Research Projects

The conversion of lignocellulose biomass (LCB) into biofuel and other value-added products has gained importance due to its renewable nature. India has approximately 750 million metric tonnes of biomass available annually. Conventional pretreatment methods, such as physical, chemical, and combined physicochemical methods, require high energy requirements and environmental impacts. Alternative greener methods, such as using deep eutectic solvents (DESs), are being developed. However, these methods often overlook the effect of DESs on lignocellulolytic enzymes, such as cellulase, involved in saccharification. The stability and activity of enzymes in DESs are crucial for biomass pretreatment and saccharification, as single-pot processes are more economical and require less energy. Limited studies have focused on this aspect, and there is a need for a multidisciplinary approach to understand the stability and activity of cellulase enzymes in the presence of GDESs. The proposed project aims to provide mechanistic details to help researchers choose appropriate GDESs for biomass conversion.