Efficient O-demethylation of lignin monoaromatics using the peroxygenase activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes

Chem Commun (Camb). 2022 Dec 1;58(96):13321-13324. doi: 10.1039/d2cc04698a.

Abstract

A crucial reaction in harnessing renewable carbon from lignin is O-demethylation. We demonstrate the selective O-demethylation of syringol and guaiacol using different cytochrome P450 enzymes. These can efficiently use hydrogen peroxide which, when compared to nicotinamide cofactor-dependent monooxygenases and synthetic methods, allows for cheap and clean O-demethylation of lignin-derived aromatics.

MeSH terms

  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System* / metabolism
  • Demethylation
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Lignin*

Substances

  • peroxygenase
  • Lignin
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System
  • Hydrogen Peroxide