Researchers Search for Alternate Uses for Lignin

A research being led in part by Art Ragauskas of the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory Governor's Chair for Biorefining seeks to find alternate uses for lignin, a by-product of biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass. If successful, it would increase the overall profitability of producing biofuels, making them more attractive to producers.

Lignin allows plant cells to hold their shape. However, that same strength that is beneficial to plants is a hindrance in biofuel processing. Currently, more than half of all lignin is treated as a waste product. Previous studies have shown that lignin can be genetically modified to allow for greater processing into fuel. This would reduce waste and allow more freedom in using the lignin byproduct.

"Anything that helps improve the ability to separate lignin from cellulose materials will, in turn, increase the usability of the lignin," said Ragauskas. "The key is just finding ways to better remove those bonds and then to utilize this valuable resource in an innovative manner."