Lignin-degrading enzymes: an overview

• Lignin is the second most abundant naturally produced organic polymer on earth. Lignin‐modifying enzymes (LMEs) are produced by the white‐rot fungi as products of secondary metabolism, since lignin degradation does not provide any energy to the fungus. The main oxidative enzymes include the peroxidases‐lignin peroxidase (LiP) (diarylpropane: oxygen, hydrogen peroxide oxidoreductase), manganese peroxidase (MnP) (Mn(II): hydrogen peroxide oxidoreductase) and versatile peroxidase (VP), and laccase (benzenediol: oxygen oxidoreductase). Additional oxidative enzymes named lignin‐degrading auxiliary (LDA) enzymes act in concert with the main degrading enzymes facilitating lignin degradation. Laccases belong to the so‐called blue‐copper family of oxidases. The enzyme laccase catalyzes the oxidation of paradiphenols, aminophenols, polyphenols, polyamines, lignin, and aryl diamines as well as some inorganic ions. This chapter concludes with the applications of lignin‐modifying enzymes, ligninolytic enzymes and implications for lignin degradation.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Industriell bioteknik -- Biokatalys och enzymteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Industrial Biotechnology -- Biocatalysis and Enzyme Technology (hsv//eng)

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