Lignin, a recalcitrant compound, forms very strong complexes with cellulose and hemicelluloses in plant materials, which serves as substrate for biofuels. Delignification of these substrates to yield pentose and hexose sugars is usually overcome by mechanical or chemical pretreatment methods. These methods generate toxic byproducts which inhibit the further processing of substrates. Bacterial enzymes, gene manipulations, medium formulations and synergistic effects of mixed cultures of bacteria offer better degradation of lignin. This method of biodegradation could serve as a cost effective and ecofriendly method towards production of second generation biofuels.

Keywords : Lignin; Biodegradation; Lignocellulose; Biofuel; Bacteria; Actinomycetes.