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Integration of omics for sustainable biohydrogen production: unlocking the potential of microbial biofuel systems

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  • Jurel, Amisha
  • Dhoble, Abhishek S.

Abstract

Sustainable energy production has become a global priority, and biohydrogen emerges as a promising alternative to fossil fuels. However, its production demands a deep understanding of microbiome dynamics. The integration of ‘omics’ data to enhance the efficiency and yield of biohydrogen production offers unprecedented insights into the molecular mechanisms and metabolic pathways involved in this process. Renewable biomass and waste have been identified as feedstocks with significant biohydrogen potential, offering a viable alternative to fossil fuel-derived hydrogen. However, translating this potential to industrial use requires decoding and then engineering these microbial networks. Recent advancements in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, fluxomics, and cytomics have enabled the identification and engineering of key microbial strains, enzymes, and metabolic pathways to enhance biohydrogen yields and process efficiency. Integrating these approaches can lead to system-level understanding of metabolic optimization for yield enhancement, tailored consortia design, real-time monitoring of metabolic fluxes and stress responses, and significant reduction in time and production costs. Furthermore, integrating biohydrogen production with the generation of other value-added bioproducts, such as bioethanol, biohythane, biobutanol, and several biochemicals, can improve overall economic and environmental sustainability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in omics-driven biohydrogen research, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and future directions for developing sustainable energy solutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Jurel, Amisha & Dhoble, Abhishek S., 2026. "Integration of omics for sustainable biohydrogen production: unlocking the potential of microbial biofuel systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 227(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:227:y:2026:i:c:s1364032125012419
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.116568
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    References listed on IDEAS

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