Nanotechnology applied for cellulase improvements

The biotechnological potential of cellulases has been demonstrated in various industrial segments including food, animal feed, pulp and paper, and several others. Among them, one of the most important applications of cellulases is the bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass. Despite the great potential of this enzyme in cellulosic biofuel production and also the interest in such products, expansion has been limited by relatively high production costs and other drawbacks. In this sense, several strategies have been proposed to overcome these obstacles and major challenges, such as the utilization of nanotechnology. This technique has raised the interest of research and can be considered a potential candidate to boost the biofuel refineries aimed at new developments in the area. In this approach, the main goal of this chapter is to conduct a broad and recent review of the potential of nanotechnology to improvements in cellulase production and hence to drive advances in the production of second-generation ethanol. The material will cover the main microbial sources used for the production of cellulases and their applications in different industrial segments. Finally, the applications of nanotechnology for cellulase improvements in bioprocesses will be addressed.