Cellulosic materials such as wood can be difficult to break down. This page provides resources to better understand cellulosic materials and their structures
Follow this link to learn more: http://nsm1.nsm.iup.edu/jford/projects/Cellulose/

Researchers from the US Department of Energy (DOE) Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) have developed an ionic liquid (IL)-tolerant bacterial cocktail for the pretreatment of cellulosic biomass at higher temperatures and in the presence of much higher IL concentrations than commercial fungal cocktails.
Follow this link to learn more: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/06/jbei-20120604.html

This set of class notes explains the chemical makeup of wood as well as general chemical properties
Follow this link to learn more: http://www.ipst.gatech.edu/faculty/ragauskas_art/technical_reviews/Chemical%20Overview%20of%20Wood.pdf

The genomes of two cellulase-producing fungi are compared to see if similarities and differences will elucidate enzyme properties that can be used for biofuel pretreatment.
Follow this link to learn more: http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v29/n10/abs/nbt.1976.html

What are some common problems in the lignocellulose-based ethanol production line? This review highlights some of the concerns for present and future technologies.
Follow this link to learn more: http://nabc.cals.cornell.edu/pubs/nabc_19/NABC19_5Plenary2_Gibbons.pdf

This study discusses the three elements of a wood-based biorefinery, as proposed by the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF): hot-water extraction, hydrolysis, and membrane separation/concentration.
Follow this link to learn more: http://www.mendeley.com/research/waterbased-woody-biorefinery/

Research discussing the use of acid in ionic liquid to hydrolyze lignocellulosic materials.
Follow this link to learn more: http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2008/GC/b711512a

Plant cell wall recalcitrance is one of the greatest hurdles in biofuel production. SciDAC is utilizing molecular biology and computer modeling to try to figure out how to minimize recalcitrance.
Follow this link to learn more: http://www.scidacreview.org/0905/pdf/biofuel.pdf

A genetically modified organism could turn carbon dioxide or waste products into a gasoline-compatible transportation fuel.
Follow this link to learn more: http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2012/genetically-modified-organism-can-turn-carbon-dioxide-into-fuel-0821.html

How easy is it to break down plant cells? This research tests various environmental conditions to find out how to break down cellulose and lignin efficiently.
Follow this link to learn more: http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/5/1/20