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Review
. 2025 Apr 18;13(4):935.
doi: 10.3390/microorganisms13040935.

Lignin-Degrading Enzymes and the Potential of Pseudomonas putida as a Cell Factory for Lignin Degradation and Valorization

Qing Zhou  1 , Annabel Fransen  1 , Han de Winde  1
Affiliations
Review

Lignin-Degrading Enzymes and the Potential of Pseudomonas putida as a Cell Factory for Lignin Degradation and Valorization

Qing Zhou et al. Microorganisms. .

Abstract

Efficient utilization of lignin, a complex polymer in plant cell walls, is one of the key strategies for developing a green and sustainable bioeconomy. However, bioconversion of lignin poses a significant challenge due to its recalcitrant nature. Microorganisms, particularly fungi and bacteria, play a crucial role in lignin biodegradation, using various enzymatic pathways. Among bacteria, Pseudomonas putida is considered a promising host for lignin degradation and valorization, due to its robust and flexible metabolism and its tolerance to many noxious and toxic compounds. This review explores the various mechanisms of lignin breakdown by microorganisms, with a focus on P. putida's metabolic versatility and genetic engineering potential. By leveraging advanced genetic tools and metabolic pathway optimization, P. putida can be engineered to efficiently convert lignin into valuable bioproducts, offering sustainable solutions for lignin valorization in industrial applications.

Keywords: bacteria; enzyme; fungi; lignin degradation; pseudomonas putida.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A structural representation of the complex lignin polymeric network (adapted from [5,7]). The three basic units constituting lignin are p-coumaryl alcohol (blue), coniferyl alcohol (green), and sinapyl alcohol (red). These monomeric alcohols are linked to form lignin mainly by the following linkages: β-O-4 (β-aryl ether) linkages, β-β (resinol), β-5 (phenylcoumaran), 5-5 (biphenyl), and 4-O-5 (biphenylether) bonds.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Pathways for the cleavage of β-O-4 bond by β-Etherase in Sphingobium sp. SYK-6 (adapted from [34]).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Pathways for the structural cleavage of biphenyl moieties in Sphingobium sp. SYK-6 (adapted from [34]).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Pathways for the cleavage and subsequent degradation of pinoresinol and syringaresinol by bacteria and fungi, respectively (adapted from [34,164]).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Conceptual representation of lignin biodegradation and engineering in Pseudomonas putida.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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