Chapter 3 - Role of laccase in the pulp and paper industry

Abstract

Laccase is a promising enzyme with incredible ability to revolutionize the pulp and paper industry. In addition to effective delignification and whitening of pulp, laccases are likely to participate in pitch control processes by removing lipophilic content from woody and nonwoody pulp. Laccases can improve the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of pulp by forming lignin-based reactive radicals or enhancing the function of lignocellulosic fibers. Due to the presence of interesting catalytic properties, these enzymes have gained increasing importance in deinking, biografting, biofuels production, and a vast number of aromatic compound synthesis. Laccase attacks catalyze the conversion of densely colored and toxic compounds in paper and pulp-originated effluents to nontoxic substances via polymerization and depolymerization reactions. Notably, the properties of laccases are based on its redox potential and oxygen availability. Numerous studies are currently under progress for developing recombinant laccases for successful implementation of laccases at the industrial level. In this chapter, we provide an updated and comprehensive information on the role of laccase in paper and pulp industry.