Nonsterile Process for Biohydrogen Production: Recent Updates, Challenges, and Opportunities

Hydrogen (H₂), a clean and versatile energy carrier, has recently gained significant attention as a potential solution for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy systems. The yield and efficiency of the biological H₂ production process primarily depend on sterilization conditions. Various strategies, such as heat inactivation and membrane-based sterilization, have been used to achieve desirable yields via microbial fermentation. Almost every failed biotransformation process is linked to nonsterile conditions at any reaction stage. Therefore, the production of renewable biofuels as alternatives to fossil fuels is more attractive. Pure sugars have been widely documented as a costly feedstock for H₂ production under sterile conditions. Biotransformation under nonsterile conditions is more desirable for stable and sustainable operation. Low-cost feeds, such as biowaste, are considered suitable alternatives, but they require appropriate sterilization to overcome the limitations of inherited or contaminating microbes during H₂ production. This article describes the status of microbial fermentative processes for H₂ production under nonsterile conditions and discusses strategies to improve such processes for sustainable, cleaner production.