| Popis: |
The microorganisms involved in the processes for obtaining biofuels present limitations to produce these fuels in sufficient quantities to satisfy current energy needs. To optimize biofuel production systems, genetic engineering has proven to be an essential and powerful tool. It has been applied to microorganisms, their metabolic pathways, and the enzymes necessary in these processes, or to substrates to alter their composition and structure, facilitating its conversion to fuels such as biogas, biodiesel, and bioethanol. In addition, other so-called “advanced” biofuels have attracted the interest of researchers in recent years, as well as genetic engineering applied to improve their production. From the biofuels point of view, this chapter reviews strategies for metabolic engineering and genome editing applied to microorganisms and crops, which have made possible the use a wider variety of substrates, improve biofuel production and yields. In addition, issues related to the techno-economic and environmental performances of these technologies in the biofuel processes are reviewed. The chapter ends with final opinions on the progress and work to be done in the genetic modification of microorganisms and substrates to favor their large-scale production. |
