LIGNIN VALORIZATION : MICROORGANISMS AND ENZYMES AT THE HEART OF THE PROCESS

Overview & Synopsis

Lignins represent an abundant but bottomless natural source of aromatic compounds. Several biological steps are involved in biological valorization of lignins (Figure 1). The valorization of lignins into molecules of interest requires a depolymerization step that can be catalysed by extracellular ligninolytic enzymesc, by followed by the utilization of the aromatic compounds liberated by microbial cells via intracellular metabolisms. It allowed the production of energy and various molecules of interest. Most of enzymes implicated in these steps are oxidoreductases from ligninolytic microorganisms (fungi and bacteria).