Oxidation of Lignin Monomers

You have reached the page dedicated to the research of lignin monomers. This page was created by Stephanie Saey and will be maintained by Zelinda Taylor. Stephanie was a 2018 Biochemistry/Biopsychology graduate and Zelinda is currently a Junior Biochemistry research student.

Abstract

The biosynthesis of the lignin polymer occurs through oxidative coupling between three basic monomers: p-coumaryl alcohol, coniferyl alcohol, and sinapyl alcohol. The chemical structure of each lignin monomer includes a characteristic phenol group that contributes stability to the assumed radical intermediate formed upon oxidation. In this work, immobilized horseradish peroxidase was used to oxidize the coniferyl alcohol and to directly detect the radical intermediate using immobilized enzyme - ESR spectroscopy (IE-ESR). Oxidation products were analyzed by HPLC and findings will be discussed in terms of both lignin and lignan synthesis.