Advancement and comparative profiles in the production technologies using solid-state and submerged fermentation for microbial cellulases

There is an increasing demand for cellulases in the market for various applications, among which the bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass for ethanol production is the major one. Improvements in the titers as well as specific activities of cellulases are highly desired for its use in bioethanol production as well as in other applications. This review deals with developments in bioprocess technologies, solid-state and submerged fermentation as well as on the strategies adopted for improving cellulase production or properties, including engineering the genes or designing enzyme cocktails. It also gives a brief overview of commercially available cellulase preparations. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.