Engineering strategies to optimize lignocellulosic biorefineries

Lignocellulosic biorefineries may be applied to produce value-added products, such as chemicals, biofuels and bioplastics, from biomass, thereby reducing carbon emissions compared with fossil fuel-based products. However, efficient biomass valorization remains challenging owing to limitations in yields and economic viability. In this Review, we discuss engineering strategies to improve lignocellulosic biomass-based production, including approaches to optimize biomass deconstruction, substrate utilization, productivity, strain robustness and fermentation stability. We further highlight the importance of systems and synthetic biology tools, artificial intelligence, and automation in the design and scale-up of lignocellulosic biorefineries, emphasizing the integration of techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment. These tools may assist in investigating microbial metabolism, accelerating microbial metabolic engineering, enhancing substrate-to-product bioconversion, and optimizing the economics and environmental impact of biorefineries. Biomass, such as lignocellulose, can be processed into value-added products and energy, offering a promising solution for carbon-neutral chemical and fuel production. This Review discusses engineering strategies, including systems and synthetic biology approaches, to optimize lignocellulose biorefineries.