LIGNINASES: current status, production, optimization, applications and future prospects

Abstract Lignin, a complex organic polymer, is nature’s most plentiful renewable aromatic source. Lignolytic enzymes facilitate the breakdown of these complex polymers. The diverse usage of these enzymes in various applications has increased their demand. The production and optimization of ligninases need to be enhanced. This article will provide insight by discussing their classification, production, and applications, along with their emphasis on current development, future implementation, and research. The main focus of ligninolytic enzyme production and mechanisms of lignin depolymerization is on solid-state fermentation (SSF) techniques and microbial applications in lignin degradation. Microbes used are Phanerochaete chrysosporium , etc. The degradation involves thermal degradation, bacterial ( actinomycetes , Amycolatopsis species, etc.), and fungal degradation (White-rot fungi, Soft-rot fungi, Brown-rot fungi, etc.). Ganoderma spp . is not only used medicinally but also for its lignin-degrading enzymes, which represent a valuable resource in biotechnological applications. Moreover, ligninolytic enzymes extracted from bacteria and fungi have many applications in many industries, including biofuel industries, textile industries, and other biotechnological applications. They promote effective and scalable production. Metabolic engineering and CRISPR technologies improve enzyme yields and activity. However, enzyme production faces issues of stability and cost that should be optimized to enhance industrial applications. Graphical abstract