Technology for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol

Current trends in production of fuel ethanol from lignocellulosic materials are reviewed. Particular emphasis has been laid on the microbial synthesis of cellulases, enzymatic hydrolysis, pretreatment of lignocellulosics, and their simultaneous saccharification and fermentation to ethyl alcohol. Some pilot-scale plants producing alcohol from biomass are also presented.