Current perspectives in enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass

• Current approaches for effective saccharification of biomass.
• Application of extremophilic enzymes which seem to be more robust and efficient in saccharification.
• Application of ionic liquid tolerant enzymes which will be beneficial for simultaneous IL pretreatment and saccharification.
• Genetic manipulation at the molecular level to develop stable hydrolases for enzymatic treatment.

With the depletion of fossil fuel reserves, there is an urgent need to search for renewable and cost effective strategies for biofuel production. Lignocellulosic biomass has been perceived as a potential feedstock, wherein effective pretreatment and saccharification is necessary prerequisite for developing viable biofuel processes. Recent approaches in this context are, (i) studying enzymes from extremophilic organisms, particularly thermophiles which are gaining importance in this aspect as they are found to be stable and catalytically more effective under harsh conditions; (ii) usage of ionic liquids for pretreatment is emerging as a greener technology due to their non toxic nature. Developing/screening for ionic liquid tolerant lignocellulosic enzymes in order to attain simultaneous pretreatment and saccharification, offer an interesting option; and (iii) engineering/manipulating the existing lignocellulosic enzymes for desirable traits and viable saccharification and biofuel generation processes. The review encompasses these approaches and the focus on the recent development in the area.