Plant Deconstruction

Deconstruction UW-Madison professor of chemical and biological engineering James Dumesic is developing a renewable method for deconstructing and separating biomass into three separate sugar streams—lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose (above, left to right). The process makes use of a plant-based chemical solvent called gamma valerolactone (GVL), which is more efficient and affordable than most deconstruction methods.

UW–Madison researchers, including those working at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, are focused on creating a competitive and environmentally sustainable biofuel economy. To achieve that goal, our plant deconstruction experts focus on identifying the best combinations of enzymes, chemicals, and physical processing methods for enhancing the digestibility of specific biomass crops.