Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41599427›Full record

ReviewMolecules (Basel, Switzerland)2026

Advances in Integrated Lignin Valorization Pathways for Sustainable Biorefineries.

Mbuyu Germain Ntunka, Shadana Thakor Vallabh

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Mbuyu Germain NtunkaDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & The Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa.ORCID 0000-0001-7560-2450
Shadana Thakor VallabhDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & The Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Lignin, the most abundant renewable source of aromatic compounds, plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable biorefineries and reducing dependence on fossil resources. Recent progress in integrated lignin valorization pathways has unlocked opportunities to convert this complex biopolymer into high-value chemicals, materials, and energy carriers, despite its structural heterogeneity and recalcitrance posing major challenges. This review highlights the significant advancements in depolymerization strategies, including catalytic, oxidative, and biological approaches, which are reinforced by innovations in catalyst design and reaction engineering that enhance selectivity and efficiency. It also discusses emerging technologies, such as hybrid chemo-enzymatic systems, solvent fractionation, and continuous-flow reactors, for their potential to improve scalability and sustainability. Furthermore, this review examines the integration of lignin valorization with upstream pretreatment and downstream recovery, emphasizing process intensification, co-product synergy, and techno-economic optimization to achieve commercial viability. Despite these developments, critical gaps remain in understanding the molecular complexity of lignin, developing universally applicable catalytic systems, and optimizing economic and environmental performance. To guide future research, it poses two key questions: how to design catalysts for selective depolymerization across diverse lignin sources, and how to configure biorefineries for maximum lignin utilization while ensuring sustainability? Addressing these challenges will be essential for lignin's role in next-generation biorefineries and a circular bioeconomy.

Indexed as

biorefineriescatalytic systemsdepolymerization techniqueslignin valorizationprocess integrationsustainable bioeconomy

Identifiers

PMID41599427
PMCPMC12843774

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.