Lignin: Fermentation and Biorefinery Potential

Dear Colleagues,

Lignocellulosic biomass has gained significant attention as a renewable feedstock for producing ethanol and other commercially important chemicals, primarily due to its abundant availability. It is composed of three major components: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Historically, lignin was regarded as a waste product because of its strong resistance to biological transformation. In the early processes developed for ethanol production, lignin was often burned to generate thermal energy for internal operations within biorefineries. However, recent advancements have highlighted the importance of utilizing lignin as a valuable feedstock for producing high-value-added products, alongside cellulose and hemicellulose. This shift is crucial for improving the economic feasibility and sustainability of biorefineries. As a result, various innovative processes for the bioconversion of lignin into fuels and chemicals have been developed, demonstrating its potential as a versatile resource.

The objective of this Special Issue is to feature both recent groundbreaking research findings and comprehensive review articles on the bioconversion of lignin for the production of fuels and chemicals suitable for biorefinery applications. The scope extends beyond processing technologies to encompassing advancements in the development of novel enzymes and microbial strains tailored for efficient lignin conversion. Additionally, contributions that explore the integration of lignin conversion technologies into existing biorefinery frameworks, life cycle analyses, and economic assessments are highly encouraged. If you are interested in contributing a review article, we recommend contacting one of the editors to discuss the relevance and scope of the proposed topic before submitting your manuscript.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nhuan Nghiem
Dr. Daehwan Kim
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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