Lignin Removal from Tobacco Stem with Laccase Improved by Synergistic Action of Weak Alkali and Tween 80

Lignin removal from lignocellulosic materials plays a great role in the utilization cellulose with high efficiency. In order to improve the quality of reconstituted tobacco sheet, lignin existed in tobacco stem was removed by enzymatic hydrolysis with laccase enhanced by weak alkali treatment together with the addition of Tween 80 into laccase treatment system. It is found that lignin was partially removed by laccase. The treatment of tobacco stem with NaHCO3 resulted in the dissolution of lignin, and hence increased the porosity and specific surface area of the pretreated tobacco stem. Consequently, laccase could access to the tobacco stem more completely. The surface activity and dispersion of Tween 80 improved laccase activity, solubilization of degraded products of lignin, and contact interface between laccase and tobacco stem. The synergistic action of laccase, weak alkali and Tween 80 improved the ratio of lignin removal significantly, reaching as high as 40.3%.