This review is written from the perspective of scientists working in lignocellulose bioconversion in a developing country and the aim of this review is to remind ourselves and other scientists working in related areas of lignocellulose research of the enormous economic potential of the bioprocessing of residual plant materials generally regarded as “waste”, and secondly to highlight some of the modern approaches which potentially could be used to tackle one of the major impediments, namely high enzyme cost, to speed-up the extensive commercialisation of the lignocellulose bioprocessing. Key words : lignocellulose, bioconversion, enzyme cost. 
African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 2 (12), pp. 602-619, December 2003

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Lignocellulose biotechnology: issues of bioconversion and enzyme production

http://www.ejbiotechnology.info/content/vol1/issue3/full/9/9.PDF

General and microbiological aspects of solid substrate fermentation

Recent process developments in solid-state fermentation

Engineering aspects of solid state fermentation

Lignocelluloses are the building blocks of allplants and are ubiquitous to most regions ofour planet. Their chemical properties make it asubstrate of enormous biotechnological value.The basic chemistry of cellulose,hemicellulose, and lignin has a profound effecton lignocellulose tertiary architecture. Theseintricate associations constitute physical andchemical barriers to lignocellulose utilizationand biodegradation in natural and man-madeenvironments. Overcoming these barriers is thekey to unlocking the commercial potential oflignocellulose. Understanding lignocellulosedegradation under natural conditions forms thebasis of any lignocellulose-based application.A variety of microorganisms and mechanisms areinvolved in the complete biodegradation oflignocellulose in natural environments rangingfrom soil and rumen ecosystems to the termitehindgut. The primary objective oflignocellulose pretreatment by the variousindustries is to access the potential of thecellulose and hemicellulose encrusted by ligninwithin the lignocellulose matrix. Currentworking technologies based on the principles ofsolid-state fermentation (SSF) are brieflyreviewed. The use of unsterile lignocellulosicsfor bioremediation purposes holds promise forcost-effective environmental clean-upendeavors. Novel lignocellulose-basedapplications have found functionality intextile, biological control, and medicalresearch fields and might be exploited there inthe near future. Ultimately, lignocellulosewill probably accompany man to his voyages intospace for interest in this field isintensifying. Therefore, proper management oflignocellulose biodegradation and utilizationcan serve to improve the quality of theenvironment, further man's understanding of theuniverse, and ultimately change local economiesand communities.

/pdf/lignocellulose-biodegradation-fundamentals-and-applications-29s7g4vla2.pdf

Lignocellulose biodegradation: Fundamentals and applications

A unique method is described by which large yields of secondary metabolites arc produced on solid substrates. The process involves the use of moist substrates which are continuously agitated in appropriate fermentation equipment. The amount of agitation, aeration, and moisture can be varied. Extremely high yields of secondary metabolites such as ochratoxin and aflatoxin were obtained using Aspergillus and Penicillium species. The process prevents sporulation of the fungus and because of the nature of the solid substrate makes recovery of the product easier than in conventional liquid media. The substrates include rice, corn, wheat, and other cereals.

Hesseltine Cw

Papers

Biotechnology report. Solid state fermentations.