Engineered Pseudomonas putida: a Versatile Chassis for Lignin Valorization

Abstract

Lignin, a renewable aromatic polymer abundant in plant cell walls, represents a promising feedstock for producing high-value products. Lignin valorization offers a sustainable alternative to fossil-derived aromatics, playing a pivotal role in advancing the bioeconomy. However, the heterogeneous structure of lignin poses significant challenges for effective utilization. Pseudomonas putida has emerged as a premier microbial chassis for lignin bioconversion, owing to its innate capacity to catabolize aromatic compounds and its compatibility with advanced genetic engineering tools. This review explores the potential of P. putida as a versatile platform for lignin valorization, aligning with sustainable development goals. The unique metabolic and genetic advantages of P. putida in addressing lignin’s structural complexity were summarized, along with a discussion of cutting-edge gene editing technologies to enhance bioconversion efficiency. Furthermore, current advances, persistent challenges, and future directions was discussed by using P. putida chassis to maximize the synergy between synthetic biology and lignin valorization. By integrating current breakthroughs with emerging opportunities, this work could underscore the transformative role of P. putida-driven biotechnologies in advancing a lignin-based circular bioeconomy.