Development of methodologies for a rational solvent design for the enzymatic depolymerization of lignin

Amid rising demand for renewable resources, biomass conversion is key to a low-CO, economy. Lignin, the most abundant renewable aromatic polymer, is cost-effective, environmentally benign, and a potential alternative to petroleum-based chemicals:, Unlocking that value requires preserving lignin’s native linkages via mild methods such as enzymatic depolymerization - an approach that depends on effectively dissolving its poorly water-soluble macromolecules.