TY - JOUR
T1 - Vanillin from lignin-chemicals platform
T2 - An overview on current chemo- and biocatalytic processes
AU - De Simone, Mario
AU - O. Martins, Lígia
N1 - Funding Information:
This work has received funding from the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking under the EU's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program under Grant agreement no. 837890. Funda\u00E7\u00E3o para a Ci\u00EAncia e Tecnologia (FCT) funded MOSTMICRO-ITQB R&D Unit (UIDB/04612/2020, UIDP/04612/2020), LS4FUTURE Associated Laboratory (LA/P/0087/2020), and a Ph.D. grant (2020.08246.BD). Additionally, the contribution of COST Action COZYME (CA21162) and a LignoCOST (CA17128) by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) from the European Union are acknowledged for funding networking, exchange of knowledge and collaborations in the field of enzyme engineering and lignin valorization.
Funding Information:
This work has received funding from the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking under the EU\u2019s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program under Grant agreement no. 837890 . Funda\u00E7\u00E3o para a Ci\u00EAncia e Tecnologia (FCT) funded MOSTMICRO-ITQB R&D Unit ( UIDB/04612/2020 , UIDP/04612/2020 ), LS4FUTURE Associated Laboratory ( LA/P/0087/2020 ), and a Ph.D. grant (2020.08246.BD). Additionally, the contribution of COST Action COZYME ( CA21162 ) and a LignoCOST ( CA17128 ) by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) from the European Union are acknowledged for funding networking, exchange of knowledge and collaborations in the field of enzyme engineering and lignin valorization.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Authors
PY - 2025/12
Y1 - 2025/12
N2 - Lignin is a major aromatic biopolymer in plant cell walls and represents a promising renewable carbon source. Upon depolymerization, lignin can yield a variety of aromatic compounds, forming a versatile chemical platform for producing high-value chemicals, among them vanillin, a widely used flavouring agent across multiple industries. However, due to its structural complexity and inherent recalcitrance, efficient lignin depolymerization and conversion remain significant challenges. This review outlines both chemical and enzymatic lignin depolymerization strategies, focusing on recent advances in valorisation into vanillin. Enzymatic approaches are highlighted for their sustainability and potential to achieve high yields. Moreover, techniques such as protein engineering, whole-cell bioconversions, and enzyme immobilization are discussed to overcome current limitations in enzymatic processes. The review concludes with perspectives on future developments in enzyme design, process optimization, and integrated lignin biorefinery strategies, emphasizing the central role of protein engineering in driving the circular bioeconomy forward.
AB - Lignin is a major aromatic biopolymer in plant cell walls and represents a promising renewable carbon source. Upon depolymerization, lignin can yield a variety of aromatic compounds, forming a versatile chemical platform for producing high-value chemicals, among them vanillin, a widely used flavouring agent across multiple industries. However, due to its structural complexity and inherent recalcitrance, efficient lignin depolymerization and conversion remain significant challenges. This review outlines both chemical and enzymatic lignin depolymerization strategies, focusing on recent advances in valorisation into vanillin. Enzymatic approaches are highlighted for their sustainability and potential to achieve high yields. Moreover, techniques such as protein engineering, whole-cell bioconversions, and enzyme immobilization are discussed to overcome current limitations in enzymatic processes. The review concludes with perspectives on future developments in enzyme design, process optimization, and integrated lignin biorefinery strategies, emphasizing the central role of protein engineering in driving the circular bioeconomy forward.
KW - Biocatalysis
KW - Enzyme immobilization
KW - Lignin valorization
KW - Protein engineering
KW - Sustainable bioprocesses
KW - Whole-cell catalysis
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105018972034
U2 - 10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100297
DO - 10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100297
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:105018972034
SN - 2949-8392
VL - 12
JO - Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment
JF - Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment
M1 - 100297
ER -
SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy