Application of Microorganisms for Biofuel Production

Increase in global energy demand, rise in crude oil prices, depletion of resources and environmental challenges have resulted in the need of biofuels which are a renewable, sustainable, efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly source of energy with the potential to replace conventional petroleum-based fuels. Biofuel production using lignocellulosic biomass has now been promoted and the process is made cost-effective by the use of microorganisms which are currently being researched for important biofuel production like biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas, etc. from various substrates. The isolated strains of different microorganisms have been studied as well as genetically modified species have been developed, to improve their metabolic capabilities to utilize the organic feedstock in order to produce biofuel as its final products. The present chapter outlines the role of microorganisms in the conversion of biomass into biofuels, their potential to replace conventional fuels, along with different approaches to be applied to improve biofuel production.