Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases in Biomass Conversion

The derivation of second-generation biofuels from non-edible biomass is viewed as crucial for establishing a sustainable bio-based economy for the future. The inertness of lignocellulosic biomass makes its breakdown for conversion into fuels and other compounds a challenge. Enzyme cocktails can be utilized in the bio-refinery for lignocellulose deconstruction but until recently their costs were regarded as high. Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) offer tremendous promise for further process improvements owing to their ability to boost the activity of biomass-degrading enzyme consortia. Combining data from multiple disciplines, progress has been made in understanding the biochemistry of LPMOs. We review the academic literature in this area and highlight some of the key questions that remain.

TrendsLPMOs have emerged as key enzymes utilized in biology for the degradation of biomass.The identification of new LPMO families and LPMOs within already known families with new enzyme activities is considerably expanding our knowledge of biomass degradation in biology.Efforts to understand the chemistry of these enzymes, which catalyze one of the most challenging oxidations in Nature, has important implications beyond biomass breakdown.Demonstrable benefits of LPMO action on industrially-relevant biomass offer increased hope for the development of a more sustainable bio-based economy for the future.