Researchers develop process to separate lignin more effectively

March 1, 2020 |

In South Korea, an international joint research team has developed an effective biofuel production process that leverages the genetic engineering of lignin and bio-derived deep eutectic solvents (DESs). The research team was led by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology through the KIST- University of British Colombia lab program in Vancouver, Canada.

According to KIST’s press release, lignin makes up 20% to 30% of lignocellulosic biomass but also hinders the production of biofuel, so it is usually separated and discarded or simply burned. The efficient removal of lignin and valorization of lignin are of critical importance to the economic feasibility and commercialization of second-generation biofuels.

A lignin genetic engineering that can separate lignin more effectively was developed by researchers from the Joint BioEnergy Institute. Using this new technology, a part of lignin’s structure was altered and made shorter, requiring only a small amount of energy or chemicals to remove the lignin.

Category: Research

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