Plant Cell Manipulation Technology for Biorefinery

Abstract

Plant-based fuels are generated from renewable sources. They produce less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and provide us with an alternative to fossil fuels for future energy security. Global warming and GHG emissions are the biggest global threats to mankind. Therefore, sustainable development using safer products is the focus of our research. The biorefinery is one of the key stakeholders of industrialization, which is essential for the sustainable development of any country. The development of different types of biofuels indicates that there is a continuous interest in renewable fuels. This study investigates the present status of biorefinery production, plant cell manipulation technologies, and future perspectives. There are advantages and disadvantages to every generation of biorefinery. Conventional breeding and transgenic breeding with molecular analysis by modern tools for genetic manipulation can potentially increase genetic diversity and develop new cultivars. The present generation of biorefinery focuses on bioengineering of microorganisms to increase the target product. Benefits aside, genetically engineered (GE) or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been considered a threat to the environment and human health. Therefore, our research group focused on the combination of metabolic engineering (ME) and plant cell manipulation technology (PCMT) to create alternatives for safer biorefinery production. Satisfactory improvement in metabolic engineering of bamboo and other energy crops was achieved. Therefore, bamboo, as the highest biomass producer, or other energy crops can be the target organisms for PCMT and ME technologies, substituting GE for a safer biorefinery. Perhaps this technology will create a new generation of biorefinery. We hope that, in the future, biofuel will be a safe and economical alternative to fossil fuels.