Abstract

The work proposed is aimed at developing an enzyme-based alternative technology for the chemical kraft pulping processing so as to avoid the usage of hazardous chemicals. The main objective is to understand the basic mechanism of enzymatic degradation of lignin by identifying the individual and synergistic role of the lignolytic enzymes:

• laccase,
• lignin and Mn-peroxidase,
• cellobiose dehydrogenase, and
• naturally occurring and synthetic mediators.

Genetic engineering of laccases, peroxidases, and cellobiose dehydrogenases will be performed to improve their stability and lignolytic properties. Kinetics of lignin degradation and degradation products will be monitored electrochemically and by GC/LC/MS. Novel lignin-sensing biosensor will be developed. Enzyme-based bleaching and/or control systems will be integrated into industrial process of pulp bleaching at a paper plant in Eastern Europe.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Tautgirdas RUZGAS / Lund University Department of Analytical Chemistry / SWEDEN

Participant

• Olga KOROLEVA / A N Bach Institute of Biochemistry Russian Academy of Sciences / RUSSIA
• Irina GAZARYAN / Moscow State University Division of Chemical Enzymology / RUSSIA
• Donal LEECH / National University of Ireland Department of Chemistry / IRELAND
• Andrzej LEONOWICZ / University M. Curie Sklodowska Department Of Biochemistry / POLAND