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Enzymatic coating of lignocellulosic surfaces with polyphenols
Marc Schroeder1, Nina Aichernig, Georg M Guebitz
1Institute of Engineering Materials and Design, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.
Biotechnology Journal
|January 30, 2007
Summary
Researchers used laccase enzyme to modify flax fibers, creating colored and antibacterial surfaces. This process enhances natural fibers for new applications by covalently coupling phenolic compounds.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Naturally abundant fiber materials can be upgraded to enhance bulk properties and create value-added products.
- Laccase enzymes facilitate cross-linkage and covalent coupling of low molecular weight compounds onto lignocellulosic surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To purify and characterize laccase from Trametes hirsuta.
- To determine optimal conditions for laccase-induced coating of flax fibers.
- To screen phenolic monomers for enzyme-catalyzed polymerization to impart antibacterial properties.
Main Methods:
- Purification and characterization of 38-kDa laccase from Trametes hirsuta.
- Optimization of reaction conditions for laccase-mediated coating of flax fibers.
- Screening of various phenols (methoxyphenols, ferulic acid, hydroquinone) as monomers for enzyme-catalyzed polymerization.
Main Results:
- Optimal conditions for laccase-induced flax fiber coating were established, assessed by coloration and color depth.
- Enzyme-catalyzed polymerization of ferulic acid and hydroquinone significantly reduced bacterial growth of Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Methoxyphenols resulted in coloration but exhibited weak fastness properties.
Conclusions:
- Laccase-mediated coupling and polymerization can create multi-functional lignocellulosic surfaces.
- Surface functionalities achieved include coloration and antimicrobial performance, dependent on the phenolic monomer used.
- This approach offers a method for enhancing natural fibers for advanced applications.
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