Modification of lignin in plants
- Detailed Technology Description
- Thistechnology is comprised of a method for reducing lignin content and alteringlignin composition in plants. Lignin is the second most abundant naturalproduct, contributing 20-30% of tree dry weight. Lignin is physically tough andchemically durable, making it problematic during processes like paperproduction, biomass utilization, and animal consumption. Lignin’s durabilitynecessitates the use of harmful chemicals for its treatment and removal.Reductions in lignin content of plants used as feedstock will lessen thedemands of the animal’s digestive system and decrease the amounts of harmfulwaste products. Any reduction in lignin or improvements to its digestibilitywould be of great economic value to the pulping and biomass industries.
- *Abstract
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Note: Rights are NOT available for corn, poplar,switchgrass, some forages, including alfalfa.
Technology Description
A method offacile implementation has been developed for reducing lignin content andaltering lignin composition by genetically engineering plants to reduce theactivity of at least one enzyme involved in lignin biosynthesis. Usingco-suppression, genetic/biochemical manipulation of regulatory elements,alterations to sequences, and (co)factors are all options for engineering. Thistechnology can be used to improve the digestibility and quality of many plants. The invention enables the reduction inlignin content up to 80%, thus greatly decreasing the chemical and energy use(costs) for lignin processing. Biomass resulting from this invention displays improveddigestibility of lignin containing feedstocks.
References and Intellectual Property
US Patent 6,441,272
Zhong R, Morrison WH 3rd, Himmelsbach DS,Poole FL 2nd, Ye ZH.: Essential role of caffeoyl coenzyme AO-methyltransferase in lignin biosynthesis in woody poplar plants. Plant Physiol. 2000 Oct;124(2):563-78
- Country/Region
- USA
