Lignin Valorization: Production of High Value-Added Compounds by Engineered Microorganisms

Lignin is the second most abundant polymer in nature, which also widely generated during biomass fractionation lignocellulose biorefineries. At present, of technical lignin simply burnt for energy supply although it represents richest natural source aromatics, and thus a promising feedstock generation value-added compounds. heterogeneous composition recalcitrant to degradation, with this substantially hampering its use. Notably, microbes have evolved particular enzymes specialized metabolic pathways degrade metabolize various aromatic components. In recent years, novel been designed allowing establish engineered microbial cell factories able efficiently funnel degradation products into few intermediates, representing suitable starting points synthesis variety valuable molecules. This review focuses on success cases (at laboratory/pilot scale) based systems engineering studies aimed at generating specialty chemicals, much emphasis production cis,cis-muconic acid, building block recognized industrial value plastic materials. The upgrade global waste stream promises sustainable product portfolio, will become an reality when economic issues related process scale up be tackled.