Extremophiles in biofuel synthesis
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Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Group
Abstract
The current global energy situation has demonstrated an urgent need for the development of alternative fuel sourcesto the continually diminishing fossil fuel reserves. Much research to address this issue focuses on the developmentof financially viable technologies for the production of biofuels. The current market for biofuels, defined as fuelproducts obtained from organic substrates, is dominated by bioethanol, biodiesel, biobutanol and biogas, relying onthe use of substrates such as sugars, starch and oil crops, agricultural and animal wastes, and lignocellulosic biomass.This conversion from biomass to biofuel through microbial catalysis has gained much momentum as biotechnologyhas evolved to its current status. Extremophiles are a robust group of organisms producing stable enzymes, which areoften capable of tolerating changes in environmental conditions such as pH and temperature. The potentialapplication of such organisms and their enzymes in biotechnology is enormous, and a particular application is inbiofuel production. In this review an overview of the different biofuels is given, covering those already producedcommercially as well as those under development. The past and present trends in biofuel production are discussed,and future prospects for the industry are highlighted. The focus is on the current and future application ofextremophilic organisms and enzymes in technologies to develop and improve the biotechnological production ofbiofuels.
Description
Keywords
Biofuel, Extremophiles, Biocatalyst, Technology, Biotechnology
Citation
Barnard, D. et al. (2010). Extremophiles in biofuel synthesis. Environmental Technology, 31 (8-9), 871-888. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593331003710236