Biomass recalcitrance: a multi-scale, multi-factor, and conversion-specific property.
Maureen C McCann1, Nicholas C Carpita2
1Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1392, USA mmccann@purdue.edu.
Journal of Experimental Botany
|June 11, 2015
Summary
Biomass recalcitrance, the difficulty in converting plant material, is redefined to include energy costs and carbon recovery. Novel technologies reveal new recalcitrance factors, enabling biomass conversion for biofuels and chemicals.
Area of Science:
- Biomass conversion
- Bioenergy research
- Sustainable chemistry
Background:
- Plant biomass recalcitrance, traditionally linked to lignin, hinders efficient biofuel production via enzymatic hydrolysis.
- Emerging chemical, thermochemical, and biological pathways offer new avenues for lignin utilization and diverse product generation beyond biofuels.
- Maximizing carbon capture from renewable biomass necessitates transforming both lignin and polysaccharides into valuable products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a new, comprehensive definition of biomass recalcitrance.
- To identify novel determinants of recalcitrance using advanced processing technologies.
- To explore strategies for reducing biomass recalcitrance for improved biorefinery efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Revising the definition of recalcitrance to encompass energy demands, operational complexity, and carbon recovery efficiency.
- Applying novel processing technologies to investigate biomass conversion.
- Examining molecular, nanoscale, and macroscale factors influencing recalcitrance.
- Utilizing genetic diversity, transgenic, and synthetic biology approaches.
Main Results:
- A refined definition of recalcitrance highlights its impact on energy requirements, biorefinery operations, and carbon recovery.
- Novel processing technologies reveal a wider spectrum of recalcitrance determinants.
- Genetic and synthetic biology strategies offer pathways to select or engineer biomass with reduced recalcitrance.
Conclusions:
- Biomass recalcitrance is a multifaceted challenge influenced by factors beyond lignin.
- Advanced technologies and genetic strategies are crucial for overcoming recalcitrance.
- Optimizing biomass conversion is key to sustainable biofuel and high-value chemical production.
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