Progresses in the production of ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass using Saccharomyces cerevisiae by fermentation engineering

Abstract

Ethanol fermentation is a biological procedure which converts sugars such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose into cellular energy, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide as by-products. Since yeasts perform this conversion in the absence of oxygen, alcoholic fermentation is generally considered to be an anaerobic process. Ethanol fermentation has many uses, including the production of alcoholic beverages, the production of ethanol fuel, and bread making. The increasing demand for biofuels around the globe has also prompted the necessity to seek other means to meet the demands. In this review, the general ideologies, methodologies, general chemistry and biochemistry and conditions of the production of ethanol by fermentation engineering using Saccharomyces cerevisiae are highlighted. The quest to reduce pressure on staple foods has necessitated the attention now given to the use of lignocellulose biomass, despite the complexity of the process. It concludes by suggesting ways to improve yield and commercialization of the use of lignocellulosic biomass for ethanol fermentation.