Fig. 1

Applications of genetically encoded biosensors in lignin valorization. Transcriptional biosensors allow the coupling of aromatic monomer or sugar release detection (input) with the expression of a distinct measurable output. Reporter-based outputs can be applied in real-time metabolite monitoring and high-throughput screening of large mutant libraries using FACS. Inputs coupled to an actuator output can afford the dynamic control of enzymatic pathways according to the input level or provide an adaptive advantage under selective conditions through adaptive laboratory evolution, allowing the enrichment of high-producing strains