Published Feb. 11, 2026

bioproduction facility floor with tanks and workers in PPE

Summary: This method produces polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastic co-polymers from lignin-derived mixed carboxylic acid streams.

Applications

  • Production of bioplastics and sustainable polymer materials
  • Conversion of lignin-derived byproducts in biorefineries
  • Development of aromatic PHA co-polymers

Advantages/Benefits

  • Produces biocompatible feedstocks suitable for microbial growth
  • Combines both aliphatic and aromatic acids in a single process
  • Eliminates additional processing steps or additional reagents, simplifying conversion to bioplastics

Background

Efficient use of lignin, a complex and heterogeneous aromatic polymer, is essential for building sustainable biorefineries. Conventional methods for lignin conversion often require extensive chemical processing, such as pH adjustment and added reagents, while the poor bioavailability of aromatic acids has further limited microbial polymer production. This invention overcomes these challenges by combining lignin-derived aliphatic and aromatic acid streams into a balanced, pH-neutral feedstock that microbes can directly convert into valuable PHA co-polymers.

Technology Overview

Researchers at Berkeley Lab’s Joint BioEnergy Institute, Sandia National Laboratories, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison have developed a process to produce polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) co-polymers directly from lignin, an abundant plant byproduct. The method combines two lignin-derived liquid streams: an aliphatic acid-rich stream from oxidative catalytic fractionation (pH < 5) and an aromatic acid-rich stream from base-catalyzed depolymerization (pH > 9) to create a balanced feedstock with a pH of ~7 that microbes can readily consume. Four microbial strains (Pseudomonas putida KT2440, Cupriavidus necator H16, Thermus thermophilus HB27, and E. coli LSBJ) were tested, and three showed clear PHA accumulation confirmed by Sudan Black B staining. By eliminating the need for pH adjustment or extra reagents, the process simplifies production and enables the creation of aromatic-containing PHA co-polymers with potentially greater strength and durability.

Development Stage

TRL 3: Proof of Concept 

Inventors:

  • Erica Majumder
  • Hemant Choudhary

Status

Patent pending 

Opportunities

Available for licensing or collaborative research