Convergent evolution of lignin synthesis in lycophytes reveals a novel pathway to engineer biomass composition. This discovery provides potential tools for improving digestibility and properties of biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol.
SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateApr 6, 2010
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Researchers at NC State will analyze the role of 33 lignin-producing genes in black cottonwood trees to determine how they impact lignin content. The study aims to develop a mathematical model to create specific types and levels of lignin suited for various applications.
Researchers have developed a new technique to track solubilization during an ionic liquid pretreatment of biomass, enabling rapid evaluation of various ionic liquids. The method uses auto-fluorescence and visualization techniques to monitor cellulose and lignin during the process.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateJul 10, 2009
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed an eco-friendly way to dissolve wood using ionic liquids, a process that could transform into biofuels, textiles, and paper. The new method uses mild conditions of temperature and pressure, producing low toxicity and biodegradability.
SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateMay 20, 2009
Researchers have discovered lignin, a key component of wood, in marine algae, challenging the long-held assumption that it is unique to land plants. The finding provides a new perspective on the early evolution of support tissues and may affect how land plants are distinguished from aquatic algae.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 27, 2009
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Researchers have developed a genetic modification that modifies the connections in lignin, making it easier to break down and access cellulose for ethanol production. The modified plants show increased sugar yields without compromising plant strength or lignin content.
Researchers have discovered that a fundamental building block in flowering plants evolved independently from lycophytes, an ancient plant group. This finding has significant implications for understanding plant biology and developing more efficient biofuel production methods.
SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2008
Researchers aim to create a new technology that stabilizes soil for road construction, improving the environment and cellulosic ethanol industry. Soil conditions in Iowa often require mixing chemicals to improve strength, but current practices have limitations.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective pretreatment process that integrates three technologies to produce bioethanol from corn stover. The new process generates four valuable products, including amorphous cellulose, hemicellulose sugars, lignin, and acetic acid.
The JGI has sequenced the genome of Phanerochaete chrysosporium, a basidiomycete fungus capable of degrading lignin and transforming xenobiotics. The availability of this genome will spur industrial and bioremediative uses for these organisms.
SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 3, 2004
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Scientists at Purdue University have cloned a gene that improves the digestibility of food for livestock and enhances the stress tolerance of plants. The study's findings have potential applications in breeding more productive and resilient crop varieties.
SourcePurdue University·JournalMolecular Genetics and Genomics·DateApr 11, 2003
Researchers at North Carolina State University have successfully reduced lignin content in aspen trees by 45-50% through genetic modification. This reduction increases cellulose content and accelerates tree growth, offering economic and environmental advantages for the wood, paper, and pulp industries.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2003
Researchers used advanced analytical technique to study extinct plant species Asteroxylon, finding evidence of two structural biopolymers in its cell wall. This discovery suggests that the plant had the capacity to biosynthesize lignin, a key factor in plant colonization and evolution.
Researchers have identified a single genetic locus in the squash genus Cucurbita that controls phytolith production and plant defense. This discovery will help archaeologists determine whether ancient plants were domesticated or wild varieties by analyzing their phytolith content and cell configurations.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2002
Researchers discuss using lignin, a natural polymer from wood, to replace oil-derived resources in industrial materials and make them biodegradable. Lignin can be used in various products, including automotive brake pads, wood panels, and insulation boards.
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A team of researchers at Michigan Technological University has identified a gene responsible for producing syringyl lignin, a unique type of lignin found in hardwood trees. This discovery provides new insights into the evolution of angiosperms and their mechanical advantages over gymnosperms.
SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 11, 2001
Researchers at Michigan Tech have genetically engineered a new breed of aspen that produces up to 15% more cellulose and grows significantly faster than regular aspen. This could translate into huge gains for the pulp and paper industry, with potential savings of billions of dollars.
SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 28, 1999