ABSTRACT
Lignocellulose is the most abundant renewable biomass resource. Enzymatic breakdown of lignocellulose into oligosaccharides or monosaccharides is the key to exploit lignocellulosic biomass. However, traditional glycoside hydrolases are insufficient to degrade lignocellulose. The emergence of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase, a novel enzyme for lignocellulose degradation, has enriched the deconstruction schema and accelerated the enzymatic conversion of polysaccharides, by introducing new chain breaks that allow hydrolases to initiate further degradation. Here, we review the discovery, classification and catalytic mechanism of the enzyme, as well as the methods for assaying its activity. The prospect for its application in feed additive, functional food and biofuel development is further discussed.