Vol. 9, Issue 6 (2020)

Author(s):
Sanjay Kumar Bhariya and Dharmendra Khokhar

Abstract:
Rice straw biomass is a significant renewable resource for our country, primarily composed of complex organic polymers, including carbohydrates. These carbohydrates consist of cellulose and hemicellulose linear polysaccharide polymers made up of numerous glucose monosaccharide units as well as lignin, which contains phenylpropane units derived from hydroxyl and methoxy substituted phenylpropane. Rice straw presents a valuable opportunity for the industrial production of important medicinal fungal products and biofuels. However, there are several limitations to the industrial production of metabolites from existing resources. Rice straw serves as an alternative source for various pharmaceutical compounds, typically synthesized with the aid of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi). Utilizing rice straw can address significant challenges, such as reducing field burning, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation through the involvement of commercially important microorganisms. In this review, we summarize the advantages and challenges associated with various industrial methods for producing metabolites from rice straw biomass in a cost-effective manner. This approach not only has the potential to enhance pharmaceutical production but can also contribute to doubling farmers' incomes.