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Pei Z, Liu X, Chen J, Wang H, Li H. Research Progress on Lignin Depolymerization Strategies: A Review. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2388. [PMID: 39274021 DOI: 10.3390/polym16172388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
As the only natural source of aromatic biopolymers, lignin can be converted into value-added chemicals and biofuels, showing great potential in realizing the development of green chemistry. At present, lignin is predominantly used for combustion to generate energy, and the real value of lignin is difficult to maximize. Accordingly, the depolymerization of lignin is of great significance for its high-value utilization. This review discusses the latest progress in the field of lignin depolymerization, including catalytic conversion systems using various thermochemical, chemocatalytic, photocatalytic, electrocatalytic, and biological depolymerization methods, as well as the involved reaction mechanisms and obtained products of various protocols, focusing on green and efficient lignin depolymerization strategies. In addition, the challenges faced by lignin depolymerization are also expounded, putting forward possible directions of developing lignin depolymerization strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengfei Pei
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management, Invasive Alien Species in Guizhou Education Department, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang 550005, China
| | - Xiaofang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management, Invasive Alien Species in Guizhou Education Department, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang 550005, China
| | - Jiasheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide & Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, State-Local Joint Laboratory for Comprehensive Utilization of Biomass, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Huan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide & Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, State-Local Joint Laboratory for Comprehensive Utilization of Biomass, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Hu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide & Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, State-Local Joint Laboratory for Comprehensive Utilization of Biomass, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
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Pena C, Rodil E, Rodríguez H. Capacity of Aqueous Solutions of the Ionic Liquid 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Acetate to Partially Depolymerize Lignin at Ambient Temperature and Pressure. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:1136-1145. [PMID: 38183298 PMCID: PMC10797632 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c04047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Lignin is a very attractive and abundant biopolymer with the potential to be a biorenewable source of a large number of value-added organic chemicals. The current state-of-the-art methods fail to provide efficient valorization of lignin in this regard without the involvement of harsh conditions and auxiliary substances that compromise the overall sustainability of the proposed processes. Making an original approach from the set of mildest temperature and pressure conditions, this work identifies and explores the capacity of an aqueous solution of the nonvolatile ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C2mim][OAc]) to partially depolymerize technical lignin (Indulin AT) by means of a treatment consisting in the simple contact at ambient temperature and pressure. Among a considerable number of valuable phenolic molecules that were identified in the resulting fluid, vanillin (yield of about 3 g/kg) and guaiacol (yield of about 1 g/kg) were the monophenolic compounds obtained in a higher concentration. The properties of the post-treatment solids recovered remain similar to those of the original lignin, although with a relatively lower abundance of guaiacyl units (in agreement with the generation of guaiacyl-derived phenolic molecules, such as vanillin and guaiacol). The assistance of the treatment with UV irradiation in the presence of nanoparticle catalysts does not lead to an improvement in the yields of phenolic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos
A. Pena
- CRETUS, Department of Chemical
Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de
Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Eva Rodil
- CRETUS, Department of Chemical
Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de
Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Héctor Rodríguez
- CRETUS, Department of Chemical
Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de
Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Kang Y, Lu X, Xu J, Zhou Q, Zhang G, Xin J, Yan D, Sayed IEITEI. The ionic liquids upon perchlorate to promote the C-C/C-O bonds cleavage in alkali lignin under photothermal synergism. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 255:128125. [PMID: 37984571 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Transforming lignin into aromatic monomers is critically attractive to develop green and sustainable energy supplies. However, the usage of the additional catalysts like metal or base/acid is commonly limited by the caused repolymerized and environmental issues. The key step is to mediate electron transfer in lignin to trigger lignin C-C/C-O bonds cleavage without the catalysts mentioned above. Here, we report that the ionic liquids [BMim][ClO4] was found to trigger lignin electron transfer to cleave the C-C/C-O bonds for aromatic monomers without any additional catalyst. The proton transfer from [BMim]+ to [ClO4]- could polarize the anion and decrease its structure stability, upon which the active hydroxyl radical generated and induced lignin C-C/C-O bonds fragmentation via free radical-mediated routes with the assistance of photothermal synergism. About 4.4 wt% yields of aromatic monomers, mainly composed of vanillin and acetosyringone, are afforded in [BMim][ClO4] under UV-light irradiation in the air at 80 °C. This work opens the way to produce value-added aromatic monomers from lignin using an eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and simple route that may contribute to the sustainable utilization of renewable natural resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Kang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xingmei Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Junli Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Guangjin Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Jiayu Xin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Dongxia Yan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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Zhao ZM, Liu ZH, Zhang T, Meng R, Gong Z, Li Y, Hu J, Ragauskas AJ, Li BZ, Yuan YJ. Unleashing the capacity of Rhodococcus for converting lignin into lipids. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 70:108274. [PMID: 37913947 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Bioconversion of bioresources/wastes (e.g., lignin, chemical pulping byproducts) represents a promising approach for developing a bioeconomy to help address growing energy and materials demands. Rhodococcus, a promising microbial strain, utilizes numerous carbon sources to produce lipids, which are precursors for synthesizing biodiesel and aviation fuels. However, compared to chemical conversion, bioconversion involves living cells, which is a more complex system that needs further understanding and upgrading. Various wastes amenable to bioconversion are reviewed herein to highlight the potential of Rhodococci for producing lipid-derived bioproducts. In light of the abundant availability of these substrates, Rhodococcus' metabolic pathways converting them to lipids are analyzed from a "beginning-to-end" view. Based on an in-depth understanding of microbial metabolic routes, genetic modifications of Rhodococcus by employing emerging tools (e.g., multiplex genome editing, biosensors, and genome-scale metabolic models) are presented for promoting the bioconversion. Co-solvent enhanced lignocellulose fractionation (CELF) strategy facilitates the generation of a lignin-derived aromatic stream suitable for the Rhodococcus' utilization. Novel alkali sterilization (AS) and elimination of thermal sterilization (ETS) approaches can significantly enhance the bioaccessibility of lignin and its derived aromatics in aqueous fermentation media, which promotes lipid titer significantly. In order to achieve value-added utilization of lignin, biodiesel and aviation fuel synthesis from lignin and lipids are further discussed. The possible directions for unleashing the capacity of Rhodococcus through synergistically modifying microbial strains, substrates, and fermentation processes are proposed toward a sustainable biological lignin valorization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Min Zhao
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau (Ministry of Education), School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tongtong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau (Ministry of Education), School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Rongqian Meng
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau (Ministry of Education), School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Zhiqun Gong
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau (Ministry of Education), School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Yibing Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau (Ministry of Education), School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau (Ministry of Education), School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Arthur J Ragauskas
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; Joint Institute of Biological Science, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States; Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, Center for Renewable Carbon, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States.
| | - Bing-Zhi Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Ying-Jin Yuan
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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Gao H, Wang J, Liu M, Wang S, Li W, An Q, Li K, Wei L, Han C, Zhai S. Enhanced oxidative depolymerization of lignin in cooperative imidazolium-based ionic liquid binary mixtures. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 357:127333. [PMID: 35598774 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aerobic oxidation of lignin model 2-phenoxyacetophenone (2-PAP) in cooperative ionic liquid mixtures (CoILs) with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C2C1im]OAc) and 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([BZC1im]NTf2) was investigated. Complete degradation of 2-PAP was achieved with [C2C1im]OAc/[BZC1im]NTf2 molar ratio (RIL) of 1/1 and 1/2 at 100 °C for 2 h. The conversion and product yields from CoILs were higher than those in pure ILs, indicating the cooperative effects of [C2C1im]OAc/[BZC1im]NTf2 on cleaving aryl-ether bonds. [C2C1im]OAc promoted the catalytic cleavage of aryl-ether bonds and solvation, and [BZC1im]NTf2 induced the formation of alkyl radicals and enhanced the product selectivity. Accordingly, the highest conversion of alkali lignin (79.8%) was obtained with RIL of 5/1 at 100 °C for 2 h, and phenol monomers (306 mg/g) were selectively produced. The CoILs exhibited good catalytic capacities for oxidative depolymerization of lignin, which strongly depends on the changes in intermolecular interactions and structural organization with varying RIL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailian Gao
- School of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Jiebin Wang
- School of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Meixuan Liu
- School of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Shunxin Wang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Wenbo Li
- School of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Qingda An
- School of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry and Biomaterials, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Kunlan Li
- School of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Ligang Wei
- School of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China.
| | - Chi Han
- School of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Shangru Zhai
- School of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry and Biomaterials, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
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Insight into the dual effect of water on lignin dissolution in ionic liquids. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 205:178-184. [PMID: 35182559 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.02.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The dual regulation of water on lignin in ionic liquids was studied at the molecular level by molecular dynamics simulation. The simulation results show that a small amount of water will destroy the ion association in ionic liquids, that is, it will produce more free anions and cations. The free ions around lignin are conducive to the dissolution of lignin. On the contrary, excess water will seriously solvate anions and cations. By changing the number of lignin clusters, it is more intuitive to observe that the dissolution of lignin in ILs containing a small amount of water is stronger than that in pure IL, however, the dissolution ability of lignin is reduced after adding a large amount of water in ILs. It is concluded that with the increase of water content, water changes from co-solvent to anti-solvent in the dissolution process. This study provides ideas for the design of IL-water system for economic pretreatment of biomass.
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