The article Identification of DypB from Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 as a Lignin Peroxidase, published in the 14 June issue of the American Chemical Society journal Biochemistry, represents an important landmark in bringing the cellulosic biofuel market closer to reality. Lignin is one of the most abundant organic polymers on Earth, exceeded only by cellulose, and constituting 25-30% of the dry mass of wood. The research has identified a lignin-degrading enzyme in the bacteria Rhodococcus jostii RHA1. Producing biofuel from cellulosic biomass is the Holy Grail of emerging biofuel industry. Breaking down lignin is a significant breakthrough both for biofuel and paper-making industry that may result in significantly improved yield of the final product.
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