Lignin from Transgenic Poplar Is Easier to Process
Lignin is an important plant cell wall component that provides structural support and vascular functions. It is one of the most abundant organic polymers on Earth, constituting about 30 percent of non-fossil organic carbon. However, the chemical structure of lignin is difficult to break down by chemical and enzymatic means, posing a challenge to bioenergy processing and papermaking. An enzyme called feruloyl-CoA:monolignol transferase (FMT) has been found and isolated from the Angelica sinensis plant. It is known that this enzyme produces chemicals that weaken lignin structures. Genetically engineering other species to contain this enzyme could lead to more easily digested and fermented plant matter.
UW–Madison researchers and others have developed genetically modified poplars with lignin that is less resistant to alkaline degradation. Having previously identified and isolated the gene for FMT, the researchers introduced the nucleic acid sequence into poplar tissue. The enzyme produced lignin rich in monolignol ferulates, including coniferyl ferulate and sinapyl ferulate. The transformed lignin thus contained ester bonds that cleaved under relatively mild ammonia conditions. The poplar cells were modified using standard genetic techniques.
- Poplar lignin is easier to break down.
- Plants are fertile and pass FMT gene to next generation.
- Lignin exhibits up to 30 percent increase in monolignol ferulate content.
- Conversion of poplar and lignocellulosic biomass for biofuels and industrially important chemicals
- Production of pulp for papermaking
The development of this technology was supported by the WARF Accelerator Program. The Accelerator Program selects WARF’s most commercially promising technologies and provides expert assistance and funding to enable achievement of commercially significant milestones. WARF believes that these technologies are especially attractive opportunities for licensing.
For current licensing status, please contact Jennifer Gottwald at jennifer@warf.org or (608) 262-5941.