Laccase-assisted surface functionalization of lignocellulosics

Use of lignocellulosics has increased enormously in food packaging, composites and textile industries due to their advantages over other traditional materials which include renewability, biodegradability and low cost etc. Lignocellulosic biomass, a major raw material in such industries usually displays a very poor microbial and moisture resistance. Biografting provides innovative solutions to increase the performance of lignocellulosics with new properties including strength and stiffness, resistance to moisture and microbial attack. Biografting of antibacterial and other organic molecules on lignocellulosic biomass is an environmentally friendly and best approach to incorporate desired functionalities for successful industrial applications. Laccase, lipases, peroxidases are among the enzymes being investigated for biografting of organic molecules onto lignin for improved properties of lignocellulosic biomass. Lack of availability of suitable antibacterial molecules in large amounts and cost-effectiveness are the major problems for the commercialization of this method.