The plant cell wall is composed of lignocellulose, a heterogeneous amalgamation of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Given its widespread availability and renewability, it is considered to be a promising resource for alternative and sustainable energy production. Cellulose and hemicellulose are attractive components for the production of biofuels or synthons, because these polysaccharides can be biologically hydrolyzed to simple sugars, which, in turn, can be converted into ethanol or other high-value chemicals.

However, Efficient breakdown of lignocellulose polymers into simple molecules is a key technological bottleneck limiting the production of plant-derived biofuels and chemicals. In nature, plant biomass degradation is achieved by the action of a wide range of microbial enzymes.

Enzymes catalytic hydrolysis, solvolysis, liquefaction, pyrolysis, and hydrogenation are the major processes presently studied. This special issue also emphasized current challenges and future opportunities towards a rational design of novel functionalised heterogeneous catalysts for sustainable biomass valorisation.