Biodegradation of Lignin by Laccase for Conversion of Biomass to Fuel: Analysis of Substrate Binding

摘要

Laccases play an important role in biodegradation of lignin, particularly by mediation with easily oxidizable phenolic compounds through a radical-catalyzed reaction. Such processes may potentially be considered for turning lignocellulosic biomass into fuel. In this work, in order to better understand effects of the phenolic compound bulkiness, binding propensity of six substrates that vary in steric hindrance was considered. Changes in binding affinity, also upon mutation, were analyzed for a range of laccases. The results reveal the potential for improved binding of various laccases and their mutations, to be considered in future work.