Lignin Biodegradation in Nature and Significance Singh Raj1, Upadhyay Sushil Kumar1,*, Rani Anju2, Kumar Permod2, Kumar Amit3, Singh Chhaya4 1Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana, India. 2Department of Botany, Subharti College of Science, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 3Department of Biotechnologyany, Subharti College of Science, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 4Division of Life Sciences, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Technology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand *Corresponding author: Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana, India. Email: upadhyay.k.sushil@gmail.com; dr.rajsingh09@gmail.com
Online published on 11 January, 2019. Abstract Lignin is the second most abundant aromatic biopolymer next to cellulose constituent of cell wall of vascular plants, where it acts as a structural component of support and conducting tissue. It is recalcitrant to degradation, and creates a barrier towards enzymatic attack by any microbes. It has been identified in primitive groups of plants such as ferns, club mosses and gymnosperms but absent in bryophytes and lower plants. To improve the processing of lignocellulosic feed stocks, humic compound in soil and CO2 Concentration in the environment, it's required to develop eco-friendly strategies. Lignin degradation has found in nature through the lignolytic enzymes of microbes. Enzymatic degradation of lignin involves five extracellular enzymes-(a) laccase; (b) lignin peroxidase (Lip); (c) manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP); (d)Versatile peroxidase (VP) and (e) Dye-Decolorizing Peroxidase (DyP). In the present study we discuss the structure of lignin, chemical nature and Enzymology. Authors focus on degradation of lignin through microorganisms found in the plant residues and soil that are capable of producing lignolytic enzymes, which in turn release lignin fractions in soil, hence increase soil fertility through humification. Top Keywords Lignocellulosic, Biodegradation, Microorganism, Soil fertility, Extracellular enzymes. Top |