MICROBIAL PENTOSE UTILIZATION

This chapter focuses on the concept of microbial pentose utilization. An interest in transforming vast reserves of renewable plant biomass to fuel and chemical feedstock has been generated by the oil crisis. This approach has led researchers to direct technologies toward the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass from crop residues, forest product residue, and other industrial waste carbohydrate streams. This chapter examines the recent microbiological, biochemical, and biotechnological findings in relation to the previous understanding of pentose fermentation, metabolism, and utilization. It reviews the regulatory aspects of pentose metabolism, genetic modifications, and the improvements of pentose fermenting microorganisms. A detailed account of the production of various solvents and organic acids is provided in the chapter, along with suggestions for future research. Biomass can be converted to valuable chemicals by either thermochemical or biological means. A thermochemical process requires high temperature and pressure and produces a complex mixture of products. © 1993, Academic Press, Inc.