Lignin, the second most abundant biopolymer, forms a major constituent of the secondary cell walls of plants. It has been described as being largely derived from three cinnamyl alcohol derivatives, <i>p</i>-coumaryl, coniferyl and sinapyl alcohols, that differ only in the degree of methoxylation on the aromatic ring. However, in recent year, it has been shown that the classical dogma describing lignin chemistry, structure, and composition may be an oversimplification, as various lignins have been shown to incorporate alternative monomers. These recent observations clearly illustrate the inherent malleability of lignification and provide the impetus for the formal ‘design’ of lignins. To that end, the introduction of monolignol conjugates into the lignin polymer offers an exciting opportunity to introduce unique bonds and novel pendant groups that valorize lignin, or chemical constituents that alter the size and charge of this biologically and industrially important macromolecule. We have attempted and successfully introduced a variety of such conjugates into the lignin of bioenergy trees, ultimately producing lignins that are easier to extract and/or generating a stream of highly valuable phenolics that form the basis for chemical or biological upgrading.

Recent advances in the strategic valorization of plant cell wall lignin

ACS Spring 2022

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