Iron incorporation both intra- and extra-cellularly improves the yield and saccharification of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) biomass

Abstract Background Pretreatments are commonly used to facilitate the deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass its component sugars and aromatics. Previously, we showed that iron ions can be as co-catalysts reduce severity dilute acid pretreatment biomass. Transgenic iron-accumulating Arabidopsis rice plants exhibited higher content in grains, increased yield, importantly, enhanced sugar release from Results In this study, intracellular ferritin (FerIN) alone combination with an improved version cell wall-bound carbohydrate-binding module fused iron-binding peptide (IBPex) specifically targeting switchgrass, a bioenergy crop species. The FerIN switchgrass by 15% height 65% whereas FerIN/IBPex transgenics enhancement up 30% 115% yield. had 27% 51% planta accumulation than empty vector (EV) control, respectively, under normal growth conditions. Improved pretreatability was observed (~ 14% more glucose EV), further 24%. Conclusions We conclude strategy transferred model applied crops, such switchgrass. intra- extra-cellular incorporation approach improves digestibility, providing upgraded feedstocks for production biofuels bioproducts.