Sorghum biomass: a novel renewable carbon source for industrial bioproducts

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) biomass is considered as one of the potential renewable sources of energy for economic development and environmental sustainability, owing to its wide adaptability, C-4 photosynthetic pathway, and high nitrogen and water use efficiency. This plant could be effectively utilized as a source of food (grains), fodder (stem) and also as feedstock (lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose) for production of industrial solvents including biofuels. Genetic manipulation of sorghum has resulted in development of improved cultivars of sweet, high-biomass and low lignin sorghums (bmr) and so on. with increased productivity, palatability, along with reduced recalcitrance and enhanced tolerance to abiotic stresses, which can meet the diverse needs of population. This Review elaborates on recent developments in sorghum research towards conversion of cellulose and hemicellulosic components of sorghum biomass to biofuel and value added biochemicals by developing affordable processes at different sectorial levels.