Editorial:

Harnessing plant biomass for biofuels and biomaterials

By Christoph Benning and Eran Pichersky

…Concerned citizens from scientists to policy makers have recognized the need for a reliable, renewable and affordable source of carbon in its chemically reduced form that can sustain future economic developments without having a negative impact on the environment. Discussion of solutions to overcome the current dependence on fossil carbon is conducted at all levels of society. The conversion of light energy into chemical energy by plant photosynthesis ranks prominently among the natural processes that can potentially meet the challenge. Plant biologists and biochemists are therefore at the forefront of developing schemes and ideas for an emerging bioeconomy that sustainably harnesses plant biomass.

To contribute to the ongoing discussion in this area, we present in this special issue a series of reviews that describe the multiple biochemical processes that plants can or could use to convert their fixed carbon into fuels and other useful products. Rather than advocate a specific process or compound, these invited peer-reviewed articles by leading plant biologists and biochemists focus on the scientific facts behind the production of plant biofuels such as ethanol or biodiesel, as well as other important chemicals that are often unique to plants…

SPECIAL ISSUE: Harnessing plant biomass for biofuels and biomaterials

GLBRC researchers Christoph Benning, Kenneth Keegstra, John Ohlrogge and Markus Pauly contributed to this issue.