Biofuel: A Stepping Stone towards Sustainable Development

Abstract

High energy demand coupled with fossil fuel depletion and environmental degradation has compelled the energy sector to search for an alternative means of energy production. Host organisms like E. coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are potent source of biofuel production because of their fast growth rate and their easy genetic manipulation. With the use of modern genetic engineering tools, metabolic pathways of microorganisms can be manipulated to achieve biofuel production. Organic waste materials and even carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (carbon sequestration) can be used as the raw material for biofuel production, thereby making it an environment friendly process. The use of membrane bioreactors has not only reduced product inhibition but has also enhanced separation of products from cell cultures. The activity and stability of immobilized enzymes can be improved by using nanostructures. This has led to the development of highly efficient biofuel cells. There is a close link between biofuel and feedstock prices that needs to be optimized in order to have a stabilized biofuel market. Critical issues such as efficiency of biofuel in comparison to conventional fuel and the use of agricultural land in order to produce raw materials for biofuel industry still need to be addressed.