Potential new pathways for plant-based bio products

摘要

Plant science researchers at the University of North Texas have found potential new pathways for the creation of plant-based bio products. The team looked into the roles of enzymes that convert amino acids into lignin in Brachypodium, a fast-growing model grass with a sequenced genome. Lignin makes plants woody and firm, and, although it is an impediment to the processing of feed stocks for bio fuels, it can be used to create a variety of bio products, including materials such as carbon fibre.