Lignin valorization meets synthetic biology

• Published in: Engineering in life sciences Vol. 19; no. 6; pp. 463 - 470
• Main Authors: Zhang, Renkuan, Zhao, Chen‐Hui, Chang, Han‐Chen, Chai, Meng‐Zhe, Li, Bing‐Zhi, Yuan, Ying‐Jin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany John Wiley and Sons Inc 01.06.2019
• Subjects: artificial pathway; bio‐degradation; lignin valorization; Review; Reviews; synthetic biology; value‐added products; synthetic biology; value‐added products; lignin valorization; bio‐degradation; artificial pathway
• ISSN: 1618-0240; 1618-2863
• DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201800133

Lignin, an abundant renewable resource in nature, is a highly heterogeneous biopolymer consisting of phenylpropanoid units. It is essential for sustainable utilization of biomass to convert lignin to value‐added products. However, there are technical obstacles for lignin valorization due to intrinsic heterogeneity. The emerging of synthetic biology technologies brings new opportunities for lignin breakdown and utilization. In this review, we discussed the applications of synthetic biology on lignin conversion, especially the production of value‐added products, such as aromatic chemicals, ring‐cleaved chemicals from lignin‐derived aromatics and bio‐active substances. Synthetic biology will offer new potential strategies for lignin valorization by optimizing lignin degradation enzymes, building novel artificial converting pathways, and improving the chassis of model microorganisms.