Harnessing Microbe-Mediated Nanoparticles To Overcome Lignocellulosic Recalcitrance In Bioenergy Systems

Abstract

The most abundant renewable feedstock for producing sustainable biofuels is lignocellulosic biomass. Nonetheless, structural resistance, enzyme inhibition, and expensive downstream processing continue to limit its industrial conversion. Utilising biogenic microbe-mediated nanoparticles (BMNPs), this study suggests a novel, microbe-centric approach to (i) improve lignocellulose accessibility, (ii) stabilise and recycle hydrolytic enzymes, and (iii) detoxify fermentation inhibitors as part of an integrated bioprocess. Three novel ideas are presented by employing filamentous fungi and genetically tractable bacteria to generate metal-oxide and functionalized magnetic BMNPs in situ at biomass–microbe interfaces, generating self-assembling nano-hotspots for catalysis. Secondly, developing BMNPs capped with native microbial EPS to improve enzyme orientation and retention while decreasing ineffective binding to lignin.

Also, utilising BMNP-mediated redox regulation to neutralise inhibitory phenolics and break down certain lignin linkages during saccharification. In addition to BMNP recyclability and ecotoxicity profiling, bench-scale validation is proposed.

This approach combines microbe-derived Fe₃O₄ and TiO₂ BMNPs with immobilised cellulase–ligninase cocktails. The goal is to quantify improvements in saccharification rate, fermentable sugar yield, and ethanol/butanol productivity. According to preliminary research, BMNPs improve enzyme stability and enable magnetic recovery. In contrast to chemically manufactured NPs, microbial manufacturing pathways significantly reduce environmental costs and improve biocompatibility. By lowering enzyme loading and the intensity of chemical pretreatment, this integrated microbial-nanotechnology paradigm may enhance the techno-economic and ecological characteristics of lignocellulosic biofuels. Recent research on biogenic NP production, magnetic-NP enzyme immobilisation, and NP-assisted catalytic hydrolysis provides the foundation for important load-bearing claims and design decisions.