Journal of Energy Bioscience 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 135-146 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 135 Review and Perspectives Open Access Optimizing Cassava for Bioenergy: Genetic Foundations and Biochemical Mechanisms of Biomass Conversion JiongFu Hainan Institute of Troppical Agricultural Resources (HITAR), Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: Jim.xj.fang@hitar.org Journal of Energy Bioscience, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/jeb.2024.15.0014 Received: 21 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 27 Apr., 2024 Published: 08 May., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Fu, 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. Preferred citation for this article: Fu J., 2024, Optimizing cassava for bioenergy: genetic foundations and biochemical mechanisms of biomass conversion, Journal of Energy Bioscience, 15(3): 135-146 (doi: 10.5376/jeb.2024.15.0014) Abstract This systematic review aims to consolidate current knowledge on the genetic and biochemical strategies that can enhance cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) as a bioenergy source. Cassava is a staple food crop with significant potential in bioenergy development due to its high carbohydrate content and adaptability to tropical climates. Recent advancements in genetic engineering have enabled the improvement of cassava traits, such as pest and disease resistance, starch quality, and biofortification, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional breeding methods (Liu et al., 2011; Jiang et al., 2019). Additionally, the application of cassava harvest residues in various biochemical and thermochemical conversion processes has been explored, highlighting the versatility of cassava biomass in the bioenergy industry (El-Sharkawy, 2003). Genetic approaches to modify the polysaccharide properties and composition of cassava biomass have shown promise in increasing the proportion of fermentable sugars and reducing the recalcitrance of the plant cell wall, thereby enhancing bioenergy crop efficiency (Ihemere et al., 2006). Furthermore, the genetic modification of cassava to increase starch production by altering the expression of key enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism has demonstrated a substantial increase in root biomass, which is crucial for bioenergy applications (Okudoh et al., 2014). The review concludes that through targeted genetic and biochemical interventions, cassava can be optimized for bioenergy production, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and contributing to energy security. The findings underscore the importance of continued research and development in this field to fully realize the bioenergy potential of cassava. Keywords Cassava; Bioenergy; Genetic engineering; Biomass conversion; Polysaccharide modification; Starch production; Biochemical conversion; Thermochemical conversion 1 Introduction Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) has emerged as a crop of great significance in the realm of bioenergy due to its high biomass yield and substantial starch content. Recognized as a major food source in the tropics and subtropics of Africa and Latin America, cassava also serves as a raw material for starches and bioethanol production, particularly in tropical Asia (Liu et al., 2011). Its ability to thrive in stressful environments, including poor soils and drought conditions, positions cassava as a reliable source of bioenergy (El-Sharkawy, 2003). The global interest in cassava as a sustainable bioenergy source is driven by its remarkable yield potential and efficiency in converting biomass to energy. Cassava's starch, which constitutes up to 35% of its fresh weight and about 80.6% on a dry weight basis, is a key resource for bioenergy production, with the crop outperforming many others in terms of carbohydrate yield per hectare (Okudoh et al., 2014). This has led to its consideration as a strategic crop to meet biofuel targets in various countries (Okudoh et al., 2014). This systematic review, titled "Optimizing Cassava for Bioenergy: Genetic Foundations and Biochemical Mechanisms of Biomass Conversion" aims to explore the genetic and biochemical underpinnings that can be harnessed to enhance cassava's bioenergy potential. Specifically, the review will focus on the genetic transformation of cassava to overcome traditional breeding limitations and achieve improved traits such as pest and disease resistance, biofortification, and starch quality (Liu et al., 2011). Additionally, it will delve into the physiological traits that contribute to cassava's high productivity, such as its photosynthetic efficiency and drought tolerance mechanisms (El-Sharkawy, 2003).
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