Syringyl lignin production in conifers: Proof of concept in a Pine tracheary element system

Source abstract

Significance This study shows that metabolic engineering can be used to imbue pine tracheary elements with an ability to synthesize sinapyl alcohol, a lignin monomer not normally used for lignification in conifers such as pine. The dynamic nature of the lignification process enables pines to incorporate this monolignol, allowing them to produce hardwood-like lignins that are known to facilitate refining processes such as biofuel production and chemical pulping. The potential to improve the refining of conifer-derived biomass through lignin manipulations is important, as even small improvements in yield can lead to significant environmental and economic benefits in such processes.