Unlocking lignocellulosic biomass: Biocatalyst-driven strategies for sustainable biofuel generation

• Global energy demand drives renewable biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass. • Lignocellulosic biomass enables biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas, and biohydrogen production. • Enzymatic biocatalysis is crucial for efficient lignocellulosic biofuel conversion. • Microbial engineering improves cost-efficiency of lignocellulosic biofuel processes. • Eco-friendly methods advance scalable and sustainable biofuel production systems. The growing global demand for clean and sustainable energy has intensified the search for renewable alternatives to fossil fuels, with lignocellulosic biomass emerging as one of the most abundant and environmentally favorable resources. As a carbon–neutral feedstock available from agricultural, forestry, and industrial residues, lignocellulosic biomass supports the production of diverse biofuels, including biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas, and biohydrogen. However, its complex and recalcitrant structure, dominated by tightly interlinked cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, requires efficient catalytic systems to enable effective bioconversion. Biocatalysts, including lignocellulolytic enzymes and engineered microorganisms, play a central role in overcoming these structural barriers by enhancing hydrolysis, saccharification, and fermentation processes. Recent innovations in pretreatment methods, enzymatic technologies, microbial engineering, and consolidated bioprocessing have significantly improved the efficiency and sustainability of lignocellulosic biofuel production, though challenges remain in cost, enzyme stability, and process integration. This review provides a comprehensive examination of lignocellulosic biomass composition, the structural barriers limiting its conversion, and the current landscape of biocatalyst-driven technologies for biofuel production. Emphasis is placed on enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation strategies, anaerobic digestion, and emerging integrated platforms that streamline processing and reduce operational complexity. By analyzing recent progress and existing limitations, this review outlines pathways toward economically viable, environmentally sustainable biofuel systems that support the broader transition to renewable global energy solutions.