Finding may boost biofuels

Scientists say they have discovered a potential key to more efficient biofuel production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Biofuels are a source of energy created by processing fast-growing plants as opposed to matter that has taken millions of years to form.

A team of scientists from the UK, Belgium and the US has identified a new enzyme associated with lignin, a major component of plant cell walls that limits their conversion to energy by reducing the accessibility of sugar molecules necessary for biofuel production.