# Lacase in Biorefinery of Lignocellulosic Biomass
## 5 Applications of Lacases

Table 2: An account of microorganisms producing lacase via different modes of bioprocesses. In pigment synthesis, lacases are involved in the production of pigments, such as melanin, by endogenous substrates such as dihydroxy-naphthalene, and exogenous substrates such as homogenisic acid and dihydroxyphenylalanine [72]. These pigments play important roles in various functions, such as protection from UV radiation and production of antibiotic compounds. Lacases are also involved in the detoxification of toxic compounds. They help convert toxic compounds into less harmful forms, making them less harmful to the organisms that produce them to the environment in which they are found [7]. In addition to their biological roles, lacases have also been studied for their potential use in bioremediation. They have been shown to be effective in removing contaminants such as pesticides and dyes from water and soil. Lacases have also been explored for their potential use in the production of paper, textiles, and other products. The study of lacases has led to a better understanding of their structural and functional properties, and this knowledge has been used to improve its production and use in various applications. For example, researchers have developed methods to improve lacase production in microorganisms and have explored the use of genetically modified organisms to produce lacases with enhanced production titers and superior properties [6]. There are many potential applications of lacases in biorefinery, ranging from the production of biofuels and bio-based chemicals to the treatment of wastewater and the production of food, feed, and other consumer products. Some of the key areas where lacase has been studied for its potential applications is in the deinking of recycled papers where it can remove ink from recycled paper, making it possible to produce high-quality, recycled paper products that are comparable to those made from virgin fibers. Lacase has also been shown to be effective in removing other contaminants, such as dyes and resins, from recycled paper, making it a promising enzyme for use in the deinking process [73]. Laccase can be used in combination with other enzymes to bleach pulp, resulting in brighter and higher-quality paper products. When lacase is used for this purpose, it typically works by breaking down lignin that can make paper yellow or brown in color. By breaking down the lignin, lacase helps to whiten the pulp and improve the brightness of the finished paper product. Lacase is often used in combination with other enzymes, such as peroxidases, to enhance the bleaching effect and produce higher-quality paper products [74]. Recently, the most important application of lacase was determined to be in biorefinery of biomasses, and more specifically, lignin. Lignocellulosic biomasses are difficult to break down because they contains complex lignin, polymeric materials that are resistant to decomposition. Lacase comes handy here to help the break down lignocellulosic biomasses by breaking down lignin. When lacase breaks down lignin, it creates smaller, more reactive molecules that can be further decomposed by other enzymes. This process helps make the lignocellulosic biomass more accessible to other polymer-degrading enzymes, such as cellulase and xylanase, which breaks polymers into simple fermentable sugars which can be converted into ethanol and butanol, and be employed for biofuel applications [46; 47; 75]. Laccase can also be used to produce a wide range of bio-based chemicals, including vanillin, syringol, and catechol, which have applications in the food, flavor, and fragrance industries [76]. Vanillin, for example, is used as a flavor and fragrance in a wide range of products, including food, beverages, and personal care products [77]. It is also used as a flavor enhancer in the tobacco industry. Syringol is a compound with a woody, smoky aroma, and it is used as a flavor and fragrance in a variety of products, including perfumes, candles, and air fresheners.