The biomass to biofuels production process is green, sustainable, and an advanced technique to resolve the current environmental issues generated from fossil fuels. The production of biofuels from biomass is an enzyme mediated process, wherein β-glucosidase (BGL) enzymes play a key role in biomass hydrolysis by producing monomeric sugars from cellulose-based oligosaccharides. However, the production and availability of these enzymes realize their major role to increase the overall production cost of biomass to biofuels production technology. Therefore, the present review is focused on evaluating the production and efficiency of β-glucosidase enzymes in the bioconversion of cellulosic biomass for biofuel production at an industrial scale, providing its mechanism and classification. The application of BGL enzymes in the biomass conversion process has been discussed along with the recent developments and existing issues. Moreover, the production and development of microbial BGL enzymes have been explained in detail, along with the recent advancements made in the field. Finally, current hurdles and future suggestions have been provided for the future developments. This review is likely to set a benchmark in the area of cost effective BGL enzyme production, specifically in the biorefinery area.

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Background: Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) is often used in an attempt to reverse/treat late radiation-induced tissue fibrosis (LRITF). This study aimed to quantify the effects on skin elasticity. Methods: Skin retraction time was used as a marker of skin elasticity in 13 irradiated breast cancer patients. The measurements were carried out on the affected side as well as the unaffected/healthy side at a mirrored location. Readings were taken at the start and end of HBOT (mean 43 sessions, 80 min at 243 kPa). Results: Patient age ranged from 39-70 years. All patients underwent surgical lumpectomy and radiotherapy prior to undergoing HBOT. The mean time between radiotherapy and HBOT was 70 months. Seven of the 13 patients underwent chemotherapy. Mean irradiated skin retraction time improved from 417 (SD 158) pre-HBOT to 171 (24) msec post-HBOT (P < 0.001). Mean pre-HBOT retraction time in the non-irradiated skin was 143 (20) msec and did not change. Conclusions: This promising pilot study that suggests that HBOT may improve skin elasticity in patients with LRITF.

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