Graphene enhanced transformation of lignin in laccase-ABTS system by accelerating electron transfer

The degradation of lignin has attracted much attention since it represents approximately 30% of all non-fossil carbon sources and constitutes a sustainable bio-resource for fuels and aromatic derivatives. Here we investigated the degradation of lignin by laccase-catalysed reactions using 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethybenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) as a mediator coupled with the carbon material graphene. Results indicated that there was a significant, two-fold, increase in the catalytic activity of lignin degradation in laccase-ABTS systems in the presence of graphene. Analysis suggested that the enhancement of lignin degradation could be attributed to graphene acting as an electron transfer conductor, thereby accelerating electron transfer, which facilitated the formation of intermediate oxidation states of ABTS and rendered the reactions between lignin and ABTS intermediates more efficient. This study could promote the development of novel enzymatic lignin degradation systems coupled with the carbon-based material graphene.