The critical role of lignin in lignocellulosic biomass conversion and recent pretreatment strategies: A comprehensive review

• Published in: Bioresource technology Vol. 301; no. C; p. 122784
• Main Authors: Yoo, Chang Geun, Meng, Xianzhi, Pu, Yunqiao, Ragauskas, Arthur J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2020; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biomass; Biorefinery; biorefining; economic sustainability; Lignin; Lignin characteristics; Lignin inhibition; Lignin valorization; lignocellulose; Recalcitrance; Technology; Lignin valorization; Biorefinery; Recalcitrance; Lignin characteristics; Lignin inhibition
• ISSN: 0960-8524; 1873-2976; 1873-2976
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.122784

•Lignin-related factor and its relationships with biomass conversion are reviewed.•Roles of lignin in biological conversion process are discussed.•Most recent lignin-targeting pretreatment strategies are summarized.•Change of lignin properties by diverse pretreatment strategies are compared.•Perspectives for future pretreatment in biorefinery process are provided. Heterogeneity and rigidity of lignocellulose causing resistance to its deconstruction have provided technical and economic challenges in the current biomass conversion processes. Lignin has been considered as a crucial recalcitrance component in biomass utilization. An in-depth understanding of lignin properties and their influences on biomass conversion can provide clues to improve biomass utilization. Also, utilization of lignin can significantly increase the economic viability of biorefinery. Recent lignin-targeting pretreatments have aimed not only to overcome recalcitrance for biomass conversion but also to selectively fractionate lignin for lignin valorization. Numerous studies have been conducted in biomass characteristics and conversion technologies, and the role of lignin is critical for lignin valorization and biomass pretreatment development. This review provides a comprehensive review of lignin-related biomass characteristics, the impact of lignin on the biological conversion of biomass, and recent lignin-targeting pretreatment strategies. The desired lignin properties in biorefinery and future pretreatment directions are also discussed.