Mechanisms of Lignin-Degrading Enzymes

Lignin is abundant in nature. It is a potentially valuable bioresource, but, because of its complex structure, it is difficult to degrade. However, enzymatic degradation of lignin is effective. Major lignin-degrading enzymes include laccases, lignin peroxidases, and manganese peroxidases. In this paper, the mechanisms of degradation of lignin by these three enzymes is reviewed, and synergy between them is discussed.