Oklahoma researchers look to develop cost-effective bioconversion treatments for lignin

In Oklahoma, the popular method of breaking down lignin to convert biomass into valuable biofuels and chemicals is done by using fungi. However, researchers at Oklahoma State University are turning that process on its head. As part of OSU’s BioBased Products and Energy Center, the researchers are helping develop environmentally sound biological pretreatment platforms for cost-effective bioconversion of plant biomass into biofuels.

“Results from this research will specifically contribute toward advancing pretreatment technologies needed for decentralized rural biorefineries, benefits rural economy and energy independence,” the lead researcher said. “In addition, it would create a large number of biomanufacturing jobs that cannot be outsourced because of the high transportation cost for biomass feedstocks compared with crude oil and coal.”