The oxidation of a low lignin content sisal pulp by laccase-TEMPO system has been investigated and evaluated as potential approach for improving the paper strength properties. TEMPO mediated oxidation was found to cause the formation of aldehyde and carboxyl groups in proportions dependent on the particular reaction conditons. The treatment was performed in acetate buffer pH 5 at room temperature and the influence of process variables (viz laccase dose, TEMPO dose and reaction time)on the properties of the pulp and the resulting handsheets was assessed by using a three-variable sequential statistical plan. The increase of aldehyde groups was found to be closely aligned with enhanced wet strength which was ascribed to the formation of inter-fibre convalent bonding through hemiacetal linkages