Versatile Peroxidase EC 1.11.1.16

Enzyme entry: EC 1.11.1.16. Versatile peroxidase (syn. hybrid peroxidase, manganese- lignin peroxidase) is a new ligninolytic enzyme, combining catalytic properties of manganese peroxidase (oxidation of Mn(II)), lignin peroxidase (Mn-independent oxidation of non-phenolic aromatic compounds) and plant peroxidase (oxidation of hydroquinones and substituted phenols). The manganese peroxidase component catalyzes the oxidation of Mn(II) to Mn(III) by H2O2. The highly reactive Mn(III) is stabilized via chelation in the presence of dicarboxylic acid. 2 Mn(II) + 2 H+ + H2O2 -> 2 Mn(III) + 2 H2O The lignin peroxidase component catalyzes the oxidation of non-phenolic aromatic rings into aryl cation radicals by H2O2. Aryl cation radicals are unstable and undergo various subsequent reactions. A typical example is the oxidation of veratryl alcohol (= 3,4- dimethoxybenzyl alcohol) into veratryl aldehyde (= 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde) via the intermediary formation of veratryl cation and benzyl radicals. Veratryl alcohol + H2O2 -> Veratraldehyde + 2 H2O From Bjerkandera adusta