Coupling of aromatic amines onto syringylglycerol β-guaiacylether using Bacillus SF spore laccase: A model for functionalization of lignin-based materials

The potential of Bacillus SF spore laccase for coupling aromatic amines to lignin model molecules as a way of creating a stable reactive surface was investigated. The Bacillus spore laccase was shown to be active within the neutral to alkaline conditions (pH 7-8.5) and was more resistant to common laccase inhibitors than fungal laccases. Using this enzyme, tyramine was successfully covalently coupled onto syringylglycerol β-guaiacylether via a 4-O-5 bond, leaving the -NH₂ group free for further attachment of functional molecules. This study demonstrates the potential of Bacillus SF spore laccase for application in lignocellulose surface functionalization and other coupling reactions which can be carried out at neutral to alkaline pH under extreme conditions which normally inhibit fungal laccases.