Lignocellulosic biomass is an important feedstock for a potential future bio-based economy. Owing to its compact structure, suitable decomposition technologies will be necessary to make it accessible for biotechnological conversion. While chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis are currently established methods, a promising alternative is provided by fast pyrolysis. The main resulting product thereof, referred to as pyrolysis oil, is an energy-rich and easily transportable liquid. Many of the identified constituents of pyrolysis oil, however, have previously been reported to display adverse effects on microbial growth. In this Opinion we discuss relevant biological, biotechnological, and technological challenges that need to be addressed to establish pyrolysis oil as a reliable microbial feedstock for a bio-based economy of the future.

木质纤维素生物质是潜在的未来生物基经济的重要原料。由于其紧凑的结构，将需要合适的分解技术以使其可用于生物技术转化。尽管化学和酶促水解是目前确立的方法，但快速热解提供了一种有前途的替代方法。其主要所得产物称为热解油，是一种能量丰富且易于运输的液体。但是，以前已经报道了许多鉴定出的热解油成分对微生物的生长有不利影响。在本意见中，我们讨论了将热解油确立为未来基于生物的经济的可靠微生物原料时需要解决的相关生物，生物技术和技术挑战。