Biotransformation of aspen lignin by the fungus Trametes villosus

Quantitative H-1 and C-13 NMR spectroscopies demonstrate that biotransforma tion of aspen wood by the fungus Trametes villosus results in oxidation and destruction of lignin with cleavage of C-C alkyl-alkyl bonds in side chain s and partial demethoxylation in addition to cleavage of lignocarbohydrate bonds. New C-ar-O-C bonds form while lignin is being destroyed at alkyl-alk yl bonds. Cleavage of rings and destruction of C-ar-C bonds was not observe d.