Cutting-Edge Approaches of Non-Edible Crop Plants for Biodiesel Production

The increasing global appetite for sustainable and ecofriendly energy sources has sparked considerable interest in biodiesel as a practical substitute for fossil fuels. Among different feedstocks for biodiesel production, non-edible crop plants have become a viable and sustainable option that resolves the food discussion. Recent progress in biotechnology, metabolic engineering, and agricultural methods has allowed for the effective use of non-edible oilseed species like Jatropha curcas, Pongamia pinnata, Camelina sativa, and Calophyllum inophyllum in producing biodiesel. These plants can flourish on poor soils, need less resources, and do not directly compete with food crops, making them excellent choices for extensive biodiesel production. Innovative methods like CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, synthetic biology, and omics techniques have been utilized to boost lipid biosynthesis pathways, raise oil production, and enhance stress tolerance in these plants. Improvements in farming methods and bioprocessing technologies, such as transesterification enhancement, application of green catalysts, and combined biorefineries, have boosted the economic and ecological feasibility of biodiesel manufacturing. This chapter emphasizes the promise of non-edible plant species as future biodiesel resources, focusing on recent technological advancements and the ongoing challenges related to large-scale production, feedstock logistics, and policy assistance.