Overview of lignocellulosic feedstock conversion into ethanol - focus on sugarcane bagasse

Although the starch-based biofuel industry is in full swing, there is still a long way to go to make the conversion of lignocellulosic feedstock (biomass) into biofuel economical. Extensive collaboration between the major industrial participants and the subsequent integration of technologies is critical. This article overviews the general steps in processing lignocellulosic feedstock into ethanol and takes a closer look at sugarcane bagasse as a cellulosic feedstock with exceptional potential.