Global concern for energy security and environmental protection has put great emphasis on the search for alternative energy sources, particularly for the transport sector. Biofuels have emerged as a highly promising source of alternative energy, and have drawn global research and development for their production using biomass. With the increasing worldwide demand for energy, along with the depletion of conventional fossil fuel reserves, there has been growing global interest in developing alternative sources of energy. There has also been concern in growing economies regarding energy security. Biofuels offer much promise on these frontiers. In addition to these factors, they also have a reduced environmental impact in comparison to fossil fuels. Biofuels from Microbes and Plants provides state-of-the-art information on the status of biofuel production and related aspects. Academics, researchers, engineers, and technologists will develop a greater understanding of the relevant concepts and solutions to the global issues related to achieving alternative energy applications for future energy security, as well as environmental sustainability in medium- and large-scale industries. Key Features Detailed overview of the alternative energy field and the role of biofuels as new energy sources Detailed accounts of the production of biodiesel from non-conventional bio-feedstocks such as algae, microbes, and vegetable oils Recent updates about biotechnological improvements of plant and microbial sources for biofuel production

"In this book a panel of international experts reviews the most important hot-topics in this area to provide a timely overview. The production of different biofuel molecules including hydrogen, methane, ethanol, butanol, higher chain alcohols, isoprenoids and fatty acid derivatives, from genetically engineered microbes, is comprehensively covered. Special focus is given to the use of metabolic engineering of microbes, including bacteria, yeast and microalgae, to enhance biofuel production. In addition authors discuss current research processes, technical challenges and future development trends for biofuel production."--Back cover.

Biotechnology for Biofuel Production and Optimization is the compilation of current research findings that cover the entire process of biofuels production from manipulation of genes and pathways to organisms and renewable feedstocks for efficient biofuel production as well as different cultivation techniques and process scale-up considerations. This book captures recent breakthroughs in the interdisciplinary areas of systems and synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and bioprocess engineering for renewable, cleaner sources of energy. - Describes state-of-the-art engineering of metabolic pathways for the production of a variety of fuel molecules - Discusses recent advances in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering for rational design, construction, evaluation of novel pathways and cell chassis - Covers genome engineering technologies to address complex biofuel-tolerant phenotypes for enhanced biofuel production in engineered chassis - Presents the use of novel microorganisms and expanded substrate utilization strategies for production of targeted fuel molecules - Explores biohybrid methods for harvesting bioenergy - Discusses bioreactor design and optimization of scale-up

Genetic and Metabolic Engineering for Improved Biofuel Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass describes the different aspects of biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass. Each chapter presents different technological approaches for cost effective liquid biofuel production from agroresidues/biomass. Two chapters cover future direction and the possibilities of biomass-based biofuel production at the industrial level. The book provides a genetic and metabolic engineering approach for improved cellulase production and the potential of strains that can ferment both pentose and hexose sugars. The book also gives direction on how to overcome challenges for the further advancement of lignocellulosic biomass-based biofuel production. - Covers genetic engineering approaches for higher cellulase production from fungi - Includes genetic and metabolic engineering approaches for development of potential pentose and hexose fermenting strain which can tolerate high ethanol and toxic phenolic compounds - Describe different bioreactors used in different steps of biomass-based biofuel production - Outlines future prospects and potential of biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass

The book provides an overview on various microorganisms and their industrialization in energy conversion, such as ethanol fermentation, butanol fermentation, biogas fermentation and fossil energy conversion. It also covers microbial oil production, hydrogen production and electricity generation. The content is up to date and suits well for both researchers and industrial audiences.

A comprehensive, edited volume pulling together research on manipulation of the crop microbiome for climate resilient agriculture Microbes for Climate Resilient Agriculture provides a unique collection of data and a holistic view of the subject with quantitative assessment of how agricultural systems will be transformed in coming decades using hidden treasure of microbes. Authored by leaders in the field and edited to ensure conciseness and clarity, it covers a broad range of agriculturally important crops, discusses the impact of climate change on crops, and examines biotechnologically and environmentally relevant microbes. The book encapsulates the understanding of microbial mediated stress management at field level, and will serve as a springboard for novel research findings and new applications in the field. Chapter coverage includes: the role of the phytomicrobiome in maintaining biofuel crop production in a changing climate; the impact of agriculture on soil microbial community composition and diversity in southeast Asia; climate change impact on plant diseases; microalgae; photosynthetic microorganisms and bioenergy prospects; amelioration of abiotic stresses in plants through multi-faceted beneficial microorganisms; role of methylotrophic bacteria in climate change mitigation; conservation agriculture for climate change resilience; archaeal community structure; mycorrhiza-helping plants to navigate environmental stresses; endophytic microorganisms; bacillus thuringiensis; and microbial nanotechnology for climate resilient agriculture. Clear and succinct chapters contributed and edited by leaders in the field Covers microbes' beneficial and detrimental roles in the microbiome, as well as the functions they perform under stress Discusses the crop microbiome, nutrient cycling microbes, endophytes, mycorrhizae, and various pests and diseases, and their roles in sustainable farming Places research in larger context of climate change's effect on global agriculture Microbes for Climate Resilient Agriculture is an important text for scientists and researchers studying microbiology, biotechnology, environmental biology, agronomy, plant physiology, and plant protection.

With increased public and scientific attention driven by factors such as oil price spikes, the need for increased energy security, and concerns over greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, the production of fuels by biological systems is becoming increasingly important as the world seeks to move towards renewable, sustainable energy sources. Biofuels and Bioenergy presents a broad, wide-ranging and informative treatment of biofuels. The book covers historical, economic, industrial, sociological and ecological/environmental perspectives as well as dealing with all the major scientific issues associated with this important topic. With contributions from a range of leading experts covering key aspects, including: • Conventional biofuels. • Basic biology, biochemistry and chemistry of different types and classes of biofuel. • Current research in synthetic biology and GM in the development and exploitation of new biofuel sources. • Aspects relating to ecology and land use, including the fuel v food dilemma. • Sustainability of different types of biofuel. • Ethical aspects of biofuel production. Biofuels and Bioenergy provides students and researchers in biology, chemistry, biochemistry and chemical engineering with an accessible review of this increasingly important subject.

The importance of biofuels in greening the transport sector in the future is unquestionable, given the limited available fossil energy resources, the environmental issues associated to the utilization of fossil fuels, and the increasing attention to security of supply. This comprehensive reference presents the latest technology in all aspects of biofuels production, processing, properties, raw materials, and related economic and environmental aspects. Presenting the application of methods and technology with minimum math and theory, it compiles a wide range of topics not usually covered in one single book. It discusses development of new catalysts, reactors, controllers, simulators, online analyzers, and waste minimization as well as design and operational aspects of processing units and financial and economic aspects. The book rounds out by describing properties, specifications, and quality of various biofuel products and new advances and trends towards future technology.

New Process Technology for Developing Low-Cost, Environmentally Safe Biofuels Rising fuel prices have created a surge in the worldwide demand for biofuels made from plant and animal feedstocks. Filled with a wealth of illustrations, Biofuels Engineering Process Technology fully explains the concepts, systems, and technology now being used to produce biofuels on both an industrial and small scale. Written by a team of leading biofuels experts, this lucid guide presents a complete introduction to biofuels and biorefining processes...state-of-the-art information on biofuels processed from fermentations of ethanol, hydrogen, microbial oils, and methane...new material on the production of biodiesel from plant and algal oils...and the use of microbial fuel cells to produce bioelectricity. Biofuels Engineering Process Technology takes readers step by step through: The key concepts, systems, and technology of biofuels A review of the basic concepts of fermentation pathways and kinetic modeling of bioreactors Biofuels produced from fermentations of agricultural feedstocks and biomass-ethanol, hydrogen, microbial oils, and methane Biodiesel fuels processed from the chemical conversion of microbial and plant oils Bioelectricity produced from microbial fuel cells The latest sustainable biorefinery concepts and methods Inside This Cutting-Edge Biofuels Engineering Guide • Introduction • Fuels from Fermentations: Ethanol • Hydrogen • Microbial Oils • Methane • Fuel from Chemical Conversion of Plant and Algal Oils: Biodiesel • Microbial Fuel Cells • Technical Resources

This comprehensive volume developed under the guidance of guest editors Prakash Lakshmanan and David Songstad features broad coverage of the topic of biofuels and its significance to the economy and to agriculture. These chapters were first published by In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology In Vitro Plant in 2009 and consists of 15 chapters from experts who are recognized both for their scientific accomplishments and global perspective in their assigned topics.