Department of Biotechnology, BBK DAV College for Women, Amritsar hosted a Guest Lecture on “2G Ethanol production from Lignocellulose: Challenges ahead for Microbial Biotechnologists”. The resource person for the Guest Lecture was Prof. B.S. Chadha, Head, Department of Microbiology, Guru Nanak Dev University. Dr. Chadha’s research area and specialization are Industrial Microbiology. The current lecture was focused on Industrial Production of Ethanol using microorganisms which has increased the overall output of ethanol as compared to previous technologies employed. Currently it is the best Biofuel alternative to petrol for vehicular use. The technology employs Lignocellulosic biomass which otherwise is burned by farmers and is the main reason of smog and air pollution especially in Punjab and North India.
Dr. Chadha encouraged the students to take up the subject of Microbiology as this research field is yet to be explored. Students of B.Sc. (Biotech) Sem-I, III & V attended the lecture and found it quite informative. The lecture concluded with expression of gratitude by Principal Dr. Pushpinder Walia and presentation of a memento by Dr. Rashmi Kalia, Head, Department of Botany. The Principal also expressed her happiness and satisfaction over the lecture.