Paper Industry
In paper industry, the current pulp bleaching technologies are being replaced by a better technology. The objective of all pulp-processing operations, is to remove lignin efficiently without damaging valuable cellulosic fibres. Various chemical and mechanical processes are currently used to release cellulose from its encasing lignin matrix (this process is called pulping), but they suffer from serious disad antages-including damage to cellulosic fibres, high costs, high energy use and corrosion.

(b) Enzymes facilitating pulp bleaching
Lignolytic enzymes and xylanases are two sets of important enzymes which reduce lignin content in pulp and thus, if used for pulping, help bleaching. While lignolytic enzymes degrade lignin, xylanases attack lignin-xylan complex commonly found in hardwoods. Xylanases attack xylans and remove hem thus making it easier to remove lignin. It is believed that xylanases will prove extremely useful in pulp bleaching in future.

(c) Trees easier to pulp bleach
In future, with better understanding of lignin biosynthesis and deposition, one may be able to obtain forest trees with (i) lower lignin content, (ii) lignin of modified methoxyl content or (iii) reduced association between lignin and the hemicelluloses. These superior trees will be obtained using genetic engineering and tissue culture techniques and should prove useful for paper industry.