Lignins are known to be responsible for the recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass but also to be an abundant source of aromatic molecules with interesting properties (antioxidants, antibacterial ...) for many industries. Therefore, the valorization of lignins by their depolymerization is a promising sustainable development approach and an alternative to fossil resources still too much used to produce aromatic molecules. However, existing processes often require expensive and environmentally unfriendly conditions, and/or are usually limited by low yields and the release of unsustainable heterogeneous products.

The VALBIOELEC (Lignin VALorizations by BIO-ELECtro-refinery) project aims to overcome some of these limitations through the design and development of bio-electrochemical reactors operating with redox ligninolytic enzymes combined with electrodes. These systems will allow the coupling of enzymatic and electrochemical redox reactions through heterogeneous electron transfers. This coupling will catalyze both the depolymerization and the refining of lignins in order to release homogeneous aromatic molecules. In addition, these reactors will operate as enzymatic fuel cells capable of producing electrical energy. This project will be carried out in collaboration with Michigan State University and the Fungal Biodiversity and Biotechnology Laboratory of Marseille.

Contact : sofiene abdellaoui, sofiene.abdellaoui@univ-reims.fr