Abstract

The biodegradability of five lignins extracted from Chilean hardwoods in Chrysonilia sitophila cultures was evaluated. All lignins showed an increase in their molecular weight after 12 days of culture. Infrared analysis of the degraded lignins indicated the formation of new substructures containing carbonyl, as well as C-O cleavage reactions. A random behaviour was observed between the methoxyl/phenolic hydroxyl ratio of lignins and the extent of biodegradation.