This collection of comprehensive reviews describes the present knowledge of the enzyme mechanisms involved in the biodegradation of wood and wood components, cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin by both fungi and bacteria. The extensive knowledge, presented in this volume, was developed in laboratories world-wide over the last few decades and constitutes the foundation for present and future biotechnology in the pulp and paper industry.

Inhalt
Forest tree biotechnology.- Microorganisms and enzymes involved in the degradation of plant fiber cell walls.- Lignin.- Fungal delignification and biomechanical pulping of wood.- Solving pitch problems in pulp and paper processes by the use of enzymes or fungi.- Reduction of organochlorine compounds in bleach plant effluents.- Hemicellulases in the bleaching of chemical pulps.- Using enzymes in pulp bleaching: Mill applications.- Biotechnology for solving slime problems in the pulp and paper industry.