Navigating the interface between lignocellulose pretreatment and bioconversion in lignin-inclusive fermentation: A...

Conventional lignocellulose fermentation primarily targets the valorization of carbohydrate components (cellulose and hemicellulose), while lignin utilization remains largely overlooked. This review revisits the pretreatment and microbial conversion in traditional carbohydrate-oriented lignocellulosic fermentation, with a particular attention to the impact of lignin on in-situ carbohydrates fermentation and the synergistic potential of lignin separation. It further discusses how lignocellulose fermentation can be reconfigured through the integration of bioprocessible lignin, emphasizing the interplay among lignocellulose fractionation, lignin depolymerization, and fermentation. Furthermore, recent advances, challenges, and strategies in consolidated bioprocessing of lignin are explored, highlighting metabolic flux reconfiguration, mitigation of lignin-derived inhibition, and strategies for effective lignin depolymerization. By examination of the interface between lignocellulose pretreatment, and subsequent carbohydrate and lignin fermentations, this review aims to contribute to the development of synergistic lignocellulose valorization strategy, ultimately advancing the pursuit of full biomass utilization.