Unlocking Lignin's Potential: Engineered Bacterial Laccases to Produce Biologically Active Molecules.

ABSTRACT: Laccases are biocatalysts with immense potential in lignocellulose biorefineries to valorize emerging lignin monomers for sustainable chemicals. Despite reduced costs over the past two decades, enzymes remain a major expense in biorefining. Protein engineering can enhance enzyme properties and lower costs further. In this study, we used enzyme engineering tools to improve >400-fold the catalytic efficiency (k_cat/K_m) of a hyperthermostable bacterial laccase for 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, a lignin-related phenolic compound. Furthermore, this evolved variant showed improved activity at neutral to alkaline pH for hydroxycinnamyl alcohols, hydrocinnamic acids, phenylpropanoid and vanillyl derivatives. We optimized conditions for the synthesis of syringaresinol, dehydrodiconifery

SUBMITTER: Brissos V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11960585 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature