Article
Polymer Science
Mario J. Rosado, Jorge Rencoret, Ana Gutierrez, Jose C. del Rio
Summary: The lignin structure of orange tree pruning (OTP) residue was examined. The OTP-MWL mainly consisted of guaiacyl (G) units with minor amounts of syringyl (S) and p-hydroxyphenyl (H) units. The lignin contained various linkages, including beta-O-4 ' alkyl-aryl ethers, phenylcoumarans, resinols, dibenzodioxocins, and spirodienones. The presence of condensed linkages makes the lignocellulosic residue more recalcitrant to delignification.
Article
Polymer Science
Shuai Gao, Guoyu Tian, Yingjuan Fu, Zhaojiang Wang
Summary: Apple wood waste (AWW), mainly tree trucks, is a challenging feedstock for biorefinery due to its hard and dense structure. In this study, alkali-preimpregnation-assisted soda cooking (APSC) was developed to separate cellulose pulp and lignin from AWW. The APSC-AWW pulp showed improved physical strength when blended with long-fibered pulp, and the lignin obtained from APSC-AWW was similar to softwood kraft lignin but more uniform in molecular weight and composition. The utilization of AWW as a feedstock and the industrial applicability of APSC make it attractive for countries with limited forestry resources.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Lu Yao, Songnan Hu, Xijun Wang, Minsheng Lin, Cunzhi Zhang, Yian Chen, Fengxia Yue, Haisong Qi
Summary: Lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs) with tunable lignin contents were directly prepared from sugarcane bagasse. LCNFs showed a more uniform size and narrow diameter distribution compared to cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). CNPs made from LCNFs exhibited outstanding mechanical and optical properties, and LCNFs had higher water contact angles than CNFs.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hanna Berhanu Lemma, Christian Freund, Abubeker Yimam, Friedrich Steffen, Bodo Saake
Summary: During the harvesting of the Enset plant, a large amount of fibrous residues are generated, which have high cellulose and hemicellulose content and low lignin and extractive content. These fibers are ideal for producing dissolving grade pulp and biogas. Prehydrolysis soda pulping with steam pretreatment was performed, followed by soda pulping under mild and severe conditions. A simple bleaching stage was used to achieve high brightness levels and viscosity. Steam treatment reduced the biochemical methane potential of prehydrolysis liquid, but higher biogas production volumes were still obtained at higher steaming severity.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ana C. Cassoni, Patricia Costa, Ines Mota, Marta W. Vasconcelos, Manuela Pintado
Summary: The study proposes an environmental-friendly method using Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) to recover lignin from Brewer's spent grain (BSG) and Olive tree pruning (OTP). Experimental designs were carried out to determine the optimal conditions for lignin extraction based on yield and antioxidant activity. Results showed that DES is a promising solvent for successfully extracting lignins from OTP and BSG biomasses with high purities and valuable properties.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Arminda Mamani, Yolanda Maturano, Victoria Mestre, Laura Montoro, Liliana Gassa, Cristina Deiana, Fabiana Sardella
Summary: This study focuses on the valorization and integral use of abundant agro-industrial waste in sustainable production routes. Olive tree pruning residues were utilized to produce bioethanol and activated carbon, with the latter being applied to supercapacitor electrodes. The detoxification with activated carbon significantly improved the performance of yeasts, and the activated carbon as supercapacitor electrode exhibited high specific capacitance and energy density.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Sofia Jurado-Contreras, Francisco J. Navas-Martos, Angeles Garcia-Ruiz, Jose A. Rodriguez-Liebana, M. Dolores La Rubia
Summary: The objective of this study is to enhance the mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) by incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) obtained from olive tree pruning (OTP) waste. The introduction of CNC into PLA matrix significantly improved the mechanical, water absorption, thermal, and morphological properties of the composite, with a notable increase in tensile stress and Young's modulus by 87% and 58%, respectively.
Article
Thermodynamics
M. Federico Ponce, Arminda Mamani, Florencia Jerez, Josue Castilla, Pamela B. Ramos, Gerardo G. Acosta, M. Fabiana Sardella, Marcela A. Bavio
Summary: This study presents the development of a symmetric solid-state supercapacitor using activated carbon from olive pruning waste. Chemically activated carbons with high surface area and developed pore structure showed superior electrochemical performance compared to physically activated carbons. By assembling three supercapacitors with chemically activated carbon and PVA-KOH hydrogel, excellent performance was achieved.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Pablo Domenech, Aleta Duque, Isabel Higueras, Jose Luis Fernandez, Paloma Manzanares
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the aqueous extractives fraction of biomasses generated by olive trees, finding compounds that enhance the valorization of by-products, particularly suitable for pruning, olive leaves, and olive pomace.
Article
Agronomy
Manuel J. Diaz, Pedro M. Ferrero, Manuel Moya
Summary: Olive tree pruning is a suitable raw material for biorefinery, and sequential pretreatment with sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide can effectively extract fermentable sugars from it.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Judith Gonzalez-Arias, Francisco M. Baena-Moreno, Marta E. Sanchez, Jorge Cara-Jimenez
Summary: This study optimized the hydrothermal carbonization process for converting olive tree pruning into biofuel through a combined experimental and economic assessment. Results showed that none of the alternatives were profitable at the studied sizes, but larger capacities had better outcomes. Government incentives, cost reduction, and revenue improvement are crucial for the project's economic viability.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
J. Gonzalez-Arias, X. Gomez, M. Gonzalez-Castano, M. E. Sanchez, J. G. Rosas, J. Cara-Jimenez
Summary: In this study, olive tree pruning was subjected to dry (pyrolysis and torrefaction) and wet (hydrothermal carbonization) thermal treatments to produce solid biofuels. The products were evaluated in terms of yield, quality, and energy consumption. The results showed that chars produced from pyrolysis and torrefaction were coal-like with high heating values, while torrefaction had higher carbon content and energy content per kilogram of char produced, making it more profitable. The study also suggested potential improvements in energy balance by valorising gas and liquid phases in addition to the solid phase.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Juan Gabriel Puentes, Soledad Mateo, Sebastian Sanchez, Ines C. Roberto, Alberto J. Moya
Summary: This study utilized hemicellulosic biomass from olive-tree pruning to produce a hemicellulosic hydrolysate for fermentation. The non-traditional yeast Candida guilliermondii FTI 20037 was used to obtain ethanol and xylitol. The research focused on studying relevant kinetic parameters and comparing different fermentation scenarios.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Brunela Pollastrelli Rodrigues, Jose Tarcisio da Silva Oliveira, Braz Jose Demuner, Reginaldo Goncalves Mafia, Graziela Baptista Vidaurre
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of Eucalyptus physiological disorder (EPD) on wood quality and pulping performance. Higher levels of EPD symptoms resulted in poorer wood quality, requiring increased reagent usage and decreased pulp yield.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Michael Alexandros Kougioumtzis, Ioanna Panagiota Kanaveli, Emmanouil Karampinis, Panagiotis Grammelis, Emmanuel Kakaras
Summary: The aim of this study is to compare the combustion results of olive tree pruning (OTP) pellets and sunflower husk (SH) pellets, with OTP pellets showing slightly lower boiler efficiency and reduced CO and NOx emissions, but higher dust emissions compared to SH pellets. Installation of particle emission abatement equipment is recommended due to high dust emissions for both fuels.
Article
Polymer Science
David Ibarra, Raquel Martin-Sampedro, Bernd Wicklein, Antonio M. Borrero-Lopez, Concepcion Valencia, Ana Valdehita, Jose M. Navas, Maria E. Eugenio
Summary: The sustainable potential of fast-growing poplar wood as a source for producing cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) was evaluated. The resulting poplar CNFs exhibited properties comparable to eucalypt CNFs, making them a promising alternative. Furthermore, the pH-sensitive hydrogel application of poplar CNFs was identified.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alba Blanquez, Antonio M. Borrero-Lopez, Gabriela Dominguez, Concepcion Valencia, Jose M. Molina-Guijarro, Maria E. Eugenio, David Ibarra, Manuel Hernandez
Summary: This study analyzed the compositional and structural modification of extracted lignins from barley and wheat straws that were biologically pretreated with Streptomyces. The results showed that the MDG301 strain exhibited better ligninsolubilization and higher hydrolytic enzymatic profile compared to the MDG147 strain. Soda pulping also caused structural changes in the lignins, resulting in excellent adhesive properties. The lignins extracted from barley straw showed the best performance in shear strength tests, while those from wheat straw performed well in peeling essays.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David Ibarra, Luisa Garcia-Fuentevilla, Gabriela Dominguez, Raquel Martin-Sampedro, Manuel Hernandez, Maria E. Arias, Jose I. Santos, Maria E. Eugenio
Summary: The usage of laccases is a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to modifying the Kraft lignin structure for use in certain applications. However, the inherent structure of Kraft lignin, as well as that resulting from laccase modification, still presents challenges for fundamental comprehension and successful lignin valorization.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Luisa Garcia-Fuentevilla, Gabriela Dominguez, Raquel Martin-Sampedro, Manuel Hernandez, Maria E. Arias, Jose I. Santos, David Ibarra, Maria E. Eugenio
Summary: This study investigated the polymerization of kraft lignin using different laccase sources and analyzed the influence of various variables. The response surface methodology was used to predict and characterize the behavior of the output variables. The results demonstrated that laccase could promote lignin polymerization, with enzyme concentration being the most influential variable.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Sanchez-Sanchez, Javier Garcia, Roberto Fernandez, Ekaterina Noskova, June Egiguren-Ortiz, Marina Gulak, Eneko Ochoa, Antonio Laso, Mikel Oiarbide, Jose Ignacio Santos, Maria Fe Andres, Azucena Gonzalez-Coloma, Albert Adell, Egoitz Astigarraga, Gabriel Barreda-Gomez
Summary: Cannabis has been used as a palliative therapy for cancer treatment due to its beneficial effects on pain and nausea. The main compounds in Cannabis, THC and CBD, exert their actions through receptor-mediated and non-receptor-mediated mechanisms, affecting the formation of reactive oxygen species. Evidence suggests a potential antitumor effect of cannabinoids in different types of cancer, although controversial results limit their implementation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jaime Gonzalez, Ali Ghaffarinejad, Maxim Ivanov, Paula Ferreira, Paula M. Vilarinho, Ana Borras, Harvey Amorin, Bernd Wicklein
Summary: In this study, the effect of combining nanosized carbon fillers with natural polymers such as cellulose on the enhancement of electrical properties in nanogenerator devices was investigated. It was found that the highest output voltage in triboelectric mode was obtained from cellulose films with carbon nanotubes and carbon black, while the highest piezoelectric voltage was produced in cellulose nanofiber-carbon nanotube films. The increased electricity generated from cellulose nanocomposites may lead to more efficient and biodegradable nanogenerators.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Raquel Canadas, Raquel Martin-Sampedro, Maria Gonzalez-Miquel, Emilio J. Gonzalez, Ignacio Ballesteros, Maria E. Eugenio, David Ibarra
Summary: This study evaluated a novel strategy for pre-treated biomass detoxification using emerging green solvents and low environmental impact extraction technologies. Steam-exploded biomass underwent microwave-assisted or orbital shaking extraction with bio-based or eutectic solvents. The extracted biomass was enzymatically hydrolyzed to improve sugar production. The addition of a post-extraction water washing step was also examined. The best results were obtained when steam-exploded biomass was subjected to microwave-assisted extraction combined with the washing step, achieving the highest sugar production (49.80 ± 3.10 g total sugar/L) compared to the control (30.43 ± 0.34 g total sugar/L). These findings suggest that a detoxification step based on green solvents could effectively extract phenolic inhibitors and enhance sugar production from pre-treated biomass.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Raquel Martin-Sampedro, Pilar Aranda, Gustavo del Real, Eduardo Ruiz-Hitzky, Margarita Darder
Summary: By combining organic residue (such as kraft lignin) and natural clay (such as montmorillonite) using ultrasound, the properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) can be significantly improved. The addition of kraft lignin provides UV-shielding, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity, while incorporating montmorillonite reduces oxygen and water vapor permeabilities. The inclusion of both lignin and montmorillonite exhibits a synergistic effect, resulting in enhanced thermal stability, mechanical strength, gas barrier permeability, UV-shielding, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities in the HPMC bionanocomposite.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose F. Rubio-Valle, Jose E. Martin-Alfonso, Maria E. Eugenio, David Ibarra, Jose M. Oliva, Paloma Manzanares, Concepcion Valencia
Summary: This work presents the chemical and structural characterization of a lignin-rich residue from bioethanol production of olive stones, and explores its potential for developing nanostructures through electrospinning and castor oil structuring. The results reveal that the olive stone lignin-rich residue (OSL) has a high lignin content and specific structural properties. The electrospun nanostructures obtained from OSL and cellulose triacetate exhibit different morphologies, which are highly influenced by the rheological properties of the polymer solutions. Furthermore, the uniform nanofiber mats can be dispersed in castor oil, forming gel-like dispersions. The rheological properties are affected by the membrane concentration, OSL:CT weight ratio, and morphology of the electrospun nanostructures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)