Reborn as Biofuel from 'Lignin'

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] A technology that effectively removes lignin, a major obstacle in the production of woody biomass biofuels, through genetic modification and chemical methods has been developed. If this technology is commercialized, the economic feasibility of biofuels and bioplastics is expected to improve significantly.

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) announced on the 14th that the research team led by Dr. Kwangho Kim of the Clean Energy Research Center developed a second-generation biofuel production process using lignin genetic transformation technology and a recyclable eco-friendly solvent.

The research team collaborated with researchers from the United States and Canada to efficiently remove lignin using lignin genetic transformation technology and recyclable eco-friendly solvents. Lignin constitutes 20-30% of woody biomass and is considered a barrier to biofuel production.

Through joint research with the U.S. Bioenergy Research Center, the team developed lignin genetic transformation technology. This technology laid the foundation for effectively removing lignin with a small amount of energy. Subsequently, Dr. Kim utilized a recyclable eco-friendly co-solvent he developed to dissolve lignin and produce biofuel. In particular, the team collaborated with UBC (University of British Columbia) in Canada to acquire economically viable and efficient biofuel production technology.

Dr. Kwangho Kim of KIST stated, "This research is the result of maximizing the core competencies of research teams from three countries to address the international agenda of developing climate change response technologies," adding, "We will develop national foundational technologies capable of responding to climate change in the future."