In this study, the response surface methodology was first utilized to optimize the enzyme treatment conditions as reaction pH, temperature, time and enzyme dosage of 9.5, 45 °C, 94.5 min and 100 U/L. Under these parameters, the kraft pulping black liquor was treated with alkaline-resistant xylanase and cellulase, followed by acid precipitation to obtain enzyme-purified lignin (EPL). The yield, purity and physicochemical characteristics of EPL were contrasted with acid-purified lignin (APL) prepared at the same pH values. Results showed that the enzyme purification method generated lignin with lower molecular weight of 3532 g/mol, greater purity of 96.79 % and higher yield of 2.89 %. Compared with APL, EPL exhibited stronger UV absorption capacity. SEM images revealed that EPL had a rough and porous surface, whereas the surface of APL was relatively smooth. TGA analysis indicated the thermal stability of EPL (T