Increasing production of second-generation biofuels – those made from non-food biomass such as switchgrass, biomass sorghum, and corn stover – would lessen human reliance on burning fossil fuels, which contributes to climate change. Several barriers have prevented the efficient conversion of that biomass, and lignin, a complex compound in cell walls was a big obstacle — until Purdue scientists found a way around it and further related problems. “We have a way of removing it and making useful products from it, as well as getting access to plant carbohydrates for production of biofuels,” said Nick Carpita, a professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology.