In a significant breakthrough, researchers at North Carolina State University (NC State) have harnessed the power of CRISPR gene-editing technology to develop poplar trees with reduced lignin levels.

Lignin has long been a major hurdle in achieving sustainable wood fiber production.

Published in the journal Science, this research opens doors to more efficient and environmentally friendly fiber manufacturing processes, Sci-Tech Daily has reported.

The findings hold the potential to revolutionize fiber production for a wide range of applications, including paper and diapers, by making it greener, more affordable, and highly efficient.

Under the leadership of CRISPR pioneer Rodolphe Barrangou and tree geneticist Jack Wang, the NC State research team employed predictive modeling to establish targets for lignin reduction, increasing the carbohydrate-to-lignin (C/L) ratio, and enhancing the ratio of two vital lignin components – syringyl to guaiacyl (S/G) – in poplar trees.

These specific chemical characteristics represent an optimal scenario for fiber production, as determined by Barrangou and Wang.

Written by staff