Fragmentation of eucalyptus and sugarcane kraft lignin using laccase enzyme in the hydrodynamic cavitation process

• Grant number: 25/14089-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2026
• End date: December 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Enzymology
• Principal Investigator: Anuj Kumar
• Grantee: Allana Sampaio dos Santos
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/12559-6 - Bio-valorization of lignin from Kraft pulp mills through establishment of Pulp-Ligcon metagenome sequencing, AP.JP

Abstract

Given the current scenario of climate change, the depletion of non-renewable energy sources, and the goals established by the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the valorization of plant biomass emerges as a promising and efficient alternative for planetary decarbonization. In this context, the full utilization of lignocellulosic biomass fractions becomes essential for the economically and environmentally sustainable development of biorefineries. To achieve both profitability and sustainability in plant biomass processing, all biomass fractions must be harnessed for the production of energy and value-added inputs. Consequently, the effective refining of lignocellulosic materials requires pretreatment steps followed by the conversion of the resulting fractions. The cellulosic fraction is commonly used for second-generation ethanol production and energy generation through thermoconversion in industrial boilers; however, the lignin stream remains underutilized, currently being employed mainly for energy generation. In light of this, lignin-a complex polyphenolic macromolecule-holds great potential for the production of commercially valuable bioproducts. Therefore, further research efforts are required to improve the fractionation and application of lignin, particularly kraft lignin. This project proposes the enzymatic modification of kraft lignin using laccase fromTrametes versicolor and the application of simultaneous catalytic processes-specifically, enzyme-assisted hydrodynamic cavitation. (AU)