Lignins, the aromatic polymers deposited in plant secondary cell walls during lignification, continue to fascinate plant researchers. The traditional definition, that lignins derive from the primary monomers, the three monolignols, no longer suffices to describe the range of polymers found. Each year, the nature of what constitutes a lignin monomer, and the definition of lignin itself has had to evolve. We describe some of the intriguing findings since the 2014 Anselme Payen event, mainly from our lab and its collaborators, that is causing not only an evolving redefinition of lignin but, inspired by Nature herself, is allowing us to consider actually redesigning the polymer for improved properties and value.

What we’ve learned about lignification since the 2014 Anselme Payen Award

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.