BIOTECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES AND PROCESS OPTIMIZATION IN CORN BASED BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION: ENHANCING YIELD, SUSTAINABILITY AND INDUSTRIAL EFFICIENCY

The transition to renewable energy sources has promoted the adoption of biofuels, with bioethanol recognized as a significant alternative to fossil fuels. Corn is identified as a primary feedstock due to its widespread availability and high starch content, which are essential for the production of fermentable sugars. Central roles in this advancement are attributed to biotechnology, including crop improvement and the optimization of industrial process efficiency. Ethanol production from corn is achieved through sequential stages such as grinding, starch hydrolysis, fermentation, and distillation, resulting in high-purity ethanol and generating byproducts such as dried distillers’ grains that enhance process sustainability. Recent biotechnological advances have enabled significant improvements in this system, particularly through the development of more efficient enzymes and genetically modified microorganisms that increase yield and industrial productivity. In Brazil, the use of corn as a feedstock for ethanol production is expanding, especially in the Midwest region, as a result of high grain availability and increased sector investment. The sustainable nature of corn-based bioethanol is demonstrated by its positive energy balance, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and effective utilization of byproducts. Consequently, corn-based bioethanol is regarded as a promising alternative within the current energy landscape.