Recent Trends in Nanobiocatalysis for Biofuel Production

Biofuels can be produced from a variety of feedstocks based on which they are categorized into three groups, namely first, second, and third-generation biofuels. First-generation biofuels, derived from feed-based resources such as edible crops, are superior and easier to ferment compared to second and third-generation biofuels. Lignocellulosic biomass represents an abundantly available resource that are low-cost renewable feedstock used to produce second-generation biofuels. This chapter discusses the application of nanotechnology tools for second and third-generation biofuel production and throws light on ways how nanotechnology can impact their production and processing. Although role of nanotechnology is advancing very fast in different areas of biofuel, it focuses on the application of nanotechnology for bioethanol, biohydrogen, biodiesel and biogas production. The chapter provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of nanobiocatalysts to improve the production of bioethanol, biodiesel, biohydrogen, biogas and algae-based biofuels.