Utilization of dimeric lignin model compounds by mixed bacterial cultures

Abstract

The degradation of dimeric phenylpropanoid lignin model compounds using mixed bacterial cultures was studied. The six model compounds contained the most common linkages of lignin: β-O-4, β-β, β-5, and β-1. The results indicate that it is possible to enrich bacteria which are able to degrade all these compounds. Bacteria were also able to use these dimers as the sole source of carbon for growth. In view of these results it seems probable that bacterial inability to degrade polymeric lignin is due to the physical properties such as the molecular size of lignin.