Biofuel composition 'may be improved' by raising lignin S monomer level

A team from Purdue University in the US has looked into the impact of two lignin monomers on biofuel composition.

Their study addressed the guaiacyl and syringyl subunits, labelled G and S respectively, to determine how they affect biofuel composition in terms of the ease with which lignocellulose can be converted into usable sugars for energy generation.

In particular, lignin in the plant cell wall matrix typically impedes this process, they write in Biotechnology for Biofuels.

By raising levels of the lignin S monomer and using liquid hot-water pre-treatment before enzymatic hydrolysis, the team were able to demonstrate enhanced glucose yields.

They suggest that genetic engineering focusing on the S monomer - as opposed to natural production or G-monomer engineering - could hold potential for improved biofuel yield in future.

Biotechnology for Biofuels addresses all aspects of the production process, from the growth and pre-treatment of feedstocks to catalysis of the energy generation procedure itself.