ABSTRACT
Diversified end uses of jute and mesta biomass are perceived to play a significant role in attaining sustainable environment, chiefly through the generation of green and clean fuel. Jute and mesta, by virtue of their high biomass yield and enriched cell wall, are the most attractive feedstocks for advanced biofuel production. Better biomass quality, as measured by higher cellulose and hemicellulose content and lower lignin level, adds advantage to their bioethanol production capacity. This chapter highlights the potential of jute and mesta biomass as biofuel feedstocks. In this context, equal weightage has been given to improve biomass production and the conversion process at laboratory as well as its scale-up. Biomass recalcitrance is significantly disadvantageous, and numerous biotechnological interventions have been attempted to address this issue. Crop improvement programs to improve biomass quality and production as well as interventions to address high conversion rate and production have been undertaken. Furthermore, upscaling bioethanol production by microbial conversion is critical for socioeconomic and environmental sustainability. Here, we discuss the major difficulties and potential of jute and mesta biomass for bioethanol production to establish them as attractive biofuel feedstocks.
