Low Lignin Eucalyptus, A New Generation Biofuel Feedstocks

A scientific team from Taiwan Forestry Research Institute (TFRI) and North Carolina University in the United States has successfully developed a genetically modified  (GM) eucalyptus tree which has a lower lignin content and a higher capacity to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Eucalyptus is a fast growing tree species with a woody biomass that can be potentially used as feedstock for “cellulose ethanol” production. With a lower lignin content, the “lignin barrier” that prevents accessibility of cellulose for biofuel processing is reduced. This translates to lower costs of biomass pretreatment prior to ethanol fermentation.

Chen Zenn-zong, a researcher from TFRI, reports that an 18% percent reduction in lignin content would result in a 4.5% increase in cellulose content in the tree biomass. So, aside from reducing pretreatment costs due to a lower lignin content, the consequential increase in the cellulose yield would mean a higher ethanol yield per unit mass of feedstock. The research group have also enhanced the tree’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, thereby contributing to reducing greenhouse gases. Low lignin eucalyptus tree can be considered a “third generation” biofuel feedstock, as the modification improves biofuel conversion yields. On the other hand, because of its carbon capture ability, it could also be classified as a “fourth generation” biofuel feedstock.