Development of a One-Pot Enzymatic Approach for the Delignification and Bioconversion of Lignocellulose into Bioproducts

Project leads:

• University of Warwick: Professor Tim Bugg from the Chemistry Department
• Monash University Malaysia: Associate Professor Ooi Chien Wei (Edward) from the Chemical Engineering Department

Agricultural activities generate vast amounts of plant-based waste, such as rice straw, wheat straw, and palm residues. While this biomass is rich in cellulose, which is a key source of sugars for producing a range of valuable products like textiles, renewable fuels and biodegradable plastics, it is locked behind lignin, a tough component that makes conversion difficult. Current methods to remove lignin rely on harsh chemicals and high energy inputs, which are costly and harmful to the environment. This project aims to create a cleaner, more efficient solution.

This project brings together two areas of expertise: scientists at Warwick specialize in enzymes that break down lignin, while researchers at Monash focus on turning agricultural waste into useful products using microbes. By combining these strengths, the team aims to create a single, streamlined process that removes lignin, releases sugars, and converts plant waste into valuable bioproducts, all in one step.

To do this, they will study an enzyme called Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD), produced by a bacterium namedSphingobacterium sp. T2. They’ll test two approaches, one using the enzyme to directly to treat biomass, the other using the bacteria itself, in isolation and alongside other microbes.

Why does this matter for communities?
This research tackles two major challenges: agricultural waste management and sustainable production. Instead of burning or discarding crop residues, which contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gases, farmers and industries could turn waste into treasure, cleanly. This creates new income streams, supports rural economies, and reduces environmental harm. In the long term, the technology could help build a circular economy where waste becomes a resource, lowering reliance on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions.