Biotechnological and Biochemical Utilization of Lignin

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the biosynthesis and structure of lignin. Moreover, examples of the commercial use of lignin and its promising future implementation are briefly described. Many applications are still hampered by the properties of technical lignins. Thus, the major challenge is the conversion of lignins into suitable building blocks or aromatics in order to open up new avenues for the usage of this renewable raw material. This chapter focuses on details about natural lignin degradation by fungi and bacteria, which harbor potential tools for lignin degradation and modification, which might help to develop eco-efficient processes for lignin utilization.

A DyP-Type Peroxidase of Pleurotus sapidus with Alkene Cleaving Activity

“…During the following reaction cycle, Compound I is reduced by oxidation of two substrate molecules to the state during enzyme resting state in two sequential steps with Compound II as intermediate. However, the existence of Compound II has not been confirmed universally for all DyP-type peroxidases [17]. In the presence of excessive hydrogen peroxide suicide inhibition was observed for different DyPs [18,19].…”

“…An increase of the hydrogen peroxide concentration led to a continuous activity decrease. Suicide inhibition in the presence of excess hydrogen peroxide is well known for classical peroxidases as a result of the formation of an inactive oxidative state (Compound III) by reaction of H 2 O 2 and Compound II [20,21], even if the existence of Compound II has not been confirmed for DyP-type peroxidases universally [17]. However, inhibition of other DyPs in the presence of higher hydrogen peroxide concentrations has been reported [18,19].…”

Sustainable Synthesis of p-Hydroxycinnamic Diacids through Proline-Mediated Knoevenagel Condensation in Ethanol: An Access to Potent Phenolic UV Filters and Radical Scavengers

“…Faced with growing consumer demand for bio-based or natural products and the need to become less dependent on fossil resources, industry is turning to eco-friendlier products and processes. In this context, lignin and related chemicals (e.g., lignans, phenolic acids) appear as a valuable source of sustainable aromatic building blocks [1,2]. Indeed, p-hydroxycinnamic acids and their derivatives can be readily extracted from different biomasses and be further (chemo-)enzymatically modified [3][4][5][6] to provide them with physicochemical and biological properties of interest in various fields, such as antioxidants [7][8][9] and anti-UV compounds [10][11][12].…”

Design of Controlled Release System for Paracetamol Based on Modified Lignin

“…Lignin is a natural biopolymer with a number of beneficial properties including biodegradability and biocompatibility [10,11,12,13,14]. Recently, the use of lignin is increasing as a sustainable polymer for preparing carbon fibers [15], biofuels, bioplastics and controlled release carriers [16,17,18,19,20,21]. Due to the existence of different functional groups in the lignin structure such as phenolic, hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, lignin can be chemically modified to enhance drug delivery and to control drug release [22,23,24].…”