Inhibition of Zea mays coniferyl aldehyde dehydrogenase by daidzin: A potential approach for the investigation of lignocellulose recalcitrance

•Three-dimensional structure of ZmaysCALDH was modeled.•Daidzin was selected from a set of 20 putative inhibitors of the enzyme.•In silico and in vitro findings indicate that daidzin is a competitive inhibitor.•An alternative approach for studies on lignocellulose recalcitrance is suggested.