All lignin articles
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NewsBacteria rewire digestive systems to turn plant waste into power
A new study shows that Pseudomonas putida, a common soil bacterium, completely reorganizes its metabolism to thrive on complex carbons from lignin. By slowing down some metabolic pathways while accelerating others, the bacterium manages to extract energy from lignin without exhausting itself.
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NewsLignin is effective against viruses and bacteria
Lignin, a polyphenol, has antimicrobial activity against viruses and bacteria. An by-product from wood industry, lignin has potential as promising green alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents for coating agents, packaging material, or surface disinfectants.
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NewsScientist devises test feed for fungal ‘micro-machine’ that breaks down wood
Researchers investigating a molecular machine found in fungi that decomposes wood into its basic components have come up with a test feed that allows them to observe its close-to-natural action, opening the door to putting it to industrial application.
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News2,000-year-old shipworm mystery solved - its destructive skills are down to bacterial symbionts
Scientists have discovered that a population of symbiotic microbes, living in an overlooked sub-organ of the shipworm gut called the ’typhlosole’, have the ability to secrete the enzymes needed to digest lignin—the toughest part of wood.
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NewsStudy reviews valorization of depolymerized lignin using microorganisms
Lignin is an abundant natural polymer which is eliminated as a byproduct in the pulp and paper industry. A recent review article explored different microbial processes available for sustainable lignin valorization, yielding not only environmental, but also economic benefits. Researchers highlighted the current advancements as well as ...
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NewsScientists engineer bacteria to make two valuable products from plant fiber
Researchers have engineered bacteria that can produce two chemical products at the same time from underutilized plant fiber. The discovery could help make biofuels more sustainable and commercially viable.
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NewsBathyarchaeia encode novel methyltransferase utilizing lignin-derived aromatics
Researchers have presented a successful continuous enrichment of Bathyarchaeia along with the discovery of a novel and specific methyltransferase for O-demethylation from lignin-derived aromatics.
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NewsElectrons and microbes are key to bio-based nylon process
Researchers have developed a process that can produce adipic acid, one of two building blocks of nylon, from phenol through electrochemical synthesis and the use of microorganisms.
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NewsBiorefinery uses microbial fuel cell to upcycle resistant plant waste
Researchers have developed a sustainable, inexpensive two-step process that can upcycle organic carbon waste - including lignin - transforming it into antioxidant flavonoids for nutrition and medicine. .By processing waste through a microbe-driven biorefinery, the researchers turned lignin into carbon sources that could be used in high-value, plant-derived pharmaceuticals and ...