Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jacob D. Zwilling, Xiao Jiang, Franklin Zambrano, Richard A. Venditti, Hasan Jameel, Orlin D. Velev, Orlando J. Rojas, Ronalds Gonzalez
Summary: Recent advances in developing sustainable, micro- and nanoscale materials from biobased resources have focused on utilizing lignin to strengthen the bioeconomy. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the various interactions present during and after the formation of lignin micro- and nanoparticles (LPs). These interactions are influenced by the chemical composition, molecular weight distribution, and solvent/water polarity. Factors such as lignin concentration also play a role in nucleation and growth mechanisms, with LPs formed at low concentrations exhibiting larger particle sizes than those formed at higher concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rui Liu, Annika Smeds, Luyao Wang, Andrey Pranovich, Jarl Hemming, Stefan Willfor, Hongbo Zhang, Chunlin Xu
Summary: This study established a novel method to isolate lignin fraction with decreased heterogeneity based on detailed characteristic examination of softwood Kraft lignin fractions. A practical and feasible three-step extraction process was proposed to separate the low heterogeneity lignin fraction from industrial lignin. Overall, this work presented a comprehensive study on the properties of softwood lignin and proposed a method to reduce the heterogeneity of lignin.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Sanjita Wasti, Eldon Triggs, Ramsis Farag, Maria Auad, Sushil Adhikari, Dilpreet Bajwa, Mi Li, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: This study investigates the effects of adding plasticizers on the mechanical properties of PLA-lignin composite filaments, with 2% PEG enhancing tensile stress and elongation by 19% and 35% in PLA_L20 composite, while struktol TR451 improves elongation at maximum load by 24%.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Boyu Du, Lanfang Chai, Hongwei Zhu, Jinlan Cheng, Xing Wang, Xiaohong Chen, Jinghui Zhou, Run-Cang Sun
Summary: Lignin is recommended as a precursor of carbon nanofibers due to its high carbon content, low cost and renewable resources, but its properties hinder its application in supercapacitors. A new method for fractionating lignin by changing the ratio of ethanol/water has shown promise for obtaining high-quality LCNFs. By using this method, LCNFs with large specific surface area and excellent electrochemical properties were obtained, making it a sustainable way to prepare supercapacitors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Lei Zhong, Chao Wang, Guihua Yang, Jiachuan Chen, Feng Xu, Chang Geun Yoo, Gaojin Lyu
Summary: A microwave-assisted guanidine hydrochloride deep eutectic solvent was developed for the pretreatment of castor stalk, showing high efficiency in delignification and enzymatic saccharification, as well as excellent lignin recovery. The guanidine hydrochloride-based DES demonstrated good recyclability and high cellulose hydrolysis rates, making it a promising pretreatment solvent for future biorefinery strategies.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shao-Chao Sun, Shao-Fei Sun, Ying Xu, Jia-Long Wen, Tong-Qi Yuan
Summary: Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been developed as eco-friendly solvents for extracting lignin from biomass. This study focused on the development of alkaline DESs (ADESs) for high-quality lignin extraction from bamboo. Pure ADESs and peroxide-containing ADESs were used, and carbon dioxide (CO2) was employed for precipitation and regeneration. The extracted lignin was characterized in terms of yield, purity, morphology, solubility, structure, and anti-UV/oxidant activity. It was found that the monoethanolamine-based ADES showed superior performance, and the addition of peroxide improved lignin yield and activity. The anti-UV/oxidant activity of lignin was positively correlated with its phenolic hydroxyl content.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pan Jiang, Bo Pang, Gaiyun Li, Yanming Han, Fuxiang Chu
Summary: Through a multi-solvent sequential fractionation strategy, industrial lignin was successfully separated into various graded fractions without altering their chemical structures, and used for the fabrication of CLPs with excellent performance. The study also revealed the reorganization of trace elements onto the surface area of CLPs from lignin fractions during the formation process. This work provides a new strategy and insights for enhancing the utilization value of industrial lignin and understanding the formation process of CLPs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yin Yan, Lihe Zhang, Xi Zhao, Siyu Zhai, Qian Wang, Cui Li, Xu Zhang
Summary: This study presents the preparation of novel biocomposites using different lignin fractions and polylactic acid (PLA). The lignin samples were treated with deep eutectic solvent and esterification modification to improve the mechanical properties of PLA and provide antimicrobial and biocompatibility properties. The molecular weight of lignin was found to negatively influence the mechanical properties of the composites, highlighting the importance of the homogeneous utilization of lignin. The findings suggest that lignin-based composites have potential in biomedical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Nagore Izaguirre, Eduardo Robles, Rodrigo Llano-Ponte, Jalel Labidi, Xabier Erdocia
Summary: This study obtained different lignins using two extraction methods from the same raw material, with the goal of fractionating them to obtain lignin fractions with specific structures and properties. The environmental friendly solvent sequence was designed based on health and safety assessments, and various analytical techniques were used to characterize the obtained fractions. The study showed an effective method for obtaining homogeneous lignins with specific properties depending on the solvent and molecular weight, with different lignin fractions having specific target applications.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Xiaodi Wang, Yongchao Zhang, Luyao Wang, Xiaoju Wang, Qingxi Hou, Stefan Willfor, Yingjuan Fu, Menghua Qin, Chunlin Xu
Summary: The study developed a facile approach using organic solvent extraction to efficiently fractionate the main components of bamboo hydrolysates, obtaining high-purity lignin and water-soluble lignin fractions. Characterization techniques including various NMR techniques, GPC, and GC-MS showed that the water-soluble lignin fraction contained abundant functional groups and LCC structures, indicating great potential applications for isolated LCC-rich streams.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Saurabh Pawale, Karun Kalia, Shallal Alshammari, Dylan Cronin, Xiao Zhang, Amir Ameli
Summary: This study reports the fabrication and characterization of entirely biobased composites made with polylactic acid (PLA) and deep eutectic solvent (DES)-extracted lignin. The results reveal that PLA/DES lignin biocomposites outperform their PLA/CAL counterparts in terms of morphology, thermal properties, and mechanical properties. SEM results show better lignin dispersion and smaller lignin agglomerates in PLA/DES lignin composites compared to PLA/CAL composites. TGA and DSC analysis reveal that DES lignin has a smaller effect on the thermal properties of PLA compared to CAL lignin. Tensile testing shows that PLA/DES lignin composites have significantly higher tensile strength and elongation at break than PLA/CAL composites.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Maryam Arefmanesh, Saeid Nikafshar, Emma R. Master, Mojgan Nejad
Summary: This study used acetone fractionation to increase the homogeneity of softwood kraft lignin and develop new products. The acetone soluble and insoluble fractions were analyzed for their elemental composition, chemical structure, and thermal properties. The acetone soluble fraction showed an increase of 24% in phenolic hydroxyl content. It was used to replace phenol in phenolic resin, resulting in a higher adhesion strength. The acetone insoluble fraction, on the other hand, was used to replace petroleum-based polyol in polyurethane resin, with the help of a bio-derived solvent. Tailoring the structure of kraft lignin through solvent fractionation allowed for the replacement of two major petrochemicals in resin formulations, which would otherwise be challenging due to the heterogeneity of softwood kraft lignin.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rui Liu, Annika Smeds, Teija Tirri, Hongbo Zhang, Stefan Willfor, Chunlin Xu
Summary: This study evaluated the ability of 13 organic solvents to separate lignin bonded with carbohydrates and obtained lignin fractions with different carbohydrate contents and decreased heterogeneity using a sequential solvent extraction approach. The properties of each fraction were compared and it was confirmed that fractions with lower carbohydrate content were able to form uniform spherical lignin nanoparticles.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Huiqi Jin, Haiqiang Shi, Wenchao Jia, Yanning Sun, Xueru Sheng, Yanzhu Guo, Haiming Li, Haidong Sun
Summary: A green solvent system was developed for the molecular weight-controllable fractionation of industrial alkali lignin. The fractionation process, achieved by adjusting the ratio of water, ethanol, and gamma-Valerolactone, resulted in six levels of lignin with stepwise controllable molecular weight. The fractionation was confirmed to be a physical process without altering the chemical structure of lignin. The fractionated lignin with higher molecular weight exhibited narrower polydispersity and the fractionated lignin with lower molecular weight had higher content of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, which could enhance its chemical reactivity in downstream applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Koushik Dutta, Ankumoni Saikia, Binoy Kumar Saikia, Ajit Singh
Summary: The availability, renewability, biodegradability, and excellent mechanical strength of lignin have led to increased interest in using it for commodity polymer development. However, factors such as self-aggregation, low reactivity, and solubility have limited its large-scale application. In this work, lignin was modified with Epichlorohydrin to prepare epoxidized lignin (EL), which was then used to synthesize the copolymer Lig-PLA by graft polymerization of Lactic acid (LA). The characterization of EL and Lig-PLA copolymer confirmed successful grafting and the potential for flexible film production with high lignin content.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei-Han Hui, Yen-Lin Chen, Shu-Wei Chang
Summary: Crosslinking affects the mechanical behavior and tissue metabolism of collagen-based tissues. Aging and diabetes alter the crosslinking type and density, thus changing tissue properties. High-connectivity enzymatic crosslinking and advanced-glycation end-products result in uniform deformation under daily activity, while low-connectivity enzymatic crosslinking does not. High-connectivity model displays more sliding, while AGEs induce instability in structures near the binding sites.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yao-Bin Ma, Xiao-Qiu Zhou, Wei-Dan Jiang, Pei Wu, Yang Liu, Shu-Wei Li, Ling Tang, Lu Zhang, Hai-Feng Mi, Lin Feng
Summary: Tea polyphenols (TPs) are an inexpensive feed additive that can protect the gill function of fish against Flavobacterium columnare (F. columnare) through various mechanisms, including suppression of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yan-Jia Guo, Jing-Ru Pang, Yu Zhang, Zhong-Rui Li, Xiao-Lin Zi, Hong-Min Liu, Ning Wang, Li-Juan Zhao, Ya Gao, Bo Wang, Piet Herdewijn, Cheng-Yun Jin, Ying Liu, Yi-Chao Zheng
Summary: This study identifies the conjugation of NEDD8 to LSD1 and its impact on GC cells, revealing the significance of LSD1 neddylation in GC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Geum-Jae Jeong, Fazlurrahman Khan, Nazia Tabassum, Young-Mog Kim
Summary: Vibrio species are motile gram-negative bacteria commonly found in aquatic environments. They can adapt to environmental fluctuations and develop protective mechanisms against host immune systems. Different types of sigma and anti-sigma factors play important roles in regulating gene expression and virulence in Vibrio species.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zahra Mohammadbagheri, Behrooz Movahedi, Shaghayegh Saeedi, Abbas Rahmati
Summary: In this study, a reusable biobased composite hydrogel was successfully synthesized and used for the removal of Tl(I) from aqueous solutions. The hydrogel exhibited high adsorption capacity and thermal stability, and the adsorption process was found to be thermodynamically spontaneous. The results demonstrated that the hydrogel can be reused multiple times without significant loss of its adsorption capacity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iqra Batool, Muhammad Imran, Ayesha Anwar, Farhan Ahmed Khan, Afrah E. Mohammed, Ashwag Shami, Hafiz Iqbal
Summary: Enzyme immobilization on ZnO/SnO2 and ZnO/SnO2/SA nanocomposites was studied, and the catalytic and biochemical characteristics of the immobilized enzyme were investigated. The results showed that ZnO/SnO2 and ZnO/SnO2/SA nanostructures are suitable carriers for enzyme immobilization.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elias Mosaffa, Dhruvi Patel, Nasim Amiri Ramsheh, Rishikumar Indravadan Patel, Atanu Banerjee, Hossein Ghafuri
Summary: In this study, a unique 3D bead structure of adsorbent, composed of bacterial cellulose microfilaments reinforced chitosan adorned with melamine 2D plates, was synthesized for anionic dye removal. The adsorbent showed high specific surface area and abundant functional groups, resulting in exceptional adsorption capacity. The characteristics and optimal conditions of the adsorbent were assessed and analyzed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carolina Gismene, Jorge Enrique Hernandez Gonzalez, Marilia de Freitas Calmon, Andrey Fabricio Ziem Nascimento, Angela Rocio Nino Santisteban, Felipe Antunes Calil, Alana Della Torre da Silva, Paula Rahal, Rejane Maira Goes, Raghuvir Krishnaswamy Arni, Ricardo Barros Mariutti
Summary: Mammaliicoccus sciuri, a bacterium of clinical and veterinary relevance, expresses the virulence factor Exfoliative Toxin C (ExhC), which binds specifically to desmoglein-1 (Dsg1) and plays a role in tissue integrity. This study investigates the necrotic activity of ExhC and identifies a variant lacking necrotic potential but retaining enzymatic activity through mutagenesis experiments and crystal structure determination.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bibhas K. Bhunia, Ashutosh Bandyopadhyay, Souradeep Dey, Biman B. Mandal
Summary: Intervertebral disc degeneration is a major cause of chronic low back pain and disability. Researchers have developed a bioactive silk-based hybrid hydrogel system functionalized with decellularized human Wharton's jelly extracellular matrix as bioactive cues. The hydrogels mimic the rheological and mechanical properties of the native nucleus pulposus tissue and support cell viability, proliferation, and tissue maturation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qun Zhang, Yonggan Yan, Zhao Li, Jing Du, Kai Zhang, Liguo Zhang, Ting Wang, Alberto Bianco, Shaohua Ge, Baojin Ma
Summary: A new crosslinking strategy has been devised to construct injectable sodium alginate hydrogels, which can be regulated for injectability and have great potential in biomedical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seong Eun Hong, Ji-Soo Lee, Hyeon Gyu Lee
Summary: The potential of multi-layer nanoemulsions for improving the cellular uptake, antioxidant activity, and in vitro bioaccessibility of alpha-tocopherol was examined. The results showed that the multi-layer nanoemulsions significantly enhanced the cellular uptake and antioxidant activity of alpha-tocopherol compared to free coumarin 6. Furthermore, the use of chitosan and dextran sulfate as wall materials in the multi-layer nanoemulsions led to even higher cellular uptake, in vitro bioaccessibility, and antioxidant activity of alpha-tocopherol.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jingjing Yu, Yanhui Zhang, Ruoning Zhang, Yanxiang Gao, Like Mao
Summary: High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) based on beeswax (BW) oleogels and octenyl succinic acid starch (OSA starch) were prepared by a simple one-step method. The results showed that oleogelation improved the stability and encapsulation capability of the HIPEs, which is significant for the development of novel healthy food.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bi-Feng Yao, Xiu-Ju Luo, Jun Peng
Summary: The balanced and continuous fission and fusion of mitochondria, regulated by OPA1, are important for maintaining mitochondrial dynamics in cardiovascular disorders. Understanding the role of OPA1 in mitochondrial fusion can provide insights into the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gokul Paramasivam, Anandhavelu Sanmugam, Vishnu Vardhan Palem, Murugan Sevanan, Ananda Babu Sairam, Nachiappan Nachiappan, Buhyun Youn, Jung Sub Lee, Muthuchamy Nallal, Kang Hyun Park
Summary: Nanomaterials are being used to deliver therapeutic agents in living systems. Different nanotechnological applications such as immunosensors, immune assays, and drug delivery are being implemented using nanotechnology. Genomics plays a crucial role in selecting appropriate drugs for personalized cancer therapy. It helps in analyzing gene and protein expression, disease classification, and designing disease models. Delivering drugs to specific areas using nanoparticles is a challenging issue.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Li, Wei Wang, Han Wu, Feng Peng, Hui Gao, Ying Guan
Summary: In this study, CMH-based CPF films were prepared and their thermal and barrier properties were successfully regulated. The tensile strength and water vapor barrier property of CPF films were significantly improved, making them promising for food packaging applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)