Alternative and renewable fuels derived from lignocellulosic biomass offer a promising alternative to conventional energy sources, and provide energy security, economic growth, and environmental benefits. However, plant cell walls naturally resist decomposition from microbes and enzymes - this collective resistance is known as -biomass recalcitrance-. Breakthrough technologies are needed to overcome barriers to developing cost-effective processes for converting biomass to fuels and chemicals.

This book examines the connection between biomass structure, ultrastructure, and...