Core Viewpoint - The research team at the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology has achieved a significant breakthrough in the efficient synthesis of microbial oils and proteins from lignin, which is crucial for advancing green biomanufacturing of agricultural by-products like straw [1] Group 1: Technological Breakthrough - The team has innovatively combined genome base editing technology with droplet microfluidic ultra-high-throughput screening strategies to create engineered strains that efficiently degrade lignin while simultaneously synthesizing oils and proteins [1] - Lignin, known for its complex three-dimensional network structure and chemical stubbornness, has posed a significant challenge in industrial biotechnology for efficient biological degradation and conversion [1] Group 2: Challenges and Solutions - Existing technologies face multiple bottlenecks, including low efficiency of degradation enzyme systems, long breeding cycles for superior strains, and difficulties in directing carbon flow within cells [1] - To address these challenges, the research team utilized a lignin-degrading strain of Bacillus subtilis as the chassis and developed a copper ion-induced MCM5-AID base editing system, significantly enhancing the genetic diversity of the strain [1] Group 3: Industrial Application Potential - The team successfully selected a mutant strain M6 with significantly improved laccase activity through droplet microfluidic high-throughput screening technology, demonstrating excellent stability and potential for industrial applications [1]