Characterization and Engineering of Seaweed Degrading Enzymes for Biofuels and Biochemicals Production

Abstract

Exploitation of natural sources and increasing concerns of environmental pollution are motivating a growing interest in renewable and sustainable feedstocks for biochemicals and biofuels. Marine macroalgae have many advantages over terrestrial plant biomass, including high carbohydrate content which converts seaweed in a cogent alternative feedstock. Algal carbohydrates show a diverse sugar composition, which implies that specialized enzymatic systems are required for their conversion into biofuels and chemicals. Discovery and characterization of degrading enzymes and assimilating the relevant pathways is a key step in the depolymerization of algal polysaccharides into fermentable sugars and their metabolism by fermenting microorganisms. Current advances in metabolic engineering have generated new microorganisms capable of efficiently metabolizing macroalgal carbohydrates while producing ethanol, the target product. However, more research is required to unlock the full potential of macroalgae biomass as a feedstock for biochemical and biofuels production. This book chapter provides an overview of seaweed polysaccharides properties, degrading enzymes, and their application in the bioconversion of macroalgae into biofuels and biochemicals.