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Metabolism of the lignin model compounds veratrylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether and 4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

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Abstract

The white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium metabolized the lignin model compounds veratylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether I and 4-ethoxy-3-methoxy-phenylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether V in stationary culture under an atmosphere of 100% oxygen and under nitrogen limiting conditions. 2-(o-methoxyphenoxy)-ethanol VII was identified as a product of the metabolism of both substrates. Veratryl alcohol and 4-ethoxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol IV were identified as metabolites of I and V respectively. Metabolites were identified after comparison with chemically synthesized standards by mass spectrometry. These results indicate the existence of an enzyme system capable of directly cleaving the etherated dimers I and V at the α, β bond. The additional identification of 2-(o-methoxyphenoxy)-1,3 propanediol IX as a metabolic product indicates that cleavage of the alkyl-phenyl bond of these dimers or their metabolites also occurs.

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Abbreviations

GLC:

Gas liquid chromatography

TMSi:

trimethylsilyl

TLC:

Thin layer chromatography

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Enoki, A., Goldsby, G.P. & Gold, M.H. Metabolism of the lignin model compounds veratrylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether and 4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether by Phanerochaete chrysosporium . Arch. Microbiol. 125, 227–231 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00446881

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00446881

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