title: Mechanistic insights into laccase-mediated functionalisation of lignocellulose material.
abstract: Recent emerging studies on the grafting mechanisms of functional molecules onto complex lignocellulose moieties have shown useful insights and possibilities in opening new frontiers in the enzymatic development of multifunctional polymers. Thanks to these studies which have demonstrated in principle the ability of laccases to mediate the coupling of antimicrobial compounds, hydrophobic molecules, including application processes for the development of fibreboards, particle boards, laminates etc. Further, laccase mediated grafting strategies developed using small reactive molecules e.g. phenolic amines which impart reactive properties to an inert polymer demonstrates the remarkable opportunities of enzyme meditated functionalization of polymers. Therefore recent studies focusing on understanding the mechanistic basis of the coupling mechanisms in order to make meaningful contribution to the development of new processes and products are a welcome development.
authors.affiliation: Graz University of Technology, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz, Austria. gnyanhongo@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Gibson
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nyanhongo
authors.forename: Tukayi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kudanga
authors.forename: Endry
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Prasetyo
authors.forename: Georg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Guebitz
mesh_terms: D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D042845:Laccase / Q000378:metabolism*; D008031:Lignin / Q000378:metabolism*; D010636:Phenols / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D010636:Phenols; C036909:lignocellulose; D008031:Lignin; D042845:Laccase