Microbial Degradation of Lignocellulose for Sustainable Biomass Utilization and Future Research Perspectives

Mengke Chen, Qinyu Li, Changjun Liu, Er Meng and Baoguo Zhang ()
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Mengke Chen: Hunan Engineering Research Center of Lotus Deep Processing and Nutritional Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
Qinyu Li: Hunan Engineering Research Center of Lotus Deep Processing and Nutritional Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
Changjun Liu: Hunan Engineering Research Center of Lotus Deep Processing and Nutritional Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
Er Meng: Hunan Engineering Research Center of Lotus Deep Processing and Nutritional Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
Baoguo Zhang: Lab of Biorefinery, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.99 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-22

Abstract: Lignocellulose, as Earth’s most abundant renewable biomass, represents a crucial resource for the production of biofuels and biochemicals, it is of great significance for sustainable development. Microbial degradation offers a promising pathway for transforming lignocellulose into valuable products. This review explores the diversity and classification of lignocellulose-degrading microorganisms, focusing on fungi and bacteria and their respective enzyme systems responsible for breaking down cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Key factors influencing degradation efficiency, including environmental conditions, substrate complexity, and microbial interactions, are thoroughly analyzed. Limitations in microbial degradation are also discussed, notably the need for identifying high-activity strains. Additionally, the review outlines future research directions, emphasizing the application of advanced technologies such as genomics, synthetic biology, and machine learning to optimize microbial degradation processes. These insights aim to enhance lignocellulose utilization efficiency, fostering its broader industrial and agricultural applications.

Keywords: lignocellulose degradation; microbial enzyme systems; biomass utilization; sustainable biofuels (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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