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Bacteria and lignin degradation

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Frontiers of Biology in China

Abstract

Lignin is both the most abundant aromatic (phenolic) polymer and the second most abundant raw material. It is degraded and modified by bacteria in the natural world, and bacteria seem to play a leading role in decomposing lignin in aquatic ecosystems. Lignin-degrading bacteria approach the polymer by mechanisms such as tunneling, erosion, and cavitation. With the advantages of immense environmental adaptability and biochemical versatility, bacteria deserve to be studied for their ligninolytic potential.

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  1. State key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Agro-Microbial Resource and Application, Ministry of Agriculture, Center of Biomass Engineering, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China

    Jing Li, Hongli Yuan & Jinshui Yang

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  1. Jing Li
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  2. Hongli Yuan
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Li, J., Yuan, H. & Yang, J. Bacteria and lignin degradation. Front. Biol. China 4, 29–38 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11515-008-0097-8

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