Enzymatic treatment of lignochemicals; adhesive and resin uses

The possibility of upgrading lignochemicals for use in the adhesives industry through the application of biotechnology was investigated. It was hypothesized that ligninolytic organisms or isolated ligninolytic enzymes might modify lignin in such a manner as to make it more reactive as a copolymer in adhesive manufacturing. The following discussion takes the form of three sections; the first discusses some background on lignin degradation and describes the isolation and characterization of fungal and recombinant ligninolytic enzymes. The second section describes the making of PVA/lignochemical glues and the results of modifying, both chemically and enzymatically, the lignochemicals used in those glues. Finally, the last section describes the effects observed upon treatment of a variety of lignochemicals, kraft lignins and lignosulfonates, with recombinant H8 (rH8), a lignin peroxidase whose gene was cloned from Phanerochaete chrysosporium.