Degradation of lignin model compounds by various termites

We determined ligninolytic activity of 7 termites with a beta-O-4 type-lign in model compound in order to bleach kraft pulp by intestinal bacteria of l igninolytic termite. High degradation activity of a beta-O-4 type-lignin mo del compound (non-phenolic) was observed in Reticulitermes flaviceps amamia nus, Nasutitermes takasagoensis, and Coptotermes formosanus. C. formosanus, which showed higher degradation activity of the model compound than other termites, hardly modified an oligomer prepared from coniferyl alcohol, alth ough Hodotermopsis japonica oxidized an oligomer prepared from coniferyl al cohol.