Advances in lignocellulosic feedstocks for bioenergy and bioproducts
Daniel B. Sulis, Nathalie Lavoine, Heike Sederoff, Xiao Jiang, Barbara M. Marques, Kai Lan, Carlos Cofre-Vega, Rodolphe Barrangou, Jack Wang
Abstract
Lignocellulose, an abundant renewable resource, presents a promising alternative for sustainable energy and industrial applications. However, large-scale adoption of lignocellulosic feedstocks faces considerable obstacles, including scalability, bioprocessing efficiency, and resilience to climate change. This Review examines current efforts and future opportunities for leveraging lignocellulosic feedstocks in bio-based energy and products, with a focus on enhancing conversion efficiency and scalability. It also explores emerging biotechnologies such as CRISPR-based genome editing informed by machine learning, aimed at improving feedstock traits and reducing the environmental impact of fossil fuel dependence. Lignocellulose is a promising feedstock to produce bioenergy and biomaterials. Here, the authors review current efforts, including genome editing informed by machine learning, for lignocellulosic feedstock-based bioenergy and biomaterials production and provide outlook for improving feedstock traits.