Molecular Design and Functionalization of Biomass-Derived Materials: From Microbial Synthesis to Energy Applications

The transition toward carbon neutrality and a sustainable energy system has intensified the search for renewable carbon resources and environmentally responsible material platforms. Biomass is one of the most abundant renewable carbon resources on Earth and offers important advantages, including broad availability, biodegradability, low environmental impact, and structural diversity. Through biological conversion, molecular design, and functional engineering, biomass can be transformed into high-value materials, bio-based chemicals, and energy-related products. However, challenges remain in achieving precise control over biomass-derived molecular structures, improving the efficiency and scalability of microbial synthesis, and establishing clear relationships between material composition, structure, and function.This Research Topic aims to highlight recent advances in the molecular design, biosynthesis, functionalization, and application of biomass-derived materials. Particular attention will be given to the use of microorganisms, enzymes, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and biomolecular design strategies to produce or modify biomass-based materials with tailored properties. The topic will also address advanced approaches for improving mechanical, catalytic, electrical, thermal, barrier, and interfacial properties, as well as their applications in energy conversion, energy storage, environmental remediation, and sustainable biomanufacturing. By integrating molecular biosciences, biotechnology, materials science, and energy research, this Research Topic seeks to promote the development of scalable and practically relevant biomass-based technologies.We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Perspective, and Methods articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Molecular design strategies for biomass-derived polymers, biocomposites, bio-based chemicals, and functional macromolecules;o Microbial synthesis, enzymatic conversion, and metabolic engineering of biomass-derived materials;o Regulation of biosynthetic pathways and optimization of microbial production systems;o Synthetic biology and protein engineering for biomass conversion and material biosynthesis;o Biomass fractionation, pretreatment, depolymerization, and high-value component recovery;o Chemical, enzymatic, physical, and biological functionalization of biomass-derived materials;o Structure–property relationships and characterization of biomass-based materials;o Biomass-derived catalysts, membranes, hydrogels, aerogels, nanomaterials, and advanced composites;o Applications in batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and other energy-conversion or energy-storage systems;o Integration of biomass-based materials into sustainable biorefineries and circular bioeconomy systems;o Life-cycle assessment, techno-economic analysis, scalability, and practical implementation of biomass-based technologies.Priority will be given to experimental studies that combine innovative molecular or biological strategies with rigorous material characterization, functional validation, and clear prospects for practical application. Topic editors: Jingyu Xu, Zhengda Lin, Boyu Du, Ali Parsaeimehr, Daniela Lamas Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85618/molecular-design-and-functionalization-of-biomass-derived-materials-from-microbial-synthesis-to-energy-applications