Lignocellulose processing with oxidative enzymes

Since the successful introduction of commercial hydrolytic enzymes to lignocellulose processing, the next generation of oxidative enzymes are now entering the markets. Significant progress in molecular biology have enabled us to better understand the electron transfer mechanisms in the lignocellulosic substrates and improve the production of these enzymes at a commercial scale. The most intensively studied application is enzyme catalysed delignification, for which several concepts have been introduced. Recently, other applications, such as oxidative fibre modification or activation of lignin to replace traditional adhesives have been actively studied. However, in spite of extensive research, the underlying mechanisms are still only partially understood. This paper reviews recent advances in the application of oxidative enzymes for lignocellulose processing.