MnP enzyme: Structure, mechanisms, distributions and its ample opportunities in biotechnological application

Manganese peroxidase has gained much attention in many industrial applications due to key contributors in the microbial ligninolytic system. It mainly oxidizes Mn(II) ions that remain present in wood and soils, into a more reactive Mn3 + form, stabilized by fungal chelators like oxalic acids. However, Mn3 + acts as a diffusible redox intermediate, a low molecular weight compound, which breaks phenolic lignin and produces free radicals that tend to disintegrate involuntarily. It has a great application potential and ample opportunities in a diverse area, such as pulp paper, distillery, food, cosmetic, textile, biofuel, agriculture and industries. However, manganese peroxidases can degrade several xenobiotic compounds and produce polymeric products that have been formulated into useful bioremediation tools. In addition, lignin can also be transformed into biomass by microbial MnPs to convert the sugar into biofuels. This chapter is focused on the sources, catalytic reaction mechanisms and different biotechnological applications as well as highlighted the current scenario and updated information on the manganese peroxidase enzyme.