Depolymerization of biorefinery lignin by improved laccases of the white-rot fungus Obba rivulosa

Janne Wallenius, Jussi Kontro, Christina Lyra, Jaana Kuuskeri, Xing Wan, Mika A. Kähkönen, Irshad Baig, Paul C.J. Kamer, Jussi Sipilä, Miia R. Mäkelä, Paula Nousiainen, Kristiina Hildén*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Fungal laccases are attracting enzymes for sustainable valorization of biorefinery lignins. To improve the lignin oxidation capacity of two previously characterized laccase isoenzymes from the white-rot fungus Obba rivulosa, we mutated their substrate-binding site at T1. As a result, the pH optimum of the recombinantly produced laccase variant rOrLcc2-D206N shifted by three units towards neutral pH. O. rivulosa laccase variants with redox mediators oxidized both the dimeric lignin model compound and biorefinery poplar lignin. Significant structural changes, such as selective benzylic α-oxidation, were detected by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, although no polymerization of lignin was observed by gel permeation chromatography. This suggests that especially rOrLcc2-D206N is a promising candidate for lignin-related applications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2140-2151
Number of pages12
JournalMicrobial Biotechnology
Volume14
Issue number5
Early online date26 Jul 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2021
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

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