Evaluating laccase-facilitated coupling of phenolic acids to high-yield kraft pulps

In an effort to alter the physical properties of high-yield kraft, fibers were treated at high consistency (20%) with laccase and syringic, vanillic, or 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Treatment with laccase and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid resulted in a 20-point increase in kappa number and a 100% increase in bulk acid groups. ESCA analysis of the treated and untreated pulp revealed that the laccase-grafted fibers had a two-fold enrichment in acid groups, strongly suggesting a laccase-facilitated coupling of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid to the fiber surface. A model system consisting of lignin-coated cellulosic fibers was developed to determine changes to the lignin structure during laccase grafting. ³¹P NMR analysis of lignin from the model system revealed an increase in acid groups with a concomitant decrease in phenolic hydroxyl groups.