Lignin Depolymerization Route Derived Commodities Towards Tangible Bio-economy

摘要

Lignin is one of the structural polymers of plant cell wall with aromatic ring rendering it highly recalcitrant. Due to the natural complexity and structural stability of lignin, it has not been cost-effectively converted into fuels or commodity chemicals. With the intensive development of lignocellulosic biorefineries around the world to produce fuels and chemicals from biomass-derived carbohydrates, the amount of waste lignin will dramatically increase, warranting new lignin upgrading strategies. Research on lignin deconstruction has recently become the center of interest and scientists are racing towards harnessing fossil fuel like aromatic compounds and valuable chemicals from lignin. In this perspective, the present contribution draws an overview about the status of biorefineries, lignin biogenesis and various lignin depolymerization strategies.