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Updated: Feb 15, 2026
07:51
Combining Raman Imaging and Multivariate Analysis to Visualize Lignin, Cellulose, and Hemicellulose in the Plant Cell Wall
Published on: June 10, 2017
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Laccase-derived lignin compounds boost cellulose oxidative enzymes AA9
Lívia Brenelli1,2,3, Fabio M Squina3, Claus Felby1
11Faculty of Science, Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
Biotechnology for Biofuels
|January 27, 2018
Summary
Laccase enzymes depolymerize lignin, releasing phenolic molecules that activate lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) to enhance cellulose hydrolysis. However, co-incubation can inhibit LPMOs due to oxygen competition, highlighting challenges in simultaneous lignin and cellulose degradation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Lignin activates lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) for polysaccharide oxidation, revealing complex interactions in lignocellulose degradation.
- Simultaneous expression of lignin- and carbohydrate-active enzymes in nature suggests synergistic potential.
- Investigated if laccase, a lignin oxidase, could enhance LPMO activity by depolymerizing lignin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the synergistic potential of laccase and LPMOs in lignocellulose degradation.
- To determine if laccase-mediated lignin depolymerization can activate LPMOs for enhanced cellulose hydrolysis.
- To identify challenges and benefits of co-applying laccase and LPMO enzymes.
Main Methods:
- Used two fungal laccases with a mediator (ABTS) to isolate low-molecular-weight lignin from biomass.
- Utilized isolated lignin as an electron donor to activate LPMOs.
- Assessed the activity of a cellulolytic cocktail containing LPMO with and without laccase co-incubation.
Main Results:
- Laccase-isolated lignin directly correlated with increased LPMO activity in cellulose hydrolysis.
- Co-incubation of laccase with LPMOs showed substrate competition for oxygen, inhibiting LPMO activity.
- Laccase treatment of cellulose resulted in modifications that increased recalcitrance to enzymatic saccharification.
Conclusions:
- Laccase systems effectively depolymerized lignin, releasing phenolic molecules that boosted cellulose enzymatic hydrolysis by activating LPMOs.
- Co-application of laccase and LPMO requires careful consideration of oxygen competition and enzyme consumption rates.
- This study highlights both the potential benefits and drawbacks of using multiple oxidase enzymes for simultaneous lignin and cellulose degradation.
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