Anaerobic microorganisms facilitate native lignin deconstruction via targeted cleavage of interunit linkages (e.g., β–O–4 bonds), selective lignin side-chain modification, and removal of lignin–carbohydrate crosslinks (e.g., ferulate ester cleavage). We discuss emerging mechanisms and their potential to advance lignocellulosic biorefineries through synthetic microbial consortia and consolidated bioprocessing strategies.
