Nanostructure of lignocellulose and its importance for biomass conversion into chemicals and biofuels

Lignocellulosic biomass is a vast renewable resource made by nature with a hierarchical structure going from entire plants down to simple molecules. Part of this structural hierarchy stands at the nanoscale, where cellulose crystals, crystal aggregates, and cell wall lamellas are distinguishable nanostructural elements. This chapter provides an overview of lignocellulose nanostructure, discussing the fundamentals, changes promoted by thermochemical treatments, relevance for enzymatic digestibility, and specificities of sugarcane. With proper consideration of nanostructural features, more rational and efficient deconstruction of lignocellulose can be devised for the purpose of conversion into chemicals and biofuels.