Genetically engineered poplar wood effectively enhances the efficiency of deep eutectic solvent-mediated one-pot processing

Abstract

Although lignocellulosic biomass is a renewable resource with the potential to replace fossil-derived fuels and chemicals, its recalcitrance, largely due to lignin, limits its utilization. Recent advancements in genetic engineering have produced transgenic trees with reduced lignin content and/or modified lignin structure without compromising growth traits. Here, three engineered poplar varieties are evaluated as feedstocks using a biocompatible one-pot deep eutectic solvent-mediated process that integrates biomass fractionation and enzymatic saccharification within a single reactor, eliminating water washing and reconditioning. All transgenic poplars exhibit higher fermentable sugar yields than wild-type (WT) trees. Notably, QsuB poplar, incorporating 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate in lignin, achieves the highest glucose conversion yield of 91.3% (vs. 73.0% from WT). AT5 and MdCHS3 poplars, incorporating ferulate esters and naringenin, also demonstrate improved glucose yields (86.7 and 84.7%, respectively), confirming reduced biomass recalcitrance. Additionally, residual lignins are valorized via hydrogenolysis into phenolic compounds, with comparable alkylphenol production across all lines. These findings demonstrate that the transgenic poplar lines not only serve as superior feedstocks for sugar conversion but also provide a rich resource for phenolic compound production, enhancing the operational and economic viability of integrated biorefinery processes.