Article
Agricultural Engineering
Daozhu Xu, Cuiluan Ma, Mengjia Wu, Yu Deng, Yu-Cai He
Summary: Adipic acid is an important organic dibasic acid used in the manufacturing of plastics, lubricants, resins, fibers, etc. Using lignocellulose as feedstock for producing adipic acid can reduce production cost and improve bioresource utilization.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Valerie Garcia-Negron, Matthew J. Toht
Summary: This study demonstrates the viability of utilizing CO2 to produce Na2CO3 for efficient pretreatment of corn stover biomass. The pretreated biomass showed higher cellulose content and lower lignin content, resulting in higher and more stable glucose yields during enzymatic hydrolysis. The use of cellulase-rich enzyme solution further increased sugar concentrations.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ya-Nan Wei, Chu-Yong Wang, Chao-Qiang Fu, Hua-Min Liu, Zhao Qin, Xue-De Wang
Summary: Chinese quince fruits are a potential source of pectin and hemicellulose, but the presence of lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) can hinder their extraction. This study successfully fractionated and characterized LCCs from Chinese quince, showing significant changes in their structure after hemicellulose removal.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Maryam Molaverdi, Keikhosro Karimi, Safoora Mirmohamadsadeghi, Mats Galbe
Summary: Sodium carbonate pretreatment can improve ethanol concentration at high solids and low enzyme loadings, and steam pretreatment can further increase ethanol concentration on this basis.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Samuel Ntakirutimana, Tao Xu, Ming -Zhu Ding, Zhi-Hua Liu, Bing-Zhi Li, Ying-Jin Yuan
Summary: The development of multifunctional pretreatments for effective and economical fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass, aiming at lignocellulose-oriented valorization, can lead to cutting-edge innovation in biorefinery. A high-solid chemomechanical pretreatment based on ball milling coupled with ethylenediamine was designed to maximize corn stover biomass output under mild temperature and active stabilization. The synergistic effects of this pretreatment brought about desirable characteristics that enhanced delignification and saccharification, while reducing solvent load and energy consumption compared to ethylenediamine pretreatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Raghu Deshpande, Lars Sundvall, Hans Grundberg, Gunnar Henriksson, Martin Lawoko
Summary: During the pulping process, the molecular mechanisms of lignin recalcitrance include sulfonation, cleavage of lignin carbohydrate bonds, and condensation reactions of benzylic cations detected in lignosulfonates. These reaction sequences reveal the process of lignin dissolution.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Rathziel Roncancio, Adity Bora, Jay P. Gore
Summary: The global annual energy demand continues to rise, and all energy sources are needed. Most nations have agreed to incentivize the use of renewable sources and pursue greenhouse gas recycling to curb global warming. Biomass, as a carbon-neutral renewable source, can be recycled into useful liquids and solids through the gasification and deoxidation of CO2 reactions.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sitong Zhang, Zijian Dong, Jia Shi, Chengrui Yang, Yi Fang, Guang Chen, Huan Chen, Chunjie Tian
Summary: This study isolated high purity and structurally intact lignin from enzymatic residue of corn stover and investigated its degradation by laccase, lignin peroxidase, and manganese peroxidase. The results showed that the highest degradation percentage of lignin was achieved with a mixture of these enzymes. The degradation destroyed the macromolecular structure of lignin and produced more acidic compounds.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sheng Cui, Yimin Xie, Xin Wei, Kai Zhang, Xudong Chen
Summary: This study used stable isotopes to label lignin and cellulose in poplar wood and accurately explain their chemical association. It revealed that cellulose is mainly connected to lignin through ether bonds, acetal bonds, and ester bonds.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Chen, Tengteng Dong, Feitian Bai, Jinlong Wang, Xusheng Li
Summary: This paper reviews the fractionation, characterization, and applications of lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) in healthcare materials, highlighting their various properties. The compiled information can encourage the development of advanced healthcare materials through LCC-based innovations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lynn M. M. Wendt, Bradley D. D. Wahlen, Gary S. S. Groenewold, Brittany D. M. Hodges, Corey Pilgrim, Michelle R. R. Walton, J. Austin Murphy, William A. A. Smith, Haiyan Zhao
Summary: This study investigates the potential of using targeted pretreatments in the feedstock supply chain to enhance lignin degradation in lignocellulosic biomass. The results show that inoculating corn stover with lignin degrading fungi and storing it under simulated storage conditions can lead to degradation of hemicellulose and lignin, resulting in sugar degradation products. Lowering the reaction temperature in the pretreatment process can achieve equivalent xylose release in both stored and fungal treated samples.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zewei Ma, Saravanan Kasipandi, Zhe Wen, Linhao Yu, Kai Cui, Hong Chen, Yongdan Li
Summary: This study investigates the fractionation of raw biomass based on a lignin-first biorefinery strategy, aiming to achieve efficient fractionation of corn stover. Results show that temperature and reaction time have an impact on lignin removal efficiency, as well as cellulose retention and lignin monomer yield.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hui Zhang, Junhui Wu
Summary: The sodium hydroxide pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of corn stover powder were optimized using response surface methodology, resulting in optimal conditions for sugar production and product recovery, providing a reference for enhancing fermentable sugar yields.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wen-Zheng Yin, Ling-Ping Xiao, Shuang-Lin Zou, Wen-Xin Li, Hongliang Wang, Run-Cang Sun
Summary: A novel strategy using a commercial Pd/C catalyst was proposed to produce monophenolic compounds from fermented corn stover. By controlling the reaction temperature, the highest monomer yield of 28.5 wt% was achieved at 220 degrees C, compared to 22.8 wt% for pristine corn stover. The enhanced monophenol yield was attributed to higher lignin content and lower recalcitrance in the fermented stover. The results demonstrated a potential avenue for the valorization of lignin through reductive catalytic fractionation of agricultural waste.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ran Zhang, Lei Wang, Chengcheng Shi, Qipeng Shi, Fuying Ma, Xiaoyu Zhang, Wen Yu, Hongbo Yu
Summary: Research has shown that human intestinal microbiota can utilize lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) as a carbon source for growth, producing short-chain fatty acids and aromatic compounds with potential health benefits. Different sources of LCCs have varying effects on the biomass of intestinal microbiota and the production of phenolic compounds.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Haichuan Zhang, Zede Yi, Shiyu Fu, Changzhi Li, Lucian A. Lucia, Qiying Liu
Summary: A top-down synthesis method was used to fabricate a bifunctional metallic catalyst with specific lattice planes. The catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity, recycling durability, and size selectivity towards lignin substrates.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yongcan Jin, Shuang Qi, Bo Jiang, Caoxing Huang
Summary: As the number of diabetes cases continues to rise, there is a growing need for effective management of diabetes and its effects. This study investigated the effects of sulfonated lignin with varying sulfonation degrees on the inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase and the proliferation of intestinal beneficial bacteria in vitro. The results showed that sulfonated lignin could inhibit the activity of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, suggesting its potential as a prebiotic for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Wenyao Tong, Huaxing Fang, Kai Song, Xinyu Xie, Jing Wang, Yongcan Jin, Shufang Wu, Jinguang Hu, Qiulu Chu
Summary: In this study, the addition of 2-naphthol-7-sulfonate and sodium bisulfite in acid pretreatment was found to synergistically increase cellulose hydrolysis yield. Physicochemical characteristics of cellulose played significant roles in improving hydrolysis yield.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Penghui Li, Chi Yang, Zhengwei Jiang, Yongcan Jin, Wenjuan Wu
Summary: This paper summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of traditional lignocellulose pretreatment methods and lists effective pretreatment parameters. Deep eutectic solvents (DES), as a green solvent system with excellent performance, are considered the most potential biomass pretreatment system. Based on this, the new trends and progress of DES in lignocellulose pretreatment are reviewed, focusing on the effects of different types of lignocellulosic raw materials, different components of DES, different reaction conditions, and the use of microwave ultrasound. The recyclability of DES solution system is also discussed. Finally, the application and future development direction of DES in lignocellulose pretreatment are proposed and prospected.
JOURNAL OF BIORESOURCES AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Haiying Wei, Tongtong Wei, Licheng Li, Tingwei Zhang, Farzad Seidi, Yongcan Jin, Huining Xiao
Summary: Three types of Pt/CeO2 catalysts (rod-shaped (CeO2-R), cube-shaped (CeO2-C), and octahedral-shaped (CeO2-O)) with different support morphologies were synthesized and investigated for catalytic oxidation of C2H4 at low temperatures. The catalysts showed shape-dependent catalytic activity, with Pt/CeO2-O exhibiting the highest activity. This can be attributed to the different oxygen species activated by the catalysts in the C2H4 oxidation process. Additionally, the negative impact of water condensation on the catalyst can be eliminated by refreshing the catalyst with N2 purging. Overall, this work provides a novel catalytic system for efficient low-temperature ethylene oxidation and enhances our understanding of the catalytic mechanism.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dandan Wu, Yilin Wang, Shuang Qi, Yufeng Yuan, Jiaqi Guo, Gegu Chen, Mehraj Ahmad, Bo Jiang, Yongcan Jin
Summary: This study investigates the effects of low and high molecular weight alkali-oxygen lignins derived from rice straw on the growth and metabolism of maize seedlings. It finds that low molecular weight lignin stimulates the growth and metabolism of maize seedlings, while high molecular weight lignin has an inhibitory effect. The results suggest that methoxyl and carboxyl content of lignin may play a decisive role in seedling growth.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chaofeng Zhang, Yongcan Jin, Feng Wang, Xiaojun Shen, Jinlan Cheng, Cheng Cai
Summary: This review summarizes the strategies and methods for lignin depolymerization into aromatic chemicals, including traditional methods such as pyrolysis, gasification, liquid-phase reforming, solvolysis, chemical oxidation, and newly developed processes like redox-neutral, biocatalysis, and combinatorial strategies. The mechanisms and key intermediates involved in these strategies are discussed. This review provides a comprehensive overview of lignin depolymerization research, offering useful suggestions for further advancements in this field.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hui Chen, Bo Jiang, Chunyang Zou, Zhichao Lou, Junlong Song, Wenjuan Wu, Yongcan Jin
Summary: In this study, the interaction between lignin and cellulase was investigated using a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) functionalized atomic force microscope tip. The results showed that sulfonated lignin (SL) had the strongest adhesion force to CBM, while other lignin samples had weaker adhesion forces. It was found that the primary mechanism by which SL promoted hydrolysis was by reducing the nonproductive adsorption of substrate lignin onto cellulase. The study also proposed a competitive adsorption mechanism to explain the effective promotion of enzymatic hydrolysis by SL in lignin-containing substrates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Zhenghong Wu, Xinyu Zhang, Shaomin Kang, Yena Liu, Rani Bushra, Jiaqi Guo, Wenyuan Zhu, Mohammad Rizwan Khan, Yongcan Jin, Junlong Song
Summary: In this study, an environmentally benign blocked lignin-based water-borne polyurethane emulsion was prepared to develop a hydrophobic, translucent, and biodegradable recycled fiber composite film. The film exhibited significantly improved mechanical properties, water stability, UV-blocking properties, and thermal stability compared to the control. The developed composite film has the potential to be used as a green packaging and construction material.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shaomin Kang, Zhenghong Wu, Yena Liu, Peipei Wang, Xinyu Zhang, Mehraj Ahmad, Mohammad Rizwan Khan, Wenyuan Zhu, Jiaqi Guo, Yongcan Jin, Huining Xiao, Junlong Song
Summary: Cationic starch is commonly used as a paper strength additive in papermaking wet end applications. The study investigates the adsorption behaviors and strength enhancement of quaternized amylose (QAM) and amylopectin (QAP) on fiber surfaces. The results reveal that the adsorption layer thickness and structure of QAM and QAP are influenced by starch morphology, degree of substitution, pH, and ionic strength. Furthermore, the degree of substitution of QAM positively correlates with paper strength, while the degree of substitution of QAP negatively correlates with paper strength. These findings provide insights into the impact of starch morphology on performance and offer practical guidelines for starch selection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Khandoker Samaher Salem, Nitesh Kumar Kasera, Md. Ashiqur Rahman, Hasan Jameel, Youssef Habibi, Stephen J. Eichhorn, Alfred D. French, Lokendra Pal, Lucian A. Lucia
Summary: This article reviews the primary methods for estimating the crystallinity of cellulose, including X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, sum-frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy, as well as differential scanning calorimetry and evolving biochemical methods. The techniques are compared to better understand their requirements, differences, synergies, and limitations. The article highlights fundamental principles to guide researchers in studying the crystallinity of cellulosic materials.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Khandoker Samaher Salem, Nelson Barrios, Hasan Jameel, Lokendra Pal, Lucian Lucia
Summary: This article attempts to provide key insights into various aspects of water solvation through experimental and computational investigations. It suggests that water is not just a common solvent at the molecular level, but can also act as a co-reactant or induce organizational constraints to regulate chemical reactions. The focus is on understanding the stacking of putative water molecules around the three-dimensional network of cellulose, the most abundant biomaterial on Earth, and the impact of hydrogen bonding and water-cellulose molecular architecture on the morphology, properties, and chemical reactivity of micro- and nano-cellulose. The article also introduces the concept of water hydration shells near the hydrophilic surface of cellulose, which can help explain water chemistry and the challenges it poses during drying.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marjan Motiei, Lucian A. Lucia, Tomas Saha, Petr Saha
Summary: Most pandemics in the past two centuries have been caused by zoonotic RNA viruses, which have high mutation, infection, and transmission rates. The understanding of these viruses' role in recent outbreaks is important, and this review focuses on SARS-CoV-2, the latest chronic communicable disease. Effective techniques for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of viral diseases are still lacking, and nanotechnology shows promise in addressing these challenges. This review summarizes the role of nanostructures in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19, providing a comprehensive overview of nanotechnology-based strategies for improving health and environmental sanitation.
NANOTECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Aakash Upadhyay, Lucian Lucia, Lokendra Pal
Summary: The surging interest in sustainable alternatives for single-use plastics has led to research in cellulosic fiber-based paper and packaging materials. This investigation focuses on mechanical approaches to enhance paper's barrier properties, resulting in improved density and thickness, as well as better barrier performance. Additionally, the study finds that hardwood fibers exhibit higher barrier performance than softwood fibers.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Zhen Zhang, Shaida Sultana Rumi, Lucian A. Lucia, Noureddine Abidi
Summary: Transforming waste materials into biosorbent is a cost-effective solution for water decontamination and waste upcycling. This study developed composite hydrogels by combining alginate systems with waste cotton linters, which effectively removed dyes from water and exhibited superior adsorption performance.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
