Genetically Engineered Poplar Wood Effectively Enhances the Efficiency of Deep Eutectic Solvent-Mediated One-Pot...

Area of Science:

• Biomass Valorization
• Genetic Engineering
• Biorefining

Background:

• Lignocellulosic biomass is a renewable resource, but its recalcitrance, primarily due to lignin, hinders efficient conversion into fuels and chemicals.
• Genetic engineering offers a promising strategy to overcome biomass recalcitrance by modifying lignin content and structure without impacting growth.
• Developing efficient and integrated processes is crucial for the economic viability of biorefineries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate engineered poplar varieties as feedstocks for an integrated one-pot biomass conversion process.
• To assess the impact of lignin modification on fermentable sugar yields and the valorization of residual lignin.
• To demonstrate the enhanced operational and economic viability of using transgenic poplars in biorefineries.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a biocompatible one-pot deep eutectic solvent-mediated process for biomass fractionation and enzymatic saccharification.
• Integrated biomass processing steps, eliminating the need for water washing and reconditioning.
• Employed hydrogenolysis for the valorization of residual lignin into phenolic compounds.

Main Results:

• All transgenic poplar lines yielded higher fermentable sugars compared to wild-type (WT).
• QsuB poplar achieved the highest glucose conversion yield (91.3%), followed by AT5 (86.7%) and MdCHS3 (84.7%), significantly exceeding WT (73.0%).
• Residual lignins from all lines were effectively valorized into comparable amounts of alkylphenols via hydrogenolysis.

Conclusions:

• Transgenic poplars with modified lignin are superior feedstocks for enhanced sugar production.
• These engineered trees also serve as a valuable source for producing phenolic compounds.
• The integrated approach using transgenic poplars improves the overall efficiency and economic feasibility of biorefinery operations.