Insect Gut Bacteria and Their Potential Application in Degradation of Lignocellulosic Biomass: A Review

Abstract

Lignocellulosic biomass is most abundant in the environment. Enzymatic breakdown of lignocellulose, an important component of common waste materials, can be an essential step toward mitigating the wastes and generating biofuel. The diverse microbial community is maintained within the insect gut as per their food habit, ecological niche. Certain insects have shown tremendous enzymatic potential as a feed on lignocellulosic materials for their nutrition. In this context, scientific community has become interested to explore different insect gut microbial diversity through the advent of new technologies. The present manuscript encompasses the potential role of insect gut bacteria, aspects of colonization, and role in degradation of lignocellulosic biomass. Further, the significance of potential bacteria for harnessing the enzymes and appropriateness of application in lignocellulosic wastes degradation is also discussed in this review.