Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stefania Albonetti, Changwei Hu, Shunmugavel Saravanamurugan
Summary: In this Editorial, the Guest Editors introduce the significance and challenges of the sustainable transformation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, as well as outline the contents of the Special Issue with contributions from scientists around the world.
Article
Polymer Science
Thayli Ramires Araujo, Daniela Bresolin, Debora de Oliveira, Claudia Sayer, Pedro Henrique Hermes de Araujo, Jose Vladimir de Oliveira
Summary: The valorization of lignin in polyurethane products enables the utilization of this biomass, which is the second most abundant natural polymer in the world. However, the complex and cross-linked molecular structure of lignin limits its use, making it necessary to develop methods to make lignin more reactive. Chemical modification and fragmentation are among the methods that have been developed, but research on the production of lignopolyols derived from enzymatic catalysis applicable to polyurethanes is lacking.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kaori Saito, Yutaka Makimura, Hiroshi Nishimura, Takashi Watanabe
Summary: The study identified that phenolic units in lignin are primarily connected by beta-5, beta-1, and beta-O-4 linkages, with an abundance of approximately 20%. Lignin polymerization terminates with these three linkages, which are explained by a radical coupling mechanism. Unexpectedly, 5-5, 4-O-5, and beta-beta linkages connecting phenolic units were not detected, indicating further elongation to form nonphenolic units.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana I. Benitez-Mateos, Stefania Bertella, Jean Behaghel de Bueren, Jeremy S. Luterbacher, Francesca Paradisi
Summary: The study explores the use of functionalized lignin as an eco-friendly and cost-effective material for enzyme immobilization. By stabilizing lignin with terephthalic aldehyde during extraction, a range of enzymes can be immobilized with high yields. The reversible immobilization of enzymes on polyethyleneimine-lignin shows promising results in maintaining stability and allowing for recycling.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mohammad Siddique, Suhail Ahmed Soomro, Shaheen Aziz
Summary: The current study investigates the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass and its extraction of lignin using alkali and acid pretreatment. Different biomasses were tested, and it was found that walnut shell had the highest lignin content, while babul tree bark had the lowest sulfur content.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cederic Ver Elst, Robby Vroemans, Mathias Bal, Sergey Sergeyev, Carl Mensch, Bert U. W. Maes
Summary: A selective method of producing levulinic acid, a key biorenewable platform molecule, has been developed from muconic acid through high-temperature water heating. This method offers the possibility of synthesizing novel levulinic acid derivatives and demonstrates superior performance as a plasticizer in comparison to commercial benchmarks.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xin Wang, Yu Zhang, Suyuan Jia, Haoyu Deng, Wenbiao Xu, Junyou Shi
Summary: The effective utilization of lignin is crucial for sustainable biomass conversion and the development of renewable resources. This study focuses on the catalytic oxidative transformation of lignin and explores its structural features and their impact on product diversity. The content of beta-O-4 linkages in lignin and the presence of S-type structural units are found to be important factors that influence the yield and efficiency of the conversion process. However, the complex nature of lignin presents challenges for its efficient depolymerization and utilization. A comprehensive understanding of lignin's structure is crucial for advancing its effective utilization and the development of renewable resources.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cecilia Scimmi, Luca Sancineto, Jozef Drabowicz, Claudio Santi
Summary: This article provides a detailed overview of oxidative depolymerization of lignin and biomass valorization. It compares the advantages and disadvantages of different methods, highlights the green aspects, and gives an overview of selenium catalyzed lignin valorization.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peng Gao, Liangshu Zhong, Buxing Han, Mingyuan He, Yuhan Sun
Summary: The concept of green carbon science aims to achieve carbon neutrality, which has gained global recognition and attention. The transition from fundamental research to practical applications in addressing the urgent need for carbon neutralization must be accelerated. This Review summarizes recent technological developments in the field of green carbon science, focusing on pilot tests, industrial demonstrations, and commercial applications beyond the laboratory stage.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Franklin Chacon-Huete, Cynthia Messina, Brandon Cigana, Pat Forgione
Summary: This review summarizes recent efforts to utilize 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and related furans as emerging building blocks for the synthesis of fine chemicals and materials. The focus is on advanced applications within medicinal and polymer chemistry, as well as nanomaterials. Biomass-derived furans have shown promising chemical versatility and potential for derivatization towards valuable targets. Continued work on synthetic manipulation of HMF and related derivatives is crucial for access to a wide range of compounds and materials. The utilization of biomass-derived furans for chemical applications is important for accelerating the paradigm shift towards a sustainable chemical industry.
Article
Polymer Science
Sharib Khan, Daniel Rauber, Sabarathinam Shanmugam, Christopher W. M. Kay, Alar Konist, Timo Kikas
Summary: In this study, a novel low-cost ammonium-based protic ionic liquid (PIL) was used for the selective fractionation and improved extraction of lignin from softwood biomass. Under optimized pretreatment conditions, the PIL achieved a high delignification rate of 61% with a lignin recovery of 56%. The characteristics of the recovered lignin were analyzed, demonstrating that the PIL played a significant role in the cleavage of chemical bonds and depolymerization of the lignin.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jose Gonzalez-Rivera, Celia Duce, Beatrice Campanella, Luca Bernazzani, Carlo Ferrari, Eleonora Tanzini, Massimo Onor, Iginio Longo, Julian Cabrera Ruiz, Maria Rosaria Tine, Emilia Bramanti
Summary: This study focused on the effects of green microwave assisted extraction on the yield and composition of clove buds essential oils, analyzing the different compounds obtained from the extraction process using various analytical methods. The results highlighted the potential energetic features of solid residues from the extraction process for their alternative biomass fuel production, showing promising environmental and economic benefits.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Oreoluwa Agede, Mark C. Thies
Summary: The study focuses on identifying the regions of liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE) for lignin purification and fractionation using the Aqueous Lignin Purification with Hot Agents (ALPHA) process. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were used to map out the lignin-acetic acid-water system at different temperatures and solvent: feed lignin mass ratios. The distribution of lignin and impurities between the two liquid phases was also measured.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Oskars Platnieks, Sergejs Beluns, Sabine Briede, Maksims Jurinovs, Sergejs Gaidukovs
Summary: This review provides an overview of the synergistic interactions between cellulose and other biopolymers, as well as the various functionalizations achieved in the resulting materials. By delving into the properties, structure, and functionality of biopolymers, versatile and advanced materials can be designed.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Franklin Chacon-Huete, Jason Covone, Liana Zaroubi, Pat Forgione
Summary: A new synthetic route using biomass-derived furans as starting materials for the production of bis(5-arylfuran-2yl)methane scaffolds was developed. The decarboxylative crosscoupling of 5-hydroxymethylfuroic acid (HMFA) was studied in detail and showed overall good yields. Acid-catalyzed self-condensation was optimized to achieve excellent yields of the target structures. This study highlights the avoidance of protective groups and the utilization of renewable carbon sources as starting materials.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao Liu, Kui Wang, Xinpeng Zhao, Zhijun Chen, Xiaoyan Yin, Tingting Cai, Xiaolei Zhang, Junming Xu, Jun Hu, Xianzhi Meng, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Jianchun Jiang
Summary: Integrated lignocellulosic biorefineries have the potential to convert all components of lignocellulosic biomass into valuable products. However, the challenge lies in the recalcitrance of lignocellulose, making the conversion process technically and economically challenging. This study proposes a sustainable and profitable strategy for lignocellulose fractionation and conversion, with the potential for high revenue.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Kai Nie, Boya Li, Yan Song, Xiaolong Qiao, Tao Zhao, Yuanming Zhang, Haoxi Ben, Arthur Ragauskas, Conger Wang, Wei Jiang, Guangting Han
Summary: In this study, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were used for degumming kenaf bast. The alkalinity amide DES (CU) showed the best degumming effect, with an optimal processing temperature of 160 degrees C and a processing time of 2 h. The DES weakened the hydrogen bond interaction in kenaf fibers and removed lignin by deprotonation of phenolic hydroxyl groups and breakage of β-O-4 bonds. This study provided a simple and green degumming method for kenaf bast.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chunxiao Gong, Xianzhi Meng, Caidi Jin, Ming Yang, Jianglong Liu, Kuichuan Sheng, Yunqiao Pu, Arthur Ragauskas, Guanya Ji, Ximing Zhang
Summary: This study presents a green synthetic route of cellulose formate and its efficient conversion into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Ball milling was used to improve the formylation and catalytic conversion of cellulose formate (BCF) into HMF. The use of BCF derived from cellulose ball milled for 1.5 h achieved a 66.9% HMF yield at 150 degrees C for 20 min. BCF exhibited high reactivity towards HMF due to its excellent solubility and accessibility in DMSO-H2O media.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jinye Wang, Wenyan Xiao, Junhua Zhang, Xiyu Quan, Jie Chu, Xianzhi Meng, Yunqiao Pu, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: The effects of nonionic surfactant Tween 80 on the adsorption and desorption of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes onto lignin were investigated. The results showed that Tween 80 effectively alleviated enzyme adsorption and enhanced enzyme desorption. However, the effectiveness of Tween 80 was influenced by the hydrophobicity and phenolic OH content of lignin.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qianqian Yang, Fubao Sun, Xianzhi Meng, Yunqiao Pu, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Junhua Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the production of xylo-oligosaccharides from corncob using lactic acid-rich fermentation broth and xylanase hydrolysis. The highest yield of xylo-oligosaccharides obtained was 72%. Additionally, a monosaccharides-rich hydrolysate was obtained from corncob residues.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hossain M. Zabed, Suely Akter, Junhua Yun, Guoyan Zhang, Mei Zhao, M. Mofijur, Mukesh Kumar Awasthi, M. A. Kalam, Arthur Ragauskas, Xianghui Qi
Summary: Corn stover (CS) is a common agricultural waste, accounting for 47-50% of the dry mass of total grain yield. It contains cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, making it an ideal raw material for biofuels and chemicals. However, the technoeconomic perspectives of CS-based biorefineries remain questionable due to logistics issues, expensive conversion technologies, limited scale-up, and lower market competitiveness. This review critically discusses the latest research on the biochemical conversion of CS into biofuels and chemicals, covering market potential, technological developments, and economic perspectives.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jahidul Islam, Rubel Anwar, Mahmud Shareef, Hossain M. Zabed, J. N. Sahu, Xianghui Qi, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, Arthur Ragauskas, Imed Boukhris, Md Rezaur Rahman, Faisal Islam Chowdhury
Summary: Remarkable advancements have been made in the field of rechargeable metal-metal alkaline batteries (RABs) in terms of safety, energy density, charge-discharge capacity, and long-term storage capability. Metal-metal RABs, such as Ni-Zn, Ni-Fe, Ni-Bi, Ni-MH, Ag-Zn, Co-Zn, Cu-Zn, and Bi-Zn systems, are considered as promising energy storage devices for electric vehicles, hybrid EVs, grid-scale energy storage, and implantable and wearable electronic devices. Ni-MH batteries have become competitive with Li-ion batteries in EVs and hybrid EVs applications due to their high tolerance against mechanical abuse, stability under wide temperature ranges, and considerable charge/discharge capacity.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xianhui Zhao, Samarthya Bhagia, Diego Gomez-Maldonado, Xiaomin Tang, Sanjita Wasti, Shun Lu, Shuyang Zhang, Mahesh Parit, Mitchell L. Rencheck, Matthew Korey, Huixin Jiang, Jiadeng Zhu, Xianzhi Meng, Meghan E. Lamm, Katie Copenhaver, Maria S. Peresin, Lu Wang, Halil Tekinalp, Guang Yang, Vipin Kumar, Gang Chen, Kashif Nawaz, X. Chelsea Chen, Uday Vaidya, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Erin Webb, Douglas J. Gardner, Ping He, Ximin He, Kai Li, Soydan Ozcan
Summary: This article reviews the recent development and applications of bioinspired nanocellulose-based materials, summarizes their functions and applications, discusses bioinspired design templates, strategies, advantages and challenges, and explores the mechanisms and processes of biomimetic design. Finally, future research directions and opportunities of bioinspired nanocellulose-based materials are highlighted.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yunxuan Wang, Jiae Ryu, Kwang Ho Kim, Xianzhi Meng, Yunqiao Pu, Yang Tian, Aymerick Eudes, Gyu Leem, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Chang Geun Yoo
Summary: Biomass-derived deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have shown promise as pretreatment and fractionation solvents for biomass due to their mild processing conditions, easy synthesis, and green components. In this study, the effects of water and ethylene glycol as solvent-based third constituents on biomass processing were evaluated using various parameters. The results showed that ternary ChCl-DHBA DESs outperformed binary ChCl-DHBA DES in terms of delignification, fermentable sugar production, and preservation of beta-O-4 ether linkage in lignin.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhi-Min Zhao, Zhi-Hua Liu, Tongtong Zhang, Rongqian Meng, Zhiqun Gong, Yibing Li, Jing Hu, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Bing-Zhi Li, Ying-Jin Yuan
Summary: Bioconversion of bioresources/wastes using Rhodococcus is a promising approach for producing lipid-derived bioproducts. However, bioconversion involves living cells and is a complex system that requires further understanding. This review highlights the potential of Rhodococcus for producing lipids from various wastes and presents genetic modifications using emerging tools for promoting bioconversion. Additionally, strategies for enhancing the bioaccessibility of lignin and its derived aromatics and synthesizing biodiesel and aviation fuels from lignin and lipids are discussed. The synergistic modification of microbial strains, substrates, and fermentation processes is proposed for sustainable biological lignin valorization.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Rithany Kheam, Kailong Zhang, Thomas Elder, Nathan Bryant, Arthur Ragauskas, Mi Li
Summary: This study investigated the isolation and characteristics of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from hemp and poplar using different pretreatment methods. The results showed that peracetic acid treatment effectively delignified the biomass, while sodium chlorite treatment left some lignin in the pulp. The CNCs obtained from TCF-treated biomass had larger dimensions and slightly higher crystallinity compared to those from sodium chlorite-treated biomass. The zeta potential, surface energy, water interactions, and thermal stability of the CNCs were comparable regardless of the biomass source and pretreatment methods used.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chan Man Ha, Luis Escamilla-Trevino, Chunliu Zhuo, Yunqiao Pu, Nathan Bryant, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Xirong Xiao, Ying Li, Fang Chen, Richard A. Dixon
Summary: C-lignin is a homopolymer of caffeyl alcohol found in the seed coats of various plant species. It has unique properties that make it valuable for engineering into the cell walls of bioenergy crops. This study used transcriptomic analysis to suggest strategies for engineering C-lignin using hairy roots of the legume Medicago truncatula.
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhi Yang, Samarthya Bhagia, Hugh O'Neill, Barbara R. Evans, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Brian H. Davison, Sai Venkatesh Pingali
Summary: This study examines the structural features of plant cell walls, particularly cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, using partially deuterated plants. By analyzing neutron scattering length density and FTIR data, the researchers were able to identify the differences between the polysaccharides and lignin in the cell walls. This research lays the foundation for further study on the deconstruction of plant cell walls.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinru La, Jurong Ren, Mengyuan Wen, Xianzhi Meng, Jia Wang, Jianchun Jiang, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: This study investigates an environmentally friendly method for CO production through the variable frequency microwave-driven CO2 Boudouard reaction over biochar. The resonance effect at 4225 MHz significantly enhances CO2 conversion efficiency and energy efficiency, resulting in a remarkable increase in productivity compared to electrical heating. Continuous microwave irradiation at the optimized frequency also improves the pore structure and surface area of biochar.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yun-Yan Wang, Yunxuan Wang, Luna Liang, Micholas Dean Smith, Xianzhi Meng, Yunqiao Pu, Mitra Mazarei, Rupesh Agarwal, Shalini J. Rukmani, Brian H. Davison, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: Biomass-derived solvents have the potential to be a novel pathway in biorefining. This study investigates the impact of Cyrene pretreatment on switchgrass lignin. The results show that Cyrene can effectively solubilize lignin and the pretreatment efficacy can be optimized by adjusting the Cyrene concentration and pretreatment time.