Lignin‐modifying enzymes: a green and environmental responsive technology for organic compound degradation

The applications of enzymes have reached an increasing prominence in the scenario of biocatalysis, stimulated mainly by advances in biotechnological processes to obtain products of high added value. The justification for this is the relevant growth of industrial activities that promote the production of various organic contaminants. Thus, enzymes offer the potential to improve industrial processes used in the food, pharmaceutical, textile, pulp and paper sectors. Specifically, the lignin‐modifying enzymes (LMEs) produced by white rot fungi are versatile biocatalysts. Due to their high specificity, a higher yield of biotechnological processes can be achieved, allowing one to obtain biodegradable products and reducing the amount of waste generated. Thus, evaluating the ligninolytic capacity of these enzymes can be a practical approach from the point of view of bioremediation to develop sustainable procedures in the treatment of recalcitrant organic compounds. In this context, this review provides an overview of the use of LMEs in industrial applicability, as well as their potential in contaminant degradation. Besides, this approach emerges to elucidate further the mechanisms of action and properties of LMEs, which have been gaining relevance in the context of lignocellulosic biorefinery. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).