Biodegradation of sugarcane bagasse biomass using recombinant alpha-galactosidase overexpressing whole-cell : a sustainable method of agricultural waste utilization.

Whole-cell bacteria overexpressing a combo of enzymes capable of breaking down complex lignocellulosic components of cell wall is a path-breaking innovation that is eco-friendly for agricultural waste processing and sustainable environment. In this study, a whole-cell overexpressing the enzyme alpha-galactosidase is used to biodegrade sugarcane bagasse, presenting a sustainable approach for agricultural waste utilization. Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that breaks down alpha-D-galactose residues at the non-reducing ends of oligosaccharides (such as raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose), complex galactomannans, and galactolipids.