Abstract: The use of UV-activated Copper Radical Oxidase (CRO) enzymes in the implementation of oxidation reactions. Also, a process for oxidizing organic compounds using enzymes which are activated by UV light. The process also leads to concomitant formation of hydrogen peroxide, that can optionally be used in hydrogen peroxide mediated processes. Further, the process relates to the oxidation of alcohols in aldehydes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enzymatically degrading a polysaccharide, such as cellulose, comprising contacting the polysaccharide with one or more lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO), in which the enzymatic degradation is carried out in the presence of at least one reducing agent, and hydrogen peroxide or a means which generates hydrogen peroxide in which the level of hydrogen peroxide is controlled to enhance and maintain the activity of the LPMO. The invention also extends to the additional use of hydrolytic enzymes such as hydrolases (e.g. cellulases, chitinases and/or ß-glucosidases) to increase the level or extent of degradation and to fermentation of the resulting sugars to generate an organic substance such as an alcohol, preferably ethanol, which may be used as a biofuel.