Abstract
Lignin is a major component of soil organic matter and also a rich source of carbon dioxide in soils. However, because of its complex structure and recalcitrant nature, lignin degradation is a major challenge. Efforts have been made from time to time to understand the lignin polymeric structure better and develop simpler, economical, and bio-friendly methods of degradation. Certain enzymes from specialized bacteria and fungi have been identified by researchers that can metabolize lignin and enable utilization of lignin-derived carbon sources. In this review, we attempt to provide an overview of the complexity of lignin’s polymeric structure, its distribution in forest soils, and its chemical nature. Herein, we focus on lignin biodegradation by various microorganism, fungi and bacteria present in plant biomass and soils that are capable of producing ligninolytic enzymes such as lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP), versatile peroxidase (VP), and dye-decolorizing peroxidase (DyP). The relevant and recent reports have been included in this review.
Highlights
Lignin is the most common aromatic organic compound found in the lignocellulose component of the plant cell wall
A relatively higher rate of lignin degradation is found in lower horizon of soil as compared to the upper horizon because the acid-to-aldehyde ratios of the vanillyl and syringyl units are greater in lower horizon
Lignin is the most important and common aromatic organic compound found in the plant cell wall, and becomes a major source of humic acid in soil
Summary
Lignin is the most common aromatic organic compound found in the lignocellulose component of the plant cell wall. The source of lignin in soil can be of plant origin or lignocellulosic waste from the food processing industry [2,3]. Lignin is an amorphic three-dimensional polymer composed of phenylpropanoid subunits It acts as a binding material and is involved in cross-linking of cellulose that provides extra strength, rigidity, and stiffness to the cell wall [6]. TThhee HHiigghh ssttaabbiilliittyy aanndd llooww ddeeggrraaddaabbiilliittyy ooff lliiggnniinn ssooiill ccoonnttrriibbuuttee ttoo iinnccrreeaassiinngghhuummuussfoforrmmaatitoionn[1[61]6.].ThTehceocpoppepr eorxoidxaidtiaotnio(nCu(COu) Om)emtheotdhoisdciosmcmomonmlyonulsyedusfeodr tfhoer cthhearcahcatrearcizteartiizoantiaonndanqduaqnutaifnictiafitcioantioonf olifglniginniinnisnosilo.ilO. These compounds reflect the origin and Sustainability 2017, 9, 1163 such as vanillyl, syringyl, and cinnamyl type compounds These compounds reflect the origin and extent of lignin decomposition in the soil. Studies have shown that biotic, aerobic, and co-metabolic degradation are the main processes involved in lignin degradation [18]
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