Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have made a breakthrough in converting lignin, plant waste from biofuel production, into useful products like renewable plastics and fabrics. The discovery of LigM enzyme has opened a path toward new molecules and marketable products, potentially making biofuels competitive with petroleum.
SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2017
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that termite gut efficiently breaks down lignin, a hard-to-degrade polymer. The termites' symbiotic system with fungus breaks down biomass in just 3.5 hours, holding a key to improving biofuel and paper production.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017
Researchers discovered a critical biochemical pathway in mosses that protects them from water loss and enables their adaptation to terrestrial environments. This finding suggests the prehistoric moss cuticle may have originated before lignin evolution in seed plants, influencing the development of complex ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2017
ORNL's technologies help in disaster response, urban planning, and energy management. Researchers have developed novel fluorescent air leak detection systems, faster scanning methods for microscopy, and more efficient motors for electric vehicles.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 2016
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Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created a process to mix unmodified lignin with rubber, producing high-performance renewable thermoplastics containing up to 41% lignin. The researchers also studied methane storage in tight shales using neutron scattering, finding that smaller pores hold twice the amount of methane as l...
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateNov 2, 2016
EPFL scientists have discovered a way to convert lignin from plant biomass into valuable molecules for biofuels and plastics using formaldehyde. The method resulted in yields 3-7 times higher than those without formaldehyde, offering a potential solution for sustainable energy production.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2016
Researchers found that poplar trees and many other plants naturally produce zip-lignin, a compound that breaks down easily under simple chemical conditions. This discovery could lead to increased degradability of a vast array of plants through breeding or engineering.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 14, 2016
Lignin can be efficiently separated from sawdust using eutectic solvents, retaining its natural chemical structure. This breakthrough enables various industrial applications, including forest, food processing, pharmaceutical and mining industries.
SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 4, 2016
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
The US Energy Department has granted $2.5 million to Texas A&M AgriLife Research to explore ways to use biorefinery waste to produce marketable products, including bioplastics. The study aims to make biorefineries economically viable and sustainable.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory engineered a novel enzyme to alter lignin structure in aspen trees, resulting in increased access to biofuel building blocks without inhibiting plant growth. The modified trees released up to 62% more simple sugars and had an almost 50% increase in ethanol yield
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2016
Researchers found that organosolv lignin enhances sun protection factor (SPF) in sunscreens, with one percent increasing SPF from 15 to 30 and 10 percent reaching almost 92.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJun 8, 2016
A UNT research team has found a potential new pathway for creating lignin in plants, enabling the synthesis of high-value bioproducts. This breakthrough could significantly improve the economics of the bioenergy industry by increasing lignin production in plants that don't naturally possess it.
SourceUniversity of North Texas·JournalNature Plants·DateMay 9, 2016
ORNL researchers develop a new thermoplastic called ABL with improved performance and recyclability. The material uses lignin as a renewable feedstock, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 22, 2016
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are developing experimental pretreatments to improve the cost-effectiveness of biofuel production. A new app, FuelEconomy.gov, helps consumers make informed buying decisions and save fuel. Meanwhile, a heat pump technology developed by ORNL can reduce energy consumption in cold climates by u...
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateMar 2, 2016
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a method to reduce plant lignin using an enzyme, which could lead to cheaper production of carbon-neutral fuels. The technique decreases lignin content by 30 percent while increasing sugar production in model plants.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·DateFeb 23, 2016
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a 23.7-million atom system to study the interaction of enzymes with pretreated biomass, revealing why lignin is a significant barrier to biofuel production. The simulation demonstrated that lignin binds to cellulose and attracts enzyme binding domains, hindering fermentation.
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New photocatalysts transform lignin into valuable aromatic compounds, reducing environmental burden. Laboratory studies show up to 90% selectivity in reactions, enabling industrial-scale processing.
SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateFeb 4, 2016
Researchers from Rice University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered how two bacterial enzymes, LigE and LigF, work together as a team to break down lignin. This finding could lead to the development of new biofuels processes that convert plant biomass into ethanol and other fuels.
SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 6, 2016
KU Leuven researchers create sustainable process to convert wood waste lignin into chemical building blocks for various products. The resulting chemicals can be used in paint, insulation foam, and several other applications.
SourceKU Leuven·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJun 8, 2015
Scientists demonstrate potential for engineered softwoods to process more easily into pulp and paper by incorporating S-monomers, a key feature of hardwoods. This breakthrough could improve industry economics and reduce environmental impact by making biomass processing faster and more efficient.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2015
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A molecule from plants and trees, lignin, could be used to create asphalt and sealant mixtures that are more environmentally friendly and durable. Lignin, a renewable resource found in trees, has been integrated into bitumen to improve its performance and reduce the amount of non-renewable oil needed.
Researchers at NREL have developed a new process to convert lignin-derived compounds into adipic acid, an industrial dicarboxylic acid used in the production of nylon. This breakthrough has significant implications for the economic viability and environmental sustainability of biorefineries.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMar 3, 2015
Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a selective catalyst that enables the hydrogenolysis of carbon-oxygen bonds in phenols and aryl methyl ethers, key components of lignin. This breakthrough could lead to the use of plant biomass as a primary feedstock for the chemical industry.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2015
UC Davis researchers have identified a complex network of genetic controls governing plant root growth, which may help create varieties suited for biofuel production. The study reveals how environmental changes affect the system, with potential applications in improving plant breeding and biomass conversion.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 2015
A new catalytic process converts lignin from plant cell walls into valuable chemical commodities, including fragrance and flavoring ingredients. The process also produces high-octane fuel suitable for use in jets and racecars.
SourcePurdue University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateDec 17, 2014
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a new process to convert lignin, a biomass waste product, into simple chemicals. The innovation could replace petroleum-based fuels and chemicals with biorenewable materials.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateNov 3, 2014
A new study from NREL demonstrates a concept for converting lignin into various renewable fuels, chemicals, and materials. The process uses integrated biological funneling and chemical catalysis to overcome the heterogeneity of lignin.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2014
Researchers at JBEI have developed bionic liquids from lignin and hemicellulose, which can efficiently dissolve biomass and represent a renewable platform for biomass pretreatment. The new liquids outperform current imidazolium-based ionic liquids in terms of sugar yields, making them a significant step towards cost-competitive biofuels.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2014
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
Researchers at UC Riverside have developed a versatile platform technology called Co-solvent Enhanced Lignocellulosic Fractionation (CELF) to produce biofuels from biomass more efficiently. The method uses tetrahydrofuran as a co-solvent and achieves high yields, reducing the cost of producing fuels and chemicals.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateAug 4, 2014
A new biosensor at the University of British Columbia helps optimize bio-refining processes by sniffing out bacterial networks that break down wood polymer. The discovery could lead to more tunable industrial processes and unlock the potential of lignin, a promising feedstock.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014
A new review article in the journal Science presents a roadmap for transforming lignin into valuable materials like low-cost carbon fiber for cars or bio-based plastics. The research aims to create new markets for the forest products industry and make ethanol-to-fuel conversion more cost-effective.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 15, 2014
Researchers at Michigan State University have engineered poplar trees to break down more easily, improving their viability as a sustainable source of biofuel. The innovative approach reduces energy usage and cost in the production of biofuels.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateApr 3, 2014
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Researchers engineered trees to break down lignin, a polymer found in wood that hinders paper production, using genetic modification. This breakthrough aims to reduce chemical use and create fewer environmental pollutants, making paper production more sustainable.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience·DateApr 3, 2014
Scientists have developed a potentially safer and greener alternative to the hormone-disrupting chemical BPA. Bisguaiacol-F (BGF), synthesized from lignin, is being touted as a suitable replacement due to its similar shape to BPA and lower toxicity levels. The researchers believe BGF could be ready for market within five years.
Lignin breakthroughs provide a new approach integrating biology, chemistry and engineering to understand how plants make products and structures needed for growth and development. The research team developed models that predict how pathway enzymes affect lignin content and composition.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 11, 2014
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a simple and effective method for removing lignin from biomass, which is difficult to break down or remove. The new technique uses protic ionic liquids to dissolve lignin, leaving cellulose behind, making biofuel production more efficient and cost-effective.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJan 7, 2014
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Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
The field trial with genetically modified poplar trees demonstrates that lignin modification can improve sugar conversion and increase ethanol production. The results also show mixed suppression of the lignin biosynthesis in the trees, leading to variable coloration and growth rates.
SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2013
A rainforest microbe, Enterobacter lignolyticus SCF1, breaks down lignin by breathing it, potentially improving biofuel production. The microbe's enzymes degrade 56% of lignin in 48 hours, opening up new possibilities for efficient and sustainable biofuels.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateNov 13, 2013
Researchers identified a new enzyme in the lignin biosynthetic pathway that reduces lignin content and increases cellulose conversion to glucose. This breakthrough has the potential to increase the efficiency of biofuel production from biomass by up to four-fold.
SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2013
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Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
A team of researchers from Dartmouth College has identified a protein called ESB1 that plays a vital role in how plant roots use water and nutrients. This discovery could ultimately boost crop and biofuels production by improving the plants' ability to tolerate stresses such as salinity, drought and flooding.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2013
Scientists at NC State University have discovered the first example of a micro-RNA controlling lignin biosynthesis, which gives wood its strength. The research found that reducing lignin content by over 20% can increase the efficiency of paper and biofuels production.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2013
Researchers discovered that woody plant matter is almost completely digested by bacteria living in the Amazon River, fueling its breath and playing a major role in the global carbon cycle. The finding suggests that rivers are more like metabolic hotspots than passive pipes, with only 5% of the rainforest's carbon ever reaching the ocean.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 20, 2013
Researchers have developed a novel, environmentally friendly approach to pretreating Miscanthus biomass, enabling more efficient conversion into biofuels. The 'green' pretreatment process uses switchable butadiene sulfone, which can be recovered and reused, reducing waste and costs.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateMay 15, 2013
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DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method to convert ethanol into butanol, a more efficient and sustainable fuel source. The new catalysts enable higher selectivity and conversion rates, making butanol an attractive alternative to gasoline.
Researchers at Joint BioEnergy Institute develop new strategy to enhance polysaccharide deposition in plant cell walls, reducing lignin content and improving sugar release. This breakthrough could increase cell wall content for the pulping industry, bioenergy applications, and improve crop yields.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateMar 29, 2013
A group of researchers at Brown University has discovered how Streptomyces bacteria regulate genes to break down lignin, a highly stable polymer. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind lignin degradation and its potential applications in biotechnology.
SourceBrown University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateFeb 14, 2013
The project aims to convert lignin into lipid, a substance usable for biodiesel production, and reduce hazardous waste. The researchers expect to result in a way to convert at least 40% of processed lignin, mitigating over 20 million tons of carbon dioxide.
A new study suggests that white rot fungi may have ended the Carboniferous period by breaking down lignin, a key component of coal. The research also identifies diverse fungal enzymes that could be used to generate biofuels, providing promising fossil fuels alternatives.
SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJun 28, 2012
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A study suggests that the evolution of fungi capable of breaking down lignin may have played a key role in ending coal deposits. The findings propose that this ability allowed for the complete breakdown of dead plant matter into carbon dioxide, releasing it into the atmosphere instead of accumulating as coal.
SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalScience·DateJun 28, 2012
Researchers at HZB have discovered that the alum preservative used on Viking artifacts has led to acidic reactions, destroying cellulose fibers. They are now developing new materials to preserve these cultural treasures.
Scientists have designed a battery cathode made of lignin byproducts, which may lead to cheaper and safer electrodes. The new cathode is comparable to those that require precious metals or rare raw materials.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 22, 2012
A comparative genomic analysis of two white rot fungi found substantial differences among the sets of genes involved in lignocellulose degradation. C. subvermispora was found to selectively break down lignin at an efficient rate, making it a potential game-changer for the pulp and paper industry.
SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2012
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GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Research at Kansas State University is exploring the use of lignin, a plant-based material, to stabilize and strengthen unpaved roads. The study found that adding lignin to soil can improve road cohesion and reduce erosion, potentially reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact.
Researchers found that adding a pretreatment step can increase the amount of ethanol obtained from switchgrass harvested in the fall. The study also showed that proper harvest time can significantly impact ethanol production, with spring harvesting resulting in more cellulose but also more lignin.
SourcePurdue University·JournalBioresource Technology·DateAug 31, 2011
The study of brown rot fungus Serpula lacrymans' genome reveals new insights into cellulose breakdown and its role in the global carbon cycle. The findings have significant implications for biofuel production and could lead to more efficient processes.
SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2011
A Purdue University study discovered a combination of enzymes in termite guts and symbionts that can efficiently break down woody biomass for biofuel production. The researchers found that the enzymes work together synergistically to release sugars from plant material, which is essential for creating biofuels like ethanol.
SourcePurdue University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 5, 2011
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Laccase enzymes have been found to contribute significantly to lignification in Arabidopsis, playing a central role in the formation of this biopolymer. The study's findings suggest that genetic engineering of laccases could lead to improved saccharification and biofuel production.
SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 30, 2011
A study by UC Riverside's Charles Wyman and colleagues found a correlation between the S/G ratio and increased sugar yields in poplar tree candidates. The research could lead to less expensive production of biofuels with no pretreatment required, reducing the price of liquid transportation fuels.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2011
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have unraveled the mystery of how lignin precursors are transported across cellular membranes, a crucial step in breaking down plant barriers for efficient biofuel production. The discovery reveals that ABC-like transporters play a key role in sequestering and transporting these precursors.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2010
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a more efficient technique for producing biofuels from woody plants, reducing waste and increasing efficiency. The new method uses gaseous ozone to break down lignin and release carbohydrates, eliminating solid and liquid waste.
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