Harnessing the Power of Enzymes for Tailoring and Valorizing Lignin

• Published in: Trends in biotechnology (Regular ed.) Vol. 38; no. 11; pp. 1215 - 1231
• Main Authors: Weiss, Renate, Guebitz, Georg M., Pellis, Alessandro, Nyanhongo, Gibson S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2020; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Alcohol; Biocatalysts; Biosynthesis; Carbon dioxide; Carbon fibers; Cellulose; Efficiency; engineering lignin biosynthetic pathways; enzymatic tailoring of lignin properties; enzymatic valorization of lignin; Enzymes; Feedback; Genetic engineering; Heterogeneity; Industrial products; Lignin; Lignocellulose; metabolic funneling of lignin; Metabolism; Metabolites; Microorganisms; Mutation; Organic chemicals; Photosynthesis; Pulping; Sustainable production; metabolic funneling of lignin; enzymatic valorization of lignin; engineering lignin biosynthetic pathways; enzymatic tailoring of lignin properties
• ISSN: 0167-7799; 1879-3096
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.03.010

Lignin, a structural component of lignocellulosic plants, is an alternative raw material with enormous potential to replace diminishing fossil-based resources for the sustainable production of many chemicals and materials. Unfortunately, lignin’s heterogeneity, low reactivity, and strong intra- and intermolecular hydrogen interactions and modifications introduced during the pulping process present significant technical challenges. However, the increasing ability to tailor lignin biosynthesis pathways by targeting enzymes and the continued discovery of more robust biocatalysts are enabling the synthesis of novel valuable products. This review summarizes how enzymes involved in lignin biosynthesis pathways and microbial enzymes are being harnessed to produce chemicals and materials and to upgrade lignin properties for the synthesis of a variety of value-added lignin industrial products. Lignin is a versatile alternative industrial raw material.The enzymes involved in lignin biosynthesis can be engineered to produce industrially relevant raw materials.The lignin transformation machinery in microorganisms can be exploited to produce a variety of industrially relevant raw materials.Enzymes increase lignin reactivity and miscibility with other polymers.Enzymes are useful biocatalysts for upgrading technical lignin properties for the production of functional materials.