Advanced lignin oxidative strategies. Catalysis, biocatalysis and biomimetic systems

Among the fundamental aspects of lignin chemistry a special focus is toward the design and development of new selective oxidative degradation processes. Pulp and paper industry requires environmentally friendly lignin oxidation procedures that can give high yield pulps thus preserving cellulose. This aim can be reached developing oxidative strategies that do not involve the formation of hydroxyl radical species mainly responsible for cellulose degradation. An example of the design of deligninfication strategies is outlined.