Demonstration of laccase-based removal of lignin from wood and non-wood plant feedstocks

▸ A laccase-mediator treatment removed lignin from whole woody and nonwoody feedstocks. ▸ A high-redox potential laccase and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (as mediator) were used. ▸ This laccase-mediator treatment was combined with an alkaline peroxide extraction. ▸ 2D NMR analyses revealed oxidative removal of lignin aromatic units and side-chains. ▸ The enzymatic pretreatment increased the sugar and ethanol yields.