Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Priyanka Matin, Md Rezaur Rahman, Durul Huda, Muhammad Khusairy Bin Bakri, Jamal Uddin, Yuriy Yurkin, Andrey Burkov, Kuok King Kuok, Mohammed Mahbubul Matin
Summary: Carbohydrate-based fatty acid esters (CFA esters) are non-toxic and environmentally friendly compounds that are used as antimicrobials and synthetic intermediates. They have applications in various industries, including food, surfactant, and pharmaceutical. In this study, different CFA esters were synthesized from methyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside and tested for their decay resistance properties against white-rot and brown-rot fungi. The results showed that most of these CFA esters protected the wood from fungal attack and reduced deterioration.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Minzhen Bao, Weigang Zhang, Lihui He, Yongjie Bao, Zaixing Wu, Wenji Yu, Yuhe Chen, Neng Li
Summary: Wood fiber mat-reinforced composite (WFMRC) is a new type of wood-based polymer composite used for decorative and building purposes. Fungal decay significantly affects the durability of WFMRCs in outdoor conditions. This study investigated the effects of white-rot and brown-rot fungi on the chemical composition, crystallinity, and morphology of WFMRCs made from poplar and larch. The results showed that the poplar WFMRC lost more mass and experienced increased crystallinity, while the larch WFMRC had decreased crystallinity after fungal decay. Cell wall degradation and bore hole formation were observed, particularly in the poplar WFMRC. Although WFMRCs are resistant to fungal decay, protective measures should be implemented for better outdoor durability.
WOOD MATERIAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Retraction
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Baojun Wu, Jill Gaskell, Benjamin W. Held, Cristina Toapanta, Thu V. Vuong, Steven Ahrendt, Anna Lipzen, Jiwei Zhang, Jonathan S. Schilling, Emma Master, Igor V. Grigoriev, Robert A. Blanchette, Dan Cullen, David S. Hibbett
Summary: The study found that Fomitopsis pinicola is able to adjust gene expression across different substrate species and culture conditions, involving various enzymes related to wood decay.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tiina Belt, Michael Altgen, Muhammad Awais, Martin Nopens, Lauri Rautkari
Summary: This study investigated the degradation of heat-treated wood by brown rot fungi and found that the decay increased the hygroscopicity of wood in the decaying state. Furthermore, it was observed that heat-treated samples were more susceptible to fungal decay compared to untreated samples, which may be related to the increase in moisture content.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shirin M. Usmani, Linn Voss, Ina Stephan, Thomas Huebert, Erhard Kemnitz
Summary: The decay protection of wood using low-water soluble metal fluorides was evaluated. The study found that nano metal fluorides were more effective in preventing fungal decay than stand-alone metal fluorides. Metal fluorides were present in treated wood, both unleached and leached. The combination of MgF2 and CaF2 reduced the mass losses of wood to below 3%. These findings suggest that nano metal fluorides can provide full protection to wood in outdoor environments.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jiyun Qi, Lu Jia, Yanjun Liang, Bei Luo, Rurong Zhao, Chen Zhang, Jialong Wen, Yonghui Zhou, Mizi Fan, Yan Xia
Summary: This study investigated the biodegradation abilities of different fungi on Dendrocalamus sinicus and studied the changes in chemical characteristics of the bamboo. The results showed that white-rot fungi T. versicolor selectively degraded the bamboo, while brown-rot fungi G. trabeum and R. placenta mainly attacked it during the middle stage. These findings have important implications for the bioconversion of Dendrocalamus sinicus.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiyun Qi, Fangfang Li, Lu Jia, Xiaoyuan Zhang, Shuduan Deng, Bei Luo, Yonghui Zhou, Mizi Fan, Yan Xia
Summary: This paper investigates the selectivity and mechanisms of white and brown rot fungi in biodegradation, as well as the changes in wood microstructures. The results indicate that white rot fungus selectively degrade hemicellulose and lignin in softwood, while cellulose is selectively retained. In contrast, white rot fungus simultaneously converts cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in hardwood. Brown rot fungi preferentially degrade carbohydrates, with Rhodonia placenta demonstrating selectivity for cellulose degradation.
Article
Forestry
Yujiao Wang, Jing Xue, Yao Peng, Jinzhen Cao
Summary: Photodegradation and decay can occur simultaneously on wood. This study found that photodegradation affects the initial stage of brown-rot decay by changing the wood microstructure and creating new voids for fungal colonization. The photodegradation products promote the non-enzymatic degradation process of brown-rot, but lignin derived compounds inhibit the further activity of decay fungi.
Article
Microbiology
Neha Sahu, Zsolt Merenyi, Balazs Balint, Brigitta Kiss, Gyorgy Sipos, Rebecca A. Owens, Laszlo G. Nagy
Summary: Wood-decaying Basidiomycetes play crucial roles in forest ecosystems, global carbon cycle, and bio-based industries. Recent studies have shown that certain Armillaria species exhibit atypical wood-decay gene combinations, resembling soft-rot fungi, with an enrichment of pectinases and expansins instead of traditional lignin-degrading enzymes. This observation suggests a conservation of ancestral soft-rot decay machinery across asco- and Basidiomycota.
Article
Microbiology
Junko Sugano, Ndegwa Maina, Janne Wallenius, Kristiina Hilden
Summary: Wood decomposition is a complex process involving various biocatalysts working synergistically to break down plant cell walls efficiently. The interaction of fungal communities during wood decay plays a crucial role in the degradation process. Different combinations of white-rot and brown-rot fungi have shown varying enzymatic activities and degradation efficiency on different woody substrates.
Article
Ecology
Tuulia Mali, Karoliina Laine, Leena Hamberg, Taina Lundell
Summary: Brown rot fungus and white rot fungi were cultivated on spruce wood, and the interaction between them affected the decomposition process. White rot fungi suppressed the brown rot mechanism while stimulating enzymatic white rot degradation. In the fungal combinations, white rot fungi dominated while brown rot was evident with the brown rot fungus alone.
Article
Microbiology
Yu Fukasawa, Koji Kaga
Summary: This study examines the effects of wood surface area on decomposition by interacting basidiomycetes using laboratory incubation experiments. The results show that wood decay rate is greater in wood with larger surface, and wood decay is accelerated by fungal interspecific interaction. The decomposition of lignin is influenced by the competitor in wood with smaller surface.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jiyun Qi, Xiaoyuan Zhang, Yonghui Zhou, Chen Zhang, Jialong Wen, Shuduan Deng, Bei Luo, Mizi Fan, Yan Xia
Summary: This study investigated the bioconversion processes of Pinus yunnanensis using white and brown rot fungi treatment. The results showed that both fungi achieved decomposition and conversion of biomass through enzyme generation and action within the wood. White rot fungus caused uniform bioconversion of wood main components, while brown rot fungi caused different conversion due to their own bioconversion pathway. Both white and brown rot fungal pretreatments increased wood cell porosity and accessibility. The research outcomes provide insights into the enzymatic process, role of fungal selectivity, and the potential application of fungal pretreatment in future biorefineries and biochemical productions.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
J. D. Castano, N. Munoz-Munoz, Y. M. Kim, J. Liu, L. Yang, J. S. Schilling
Summary: Despite the ecological and economic importance of wood-degrading fungi, little is known about the array of metabolites that fungi produce during wood decomposition. This study provides an in-depth insight into the wood decomposition process by analyzing and comparing the changes of >100 compounds produced by fungi with metabolic distinct nutritional modes (white and brown rot fungi) at different decay stages.
Article
Forestry
Jonas Niklewski, Philip Bester van Niekerk, Christian Brischke, Eva Fruhwald Hansson
Summary: The study evaluates the feasibility of using a semi-empirical moisture model for a digital service-life design framework for wood, finding its performance sufficient for application with main uncertainty stemming from the choice of wood decay model. A new method combining pre-calculated time series, empirical equations, and interpolation is proposed for predicting wood service life, providing decision support for architects and engineers with less uncertainty than existing guidelines.
Review
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Brendan Nicholas Marais, Christian Brischke, Holger Militz
Summary: Factors such as temperature, moisture, wood-decaying fungi, bacteria, subterranean insects, and marine borers are important in the degradation of wood used in ground and water contact. The durability of wood is influenced by its inherent characteristics, including heartwood and sapwood differences. Wood durability testing methods, classification, and models for regional-level modeling are discussed.
WOOD MATERIAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Bostjan Lesar, Miha Humar
Summary: This study examines the treatment of wood surfaces with iron(II) sulphate and the addition of biocides. The results show that biocides have no effect on the color change rate and final color, and can improve the durability of the treated wood.
Article
Forestry
Anna Maria Vettraino, Florian Zikeli, Miha Humar, Margherita Biscontri, Sara Bergamasco, Manuela Romagnoli
Summary: The use of wood products in bio-building is increasing due to their sustainability and renewability. However, degradation by fungi poses a significant threat to wooden structures. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of four essential oils of thyme species against various fungi. The results provide insight into more eco-friendly solutions for preserving less durable wood products used in bio-building.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Viljem Vek, Tjasa Smidovnik, Miha Humar, Ida Poljansek, Primoz Oven
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the differences in chemical composition of silver fir bark extractives based on the location of the bark sample on the tree, including differences in composition between stem bark and branch bark samples. The extracts were analyzed using various methods, and their antifungal and antioxidant effects were evaluated. Results showed that the moisture content in bark samples decreased significantly after peeling. Chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of 14 compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and lignans. The content of hydrophilic extractives in branch bark samples decreased with increasing distance from the tree stem. Stem bark contained the highest amounts of phenolic extractives, followed by branch bark sampled at the point where the branch entered the tree. Concentrated extracts of branch bark exhibited the highest free-radical-scavenging activity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Swati Tamantini, Sara Bergamasco, Florian Zikeli, Miha Humar, Massimo Cavalera, Manuela Romagnoli
Summary: The aim of this study was to reduce the use of fossil-based compounds in a commercial waterborne acrylic coating by adding cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and to evaluate its performance. The results showed that the addition of CNC improved the fungal resistance and corrosion resistance of the coating, but had some impact on adhesion and appearance.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jernej Klemenc, Miha Humar, Gorazd Fajdiga
Summary: An experimental study was conducted to compare the fatigue life of 350-year-old larch wood with that of recent larch wood. A statistical model was developed to describe the fatigue-life curves and scatter for both types of wood. The model takes into account factors such as wood density, specimen orientation, and extent of insect damage. The results indicate that the proposed model adequately describes the fatigue behavior of both old, insect-damaged wood and recent larch wood.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jure Zigon, Urska Gradisar Centa, Maja Remskar, Miha Humar
Summary: A novel polymer composite has been developed to form coating films on wood, providing aesthetic and basic protection as well as preventing the growth of microorganisms.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Huijun Dong, Redzo Hasanagic, Leila Fathi, Mohsen Bahmani, Davor Krzisnik, Eli Kerzic, Miha Humar
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of thermal modification on the physical and mechanical properties of three different wood species from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The results showed that outdoor exposure negatively impacted the mechanical properties of the unmodified samples, especially in the linden and beech wood. This study demonstrates the importance of wood modification and its impact on the use-value of wood products.
Article
Forestry
Christian Brischke, Marten Sievert, Max Schilling, Susanne Bollmus
Summary: Recently, European standards have allowed for classification of the durability of chemically modified wood and preservative-treated wood. However, there is a lack of representative sampling and testing methods. This study aimed to test full-size products instead of sampling from areas of varying durability. The decayed cross-sectional area was determined by incubating untreated and treated wood specimens with brown and white rot fungi. Spatial distribution of decay and wood moisture content was investigated.
Article
Polymer Science
Florian Zikeli, Anna Maria Vettraino, Margherita Biscontri, Sara Bergamasco, Cleofe Palocci, Miha Humar, Manuela Romagnoli
Summary: Lignin nanoparticles containing essential oils from thyme species were tested as biocides against white-rot and brown-rot fungi. The essential oils showed lower minimum inhibitory concentrations against brown-rot fungi and similar concentrations against white-rot fungi compared to free essential oils. Optimization of lignin nanoparticles as essential oils delivery vehicles is required for their efficacy against white-rot fungi.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Miha Humar, Bostjan Lesar, Davor Krzisnik
Summary: Wood is a traditional roofing material that was mainly used on important buildings in the past but is now predominantly used on huts and houses in the Alpine regions. We investigated methods to extend the service life of wooden roofing through material selection and details, such as thermal modification, water-wax emulsion treatment, and grooves in the shingles. Three years of wood moisture content measurements showed that treating the wood with Silvacera wax and cutting grooves in the shingles improved the moisture performance of the roofing.
WOOD MATERIAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Eli Kerzic, Miha Humar, Primoz Oven, Viljem Vek
Summary: This study aims to establish a uniform experimental protocol for determining the phenolic extractives in wood that play a crucial role in its durability. Various wood species including European larch, Norway spruce, Scots pine, European oak, sweet chestnut, and black locust were included in the study. Extraction yield data were collected using different solvents and extraction methods, and the suitability and appropriate conditions were evaluated based on gravimetric, spectrophotometric, and chromatographic analysis. The results showed that extraction with methanol using accelerated solvent extraction was a fast and accurate method for preparing samples for chemical analysis. Additionally, a novel protocol for measuring the effects of weathering on wood durability was proposed.
WOOD MATERIAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Christian Brischke, Gry Alfredsen, Lukas Emmerich, Miha Humar, Linda Meyer-Veltrup
Summary: The durability against decay organisms is an important property for wood used outdoors. Despite efforts to find a universal method for above-ground wood durability testing, no method has been standardized in Europe. This study reviews the Bundle test method as a potential standard procedure for above-ground field tests of wood-based materials. The method allows for water-trapping, simulates moderate moisture-induced decay, and can be applied to a wide range of wood materials. It has been found effective in quickly infesting and causing failure of non-durable wood species within five years in Central Europe.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Rozle Repic, Andreja Pondelak, Davor Krzisnik, Miha Humar, Natasa Knez, Friderik Knez, Andrijana Sever Skapin
Summary: The demand for construction timber is increasing due to its favourable characteristics. However, wood needs adequate protection as it is flammable and susceptible to biodegradation. Thermal modification enhances durability and mineralisation with CaCO3 improves fire properties, so it is worth considering the combined effects of the two methods.
WOOD MATERIAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Miha Humar, Bostjan Lesar, Davor Krzisnik
Summary: This passage mainly introduces the decay factors that outdoor wood sculptures are exposed to, with fungi being the most important factor. It also examines and analyzes the condition of a sculpture made mainly of oak wood after 60 years, and discovers the decay of the wood and issues with the surface coating. It emphasizes the need for proper conservation to preserve the sculpture for posterity.
ACTA SILVAE ET LIGNI
(2022)
