PHD RESEARCH

In all cases catalytic and selective bioconversions that use lignin as a nutrition source will be the key step in the near future. The use of eco-friendly mediators easily available from lignocellulose, could contribute to the industrial implementation of laccases and the development of the 21^st century biorefineries.

The main objective of this study focuses on the bio-depolymerization of lignin and bark by using white-rot fungi. It produces a series of oxidative extracellular enzymes that combine efficiently and capable of completely degrades lignin to CO₂ and H₂O by biological means. The products of enzymatic depolymerization of lignin can be used as intermediates for the production of molecules with aromatic rings in its structure (e.g., phenolic compounds).

Lignin is the only renewable resource in the world that contains aromatic compounds and is available in large volumes, has the ability to introduce chemical functionality of these compounds to give a wide industrial application. It is necessary to do research on these processes of degradation from both standpoints: biological and traditional chemical synthesis. Additionally, comparing the lignin with other phenolic compounds, the first exists as a less toxic raw materials and lower price. These phenolics compounds found a large number of products and services highly demanded by society.

Ministry of Research & Innovation