Wenying Hong , Wenzhong Huang

Biomass Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resouces, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 5   
Received: 13 Sep., 2024    Accepted: 15 Oct., 2024    Published: 23 Oct., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

This study explores the potential application of Agave species in bioethanol production and its associated technical challenges, including the assessment of bioethanol yield efficiency, Agave's adaptability to various environmental conditions, and its economic feasibility as a biofuel feedstock. The study found that Agave species, particularly Agave americana and Agave neomexicana, show significant promise as bioethanol feedstocks due to their high carbohydrate content and low recalcitrance to enzymatic hydrolysis. Ethanol yields from Agave are comparable to those from traditional biofuel crops like sugarcane and corn, with Agave neomexicana producing (119±11) mg ethanol/g biomass. Additionally, Agave's ability to grow in semi-arid and arid regions without significant water inputs makes it a sustainable option for biofuel production. The study also highlights the development of efficient enzyme cocktails, such as those produced by Aspergillus niger, which significantly improve the saccharification process. The findings suggest that Agave has substantial potential as a bioethanol feedstock, particularly in regions unsuitable for traditional crops. Its high yield, low water requirements, and adaptability to harsh climates make it a viable and sustainable option for biofuel production. However, further research and development are needed to optimize the fermentation processes and improve economic feasibility.

Agave; Bioethanol; Biofuel feedstock; Enzymatic hydrolysis; Sustainable energy; Semi-arid regions; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Aspergillus niger