Synthetic biology-driven lignin valorization

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Lignin is the most abundant renewable carbon-neutral aromatic polymer resource in nature, serving as an ideal feedstock for the sustainable production of energy, chemicals, and materials. Currently, biological conversion represents one of the most promising pathways for lignin valorization. However, the structural heterogeneity of lignin hinders its valorization. Developing advanced strategies for directional lignin depolymerization and bioconversion is a cutting-edge research frontier. Emerging synthetic biology and artificial intelligence technologies provide novel approaches for enhancing lignin valorization. This review outlines the design principles of aromatic lignin depolymerization and conversion pathways, with a focus on three major routes for lignin valorization through synthetic bioman-ufacturing. Furthermore, prospects for lignin bioconversion research and applications empowered by synthetic biology and artificial intelligence are discussed.