Lignin-Derived Aromatics in Sugarcane Biorefinery

Sugarcane produces significant amounts of lignocellulosic waste, including sugarcane bagasse and straw, which can be used as cost-effective sources of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB). Lignin, the second most abundant biopolymer in these waste streams, can be converted into valuable lignin-derived aromatics for various purposes. However, the complex and heterogeneous structure of lignin makes it challenging to extract efficiently. This chapter provides an overview of the current status and future prospects of producing lignin-derived aromatics from sugarcane biorefinery. It covers the characteristics and extraction methods of sugarcane lignin, the depolymerization methods for breaking it down, and strategies for converting obtained aromatics into value-added bioproducts including approaches through microbial and metabolic engineering. Successful integration of lignin-derived aromatics can enhance the economic viability and environmental sustainability of sugarcane processing. Further research and innovation are needed to develop efficient and scalable processes for the production and utilization of these valuable lignin-derived compounds.