The impact of oxidative modification and partial removal of lignin by laccase-mediator treatments on the enzymatic hydrolysis of steam-pretreated softwood (SPS) was evaluated. Two mediators, N-hydroxy-N-phenylacetamide (NHA) and its acetylated precursor, were oxidized by the laccase from Trametes hirsuta, and their effects on the activity of cellulolytic enzymes and on the hydrolysis yield of SPS were examined. Both simultaneous and sequential combinations of laccase-mediator treatments with commercial cellulases increased the sugar yield in the enzymatic hydrolysis of SPS. The maximal increase was 21% when a sequential treatment was applied. Laccase treatment alone was also shown to improve hydrolysis. NHA oxidized by laccase inhibited significantly the cellulases of Trichoderma reesei, but the presence of the solid substrate protected the activities against oxidative inactivation. Surface analysis of the lignocellulosic substrate before and after the laccase and cellulase treatments revealed an enrichment of lignin and an increase of carboxylic groups on the surface of the hydrolysis residue. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.