Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a lignin extraction method that could enhance biomass processing efficiency and advance sustainable biofuel production, AI Circle reported.
The study, led by postdoctoral research associate Tirath Raj in collaboration with Vijay Singh, Executive Director of the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory, focuses on increasing the value obtained from biofuel crops while lowering environmental impact and processing costs.
Lignin, a natural polymer that gives plants strength and resistance to diseases, has long posed challenges for biofuel researchers because it is difficult to break down and separate. Conventional pretreatment methods typically rely on high heat and pressure to open plant cell walls and release fermentable sugars. However, these processes often damage lignin and consume significant energy while also reducing sugar quality.
The newly developed technique uses Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES), which are made from naturally occurring substances such as sugars, organic acids, and amino acids. These solvents remain liquid at room temperature and can disrupt lignin’s structure without requiring heat or pressure. As a result, the process reduces energy use and environmental impact.
The research team found that certain NADES formulations can extract lignin while preserving its original structure, avoiding the dense forms commonly produced by thermal treatments. This allows lignin to be used in a wider range of applications, including aromatic chemicals, bio-based oils, and materials for polymers and composites. The method also enables clean separation of lignin from cellulose and hemicellulose, improving overall biomass processing.
“The ability to retain lignin’s native structure unlocks its potential for further chemical transformations,” the study noted, highlighting uses beyond fuel production.
Maintaining lignin quality could help transform it from a low-value byproduct into an important raw material for biorefineries, supporting industries such as renewable chemicals and sustainable materials.
The NADES approach also offers economic advantages. Operating costs are lower than those of traditional hydrothermal methods, and the solvents can be reused multiple times without losing effectiveness. In addition, the process improves cellulose recovery and sugar yields, strengthening its potential for commercial biofuel production.
Researchers described the method as adaptable to various biomass sources, including agricultural residues and dedicated energy crops such as Miscanthus, making it suitable for large-scale use across different regions.
The project is part of a broader collaboration involving several Department of Energy Bioenergy Research Centers, all working toward better ways to extract and use lignin for high-value chemical production.
By addressing a longstanding challenge in biomass conversion, the researchers believe the technology could help move biofuels closer to wider adoption while supporting biorefineries capable of producing fuels, chemicals, and advanced materials from a single source.
The findings underscore growing efforts to make biofuels more economically practical and environmentally responsible, with improved lignin recovery seen as a key step toward more efficient biorefineries and a circular economy.
