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Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Extraction of Lignin with High β-O-4 Content by Mild Ethanol Extraction and Its Effect on the Depolymerization Yield
Published on: January 7, 2019
Emerging biotechnological strategies advancing biological lignin valorization towards polyhydroxyalkanoates
Hai-Yuan Jia1, Tao Xu1, Chen Wang1
1School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300072, China; Frontiers Research Institute for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University 301799, China.
Abstract:
Lignin is the largest renewable aromatic resource available for producing high-value products such as biomaterials, biofuels, and chemicals. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer synthesized by various microorganisms, offering broad application potential. Microbial conversion of lignin-derived aromatics into PHA promoted both lignin valorization and PHA biosynthesis. However, lignin's recalcitrance and heterogeneity pose significant challenges for its microbial degradation and value-added utilization. This review examines the entire pathway of lignin conversion into high-value products, highlighting the advantages of microbial processes for synthesizing PHA and promoting the biological upgrading of lignin. Additionally, synthetic biology techniques and metabolic regulation strategies can further enhance microbial PHA synthesis. Overall, integrating microbial PHA synthesis with lignin bioconversion not only facilitates lignin valorization but also supports the sustainable production of PHA, making a significant contribution to the utilization and sustainable development of biomass resources.
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