The simultaneous application of oxidative and hydrolytic enzyme systems has been proposed for the deconstruction of biomass in the papermaking, biofuels, and lignin valorization industries. Such a green method for the delignification of lignocellulosics is anticipated to significantly decrease adsorbable organohalogen byproducts that would otherwise be generated via traditional chorine-based processes. Laccase and xylanase have been shown to have utility as oxidative and hydrolytic delignification agents, respectively, when applied in separate stages; however, these enzymes cannot be used simultaneously, as laccase, with its requisite redox mediator to extend its action to nonphenolics, promotes xylanase inactivation. Laccase is also susceptible to modification by the oxidized mediator. Our work has focused on identifying methods to limit enzyme inactivation, such as enzyme immobilization. We also seek to identify the limits of oxidation of the nonphenolic lignin model compound veratryl alcohol to veratraldehyde by the laccase mediator system using 1-hydroxybenzotriazole as mediator. Ultimately we aim to develop conditions for a mixed enzyme system with reduced enzyme damage and maximized delignification.

Mixed enzyme systems for biomass delignification

2019 Spring National Meeting

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