Biobutanol production from underutilized substrates using Clostridium: Unlocking untapped potential for sustainable energy development

Highlights

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  Clostridium shows promise in synthesizing biobutanol, a potential alternative to fossil fuels.

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  Clostridium can utilize diverse substrates such as organic waste for producing biobutanol.

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  Challenges in commercializing Clostridium-based biobutanol production include butanol toxicity, slow growth, and high costs.

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  Optimizing underutilized substrates in biobutanol synthesis with clostridium supports SDG7.

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable energy has brought biobutanol as a potential substitute for fossil fuels. The Clostridium genus is deemed essential for biobutanol synthesis due to its capability to utilize various substrates. However, challenges in maintaining fermentation continuity and achieving commercialization persist due to existing barriers, including butanol toxicity to Clostridium, low substrate utilization rates, and high production costs. Proper substrate selection significantly impacts fermentation efficiency, final product quality, and economic feasibility in Clostridium biobutanol production. This review examines underutilized substrates for biobutanol production by Clostridium, which offer opportunities for environmental sustainability and a green economy. Extensive research on Clostridium, focusing on strain development and genetic engineering, is essential to enhance biobutanol production. Additionally, critical suggestions for optimizing substrate selection to enhance Clostridium biobutanol production efficiency are also provided in this review. In the future, cost reduction and advancements in biotechnology may make biobutanol a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

Graphical abstract