Lignin Valorization Via Laccase-Assisted Functionalization
[3]
- Quaid-i-Azam Univ., Islamabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences
- Univ. of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC (Canada). Dept. of Wood Science
- Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (United States). Dept. of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Dept. of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, Center of Renewable Carbon; Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). Joint Inst. for Biological Sciences, Biosciences Division
With the diminishing supply of the world’s petroleum reserves and increasing environmental concerns, a heightened focus has been placed upon developing bio refineries to sustainably convert lignocellulosics to fuels, chemicals and materials. Furthermore, woody biomass represents a promising bio resource due to its abundance, renewability, and biodegradability. Lignin is an irregular polyphenolic macromolecule that typically constitutes ~15-35% of woody biomass. The pulp and paper industry produces lignin on the scale of millions of tons each year as a by-product of the pulping process. Traditionally, lignin has been viewed as a waste material that is combusted in the pulping process. But, in recent decades, there have been increased efforts devoted towards the conversion of lignin into value-added commodities, such as bio fuels, biomaterials, and bio-based chemicals. The valorization of lignin can be regarded as a necessary step for the development of lignocellulosic-based integrated bio refineries. Owing to the phenolic structure of lignin, it is possible to enzymatically graft molecules onto its surface using laccases (benzenediol: oxygen oxidoreductases, EC 1.10.3.2) to create exciting novel biomaterials. These environmentally friendly enzymes use oxygen as their only co-substrate and produce water as their sole by-product, and as a result have found compelling industrial applications. This mini-review highlights recent advances in the field of laccase-facilitated functionalization of lignin as well as promising future directions for lignin-based polymers.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC05-00OR22725
- OSTI ID:
- 1376582
- Journal Information:
- BAOJ Chemistry, Vol. 2, Issue 2; ISSN 9999-0012
- Publisher:
- BioAccentCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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