Lignin Valorization: Improving Lignin Processing in the Biorefinery

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2014 · Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1246843· OSTI ID:1154822

Ragauskas, Arthur ^[1]; Beckham, Gregg ^[2]; Biddy, Mary J ^[2]; Chandra, Richard ^[3]; Chen, Fang ^[4]; Davis, Dr. Mark F. ^[2]; Davison, Brian H ^[5]; Dixon, Richard ^[4]; Gilna, Paul ^[5]; Keller, Martin ^[5]; Langan, Paul ^[5]; Naskar, Amit K ^[5]; Saddler, Jack N ^[3]; Tschaplinski, Timothy J ^[5]; Tuskan, Gerald A ^[5]; Harber, Karen S ^[5]

---

1. Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
2. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
3. University of British Columbia, Vancouver
4. University of North Texas
5. ORNL

Research and development activities directed toward commercial production of cellulosic ethanol have created the opportunity to dramatically increase the transformation of lignin to value-added products. Here we highlight recent advances in this lignin valorization effort. Discovery of genetic variants in native populations of bioenergy crops and direct manipulation of biosynthesis pathways have produced lignin feedstocks with favorable properties for recovery and downstream conversion. Advances in analytical chemistry and computational modeling detail the structure of the modified lignin and direct bioengineering strategies for future targeted properties. Refinement of biomass pretreatment technologies has further facilitated lignin recovery, and this coupled with genetic engineering will enable new uses for this biopolymer, including low-cost carbon fibers, engineered plastics and thermoplastic elastomers, polymeric foams, fungible fuels, and commodity chemicals.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
• Sponsoring Organization: SC USDOE - Office of Science (SC)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 1154822
• Journal Information: Science, Journal Name: Science Journal Issue: 6185 Vol. 344
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

cellulosic ethanol
lignin