Depolymerization of phenolic polymers using horseradish peroxidase in organic solvent

Lignin-like phenolic polymer (polyphenol) which was synthesized by horseradish peroxidase (HRP, EC 1.11.1.7) in a 50% (v/v) dioxane/water mixture was degraded by the same enzyme. The onset of depolymerization was linked to HRP compound-III formation and depended on the specific hydrogen peroxide:HRP ratio at the given phenol concentration. The cut-off value, [H2O2]/[HRP] vs [phenol], required for the depolymerization increased logarithmically as the phenol concentration increased. Compound-III served as a key marker used to analyse reaction performance, especially the onset of depolymerization. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.