New insights and enhancement of biocatalysts for biomass conversion in the bioproducts industry and environmental welfare

Lignocellulosic biomass is a prominent alternative raw material for producing valuable products via enzymatic hydrolysis. Lignocellulolytic enzymes are secreted by microorganisms (pure or mixed cultures of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, yeasts and fungi, and algae), which can act synergistically to degrade biomass into fermentable sugars. However, inhibitory compounds and catabolic repression can inhibit the fermentation process. To overcome this issue, engineering strategies based on metabolic pathways, transcription factors, promoters, proteins, nanotechnology and division of labor have promoted modifying microbial gene expression, enhancing hydrolytic enzyme performance for lignocellulosic conversion. This chapter comprehensively discusses advances in approaches and engineered microorganism utilization for valorizing lignocellulose waste, along with possible opportunities in the bioeconomy.