Encapsulated Laccases for the Room-Temperature Oxidation of Aromatics: Towards Synthetic Low-Molecular-Weight Lignins.

A new approach for the encapsulation of laccases with enhanced activity and stability by biomimetic silica mineralisation is reported. A range of lignin model compounds, which includes syringol, syringyl acid, 4-vinylphenol, gallic acid, vanillic acid and guaiacol, was oxidised to lignin-type polymers by the silica-immobilised laccase systems at room temperature. The oxidation rate of the immobilised systems was lower than that of the free enzyme counterparts, but interesting products were observed with the new bio-catalytic materials, which showed reusability and good stability.