Utilization of hemicellulosic fraction of lignocellulosic biomaterial for bioethanol production

Abstract

Bioethanol, a renewable fuel, is becoming increasin gly important as a consequence of greater concern for the increasing greenhouse effect, deple ting oil reserves, and rising oil prices. In today’s need of production of bioethanol from ligno cellulosic biomass requires attention towards utilization of hemicellulosic fraction to convert x ylose, the second most abundant sugar and major monomer carbohydrate present in the hemicellu losic fraction of lignocellulosic biomaterial, to ethanol along with the glucose whic h is comparatively easier to ferment by the microorganisms. The present review paper mainly foc uses on the availability of hemicellulosic content in various lignocellulosic biomaterials, it s pretreatment/hydrolysis methods, microorganisms, and fermentation parameters. Recent trends, major challenges and perspective of future development are highlighted.