EPR Technology Spectroscopic Investigation of Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species Free Radicals in Laccase-Activated Jute Fiber

Lignins in jute fibers can be activated by laccase to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) free radicals for subsequent use in radical graft polymerization. The effect of incubation conditions on the generation of ROS free radicals when jute powders were incubated with laccase was investigated through spin-trapping technique to detect the spin adduct of N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone and ROS free radical using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results revealed that the highest concentrations of ROS free radicals were generated when jute was incubated with laccase (0.54 U/mL) and copper ions (10 mM) in solution at pH 3.5 and a temperature of 60 °C for 1 h.