Engineering the bioconversion of lignocellulose: Pretreatment, detoxification, and microbial innovations

School of Sciences, Woxsen University, Hyderabad - 502345, Telangana, India.

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Published online: 19 June 2026

Abstract

Biomass consisting of lignocellulose may be a viable source of renewable feedstock; however, it contains cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin that protect the carbon in these polymers from degrading by microorganisms and/or enzymes. Therefore, pretreatment is necessary to make carbohydrates more accessible for the downstream conversion of sugars into microbial products. This article discusses four major forms of pretreatment (alkali, acid, steam explosion, ionic liquid) and how each affects the number of sugars released from lignocellulosic biomass, as well as the amount of inhibitor formed during pretreatment and the effects of inhibitors on microbial conversion of sugars to ethanol, organic acids and biogas. Additionally, it describes how to detoxify and improve yeast strains to minimize the effects of inhibitors on microorganisms and explores consolidated bioprocessing and genetically engineered yeast strains as ways to simplify processes, lower costs and increase yields in biorefineries. By linking the pretreatment methods to microbial yield of products from sugars produced, this review serves as a guide for sustainable decision-making regarding integrated biorefinery design to create a more sustainable bioeconomy.