Applications of biotechnology and biochemical engineering for the improvement of Jatropha and Biodiesel: A review

Jatropha has drawn the attention of researchers in recent years due to its emergence as a highly suitable feedstock plant for Biodiesel production. Efforts have been made to improve the Jatropha plant material and Biodiesel production. Tissue culture, transformation and molecular marker based studies were conducted to improve the plant material. Biochemical engineering were undertaken to improve both the process and product of Biodiesel from Jatropha. Various approaches were taken up to improve the oil extraction process from seeds, enhance the quality and quantity of Biodiesel and analyze the engine performance of Jatropha Biodiesel. Most of the studies have been carried out in recent years due to the growing interest in energy security and global warming posed by fossil fuels. In this review we give details of various biotechnological and biochemical engineering efforts related to Jatropha and Biodiesel.