The diminishing quantity of fossil fuels and environmental degradation lead
to the search for renewable and environmentally friendly fuels that can substitute
petroleum. The burning of petroleum products releases gases that pollute the
environment, hence need for alternate fuels was realized. Biofuels such as biodiesel
and bioethanol derived from food crops, biomass, algae, vegetable oil, animal fats, or
lignocellulosic materials are renewable, biodegradable and non-toxic. They possess low
quantities of sulfur, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and metals and are considered
eco-friendly. Biotechnological methods have been adapted to increase the production
of crop plants that are used in the production of biofuels. Genes encoding for enzymes
that degrade lignin, an important component of food crops,have also been inserted in
food crops so that processing can be made easier for getting increased production of
biofuels.
Keywords: Biodiesel, Bioethanol, Biofuels, Biotechnology, Eco-friendly, Lignin
