Lignin degradation refers to the biological and chemical breakdown of lignin, a complex, rigid polymer that provides structural support to plant cell walls and protects them from pathogens and decay. Because lignin is highly resistant to decomposition, understanding how organisms and enzymes break it down is essential for improving biofuel production, recycling plant biomass, and unlocking cellulose for industrial use. This research also sheds light on natural carbon cycling processes and how plants balance structural integrity with degradability.
Researchers identified bacteria breaking down the ancient wood of the Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck and found that common antibacterial sprays weren't fully protecting it. They pinpointed the most destructive bacterial strain and the best conditions to stop it.
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Brevibacterium sp. (NH.SH-B6) was the most destructive strain, producing four wood-degrading enzymes including cellulase and multiple lignin-attacking enzymes
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The bacterium's lignin-degrading enzyme (LiP) peaked in activity at pH 7 with 10% salt and 1000 mg/L iron sulfate — conditions relevant to marine-adjacent preservation environments
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50 mg/mL cinnamaldehyde and 0.5% isothiazolinone K100 effectively inhibited the bacteria, but incomplete spray coverage allowed bacterial regrowth
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