 12.0 g/L genistein from 15.1 g/L daidzin and 19.3 g/L genistin with conversion efficiencies of 59.0% and 62.2%, respectively, from soybean glycosides at 80 °C in 3 h. The use of a modern nanocatalyst is preferred over enzymes because of its lower production cost, higher rate of reaction, higher stability, etc. To our knowledge, this is the first report on using nanocatalyst for the production of genistein and daidzein in a sustainable manner

Optimization Studies for Enhancing Cellulase Production by Penicillium janthinellum Mutant EU2D-21 Using Response Surface Methodology

Extracellular fungal cellulases are key enzymes for the degradation of lignocellulosic biomass. Greater production of these enzymes could reduce the cost of biofuels production. In this study, the basal medium for cellulase production by a Penicillium janthinellum mutant (EU2D-21) in submerged fermentation conditions was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Initial studies using a Plackett-Burman design (PBD) showed that (NH4)2SO4 and urea are significant factors for improving β-glucosidase and FPase production. A central composite design (CCD) was applied to obtain the maximum response, which resulted in the optimal production of β-glucosidase (5.79 IU/mL) and FPase (5.76 IU/mL). These values were 1.87 and 1.67 times higher than the corresponding values obtained under un-optimized conditions