Developing antioxidant capacity to cellulose-based materials by using enzymatically-modified products

In the present work various laccases (Lac) and different phenolic compounds potentially possessing antioxidant action were used in an enzymatic reaction to prepare several functionalization solutions (FS), which were then applied to the surface of cellulose sheets. After such application, the cellulosic substrates were found to show antioxidant properties. The antioxidant capacity was assessed by using UV spectrophotometry to monitor the inhibition of ABTS radical cation (ABTS•+) in the presence of antioxidants. Based on the results, enzymatic modification of the phenolic compound in the functionalization solution increases the bonding strength of its components to cellulosic materials. Evidences on the grafting were assessed by using ATR-FTIR. The level of antioxidant capacity achieved depends on the enzyme type, the chemical structure of the compounds in FS, and the presence of lignosulfonates (SL) in it