Development of a multiplexed platform to study laccases and cellulase activities using nanostructure-initiator mass spectrometry (NIMS)

Lignocellulosic biomass is composed of three major biopolymers: cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Although lignin has long been considered a waste product in biomass conversion efforts, its utilization has since been identified as critical to the economic viability of second-generation biofuel production. There is thus increasing interest in finding enzymes and enzyme cocktails which can efficiently deconstruct both the cellulose/hemicellulose and lignin components of lignocellulosic biomass. Analytical tools capable of quickly detecting both glycan and lignin deconstruction could are needed to support the development and characterization of efficient enzymes/enzyme cocktails.