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Biochemical Conversion of Lignin

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Abstract

Lignin is one of the three major components of lignocellulosic biomass. It is highly resistant to either chemical or biochemical degradation due to the presence of the ether and C–C linkages in its heterogeneous structure. In the early attempts to develop processes for the bioconversion of biomass to fuels and chemicals, lignin was considered as a waste by-product and burned to supply heat for internal uses. Recently, it has been realized that in order to make a biorefinery economically feasible, lignin must also be used as a feedstock for the production of high-value products, in addition to cellulose and hemicellulose. Processes for the bioconversion of lignin subsequently were developed. A typical lignin bioconversion process consists of three steps, which include depolymerization, funneling, and product formation. In the first step, depolymerizing enzymes are used to break down lignin to its monomer and oligomer units. These monomers and oligomers then are converted to metabolic intermediates by a process normally referred to as funneling. Finally, the intermediates, which can enter the central metabolism, are converted to the desired products by various microbial species in fermentation processes. This chapter discusses the recent developments in the bioconversion of lignin and the potential commercial products that can be made. The future research directions that are needed to develop a complete biorefinery, which includes a component for lignin bioconversion to high-value products, are also discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA

    Nhuan Phu Nghiem

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  1. Nhuan Phu Nghiem
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Correspondence to Nhuan Phu Nghiem .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. United States Department of Agriculture, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, Wyndmoor, PA, USA

    Nhuan Phu Nghiem

  2. Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University ERICA, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea (Republic of)

    Tae Hyun Kim

  3. Department of Chemical Engineering, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, USA

    Chang Geun Yoo

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Nghiem, N.P. (2022). Biochemical Conversion of Lignin. In: Nghiem, N.P., Kim, T.H., Yoo, C.G. (eds) Biomass Utilization: Conversion Strategies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-05835-6_5

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