Article
Agricultural Engineering
Kena Li, Henrik Almqvist, Christian Hulteberg
Summary: The study focused on depolymerizing kraft lignin Indulin AT under base conditions to produce aromatic monomers like guaiacol and vanillin. Higher temperature and NaOH concentration were found to increase the degree of depolymerization and production of guaiacol. The optimal conditions for producing a guaiacol-rich fraction were determined to be a lignin loading of 4 wt%, NaOH concentration of 2 wt%, and a temperature of 210 degrees C. The process, involving base-catalyzed depolymerization, ultrafiltration, and biological conversion, efficiently converted Indulin AT lignin into muconic acid.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Helena Gomez-Alvarez, Pablo Iturbe, Virginia Rivero-Buceta, Paul Mines, Timothy D. H. Bugg, Juan Nogales, Eduardo Diaz
Summary: In this study, Pseudomonas putida strains were engineered to produce 2,4 pyridine dicarboxylic acid (2,4 PDCA) from lignin-derived monoaromatics. The researchers blocked the native beta-ketoadipate pathway and overexpressed specific genes to increase productivity. The findings provide new insights for the development of bio-based plastics.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jina Son, Seo Hyun Lim, Yu Jin Kim, Hye Jin Lim, Ji Yeon Lee, Seona Jeong, Chulhwan Park, Si Jae Park
Summary: Prompt action is needed to prevent catastrophic climate events and delay global warming, which poses threats to health and food security. Waste management using engineered microbes, particularly Pseudomonas putida, has emerged as a viable solution for addressing the global climate crisis and transitioning to clean energy. However, challenges such as low efficiency of waste pre-treatment technologies and practicality of synthetic biology tools hinder the industrial application of P. putida in converting waste into valuable products.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Huarong Zhou, Zhaoxian Xu, Chenggu Cai, Jie Li, Mingjie Jin
Summary: This study deciphered the metabolic distribution of vanillin in Rhodoccous opacus PD630 and identified several vanillin reductases. By manipulating the genes involved in vanillin metabolism, the conversion of vanillin to muconic acid was significantly increased. Furthermore, the existence of vanillin reductases in other bacteria was demonstrated.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joshua R. Elmore, Gara N. Dexter, Davinia Salvachua, Jessica Martinez-Baird, E. Anne Hatmaker, Jay D. Huenemann, Dawn M. Klingeman, George L. Peabody, Darren J. Peterson, Christine Singer, Gregg T. Beckham, Adam M. Guss
Summary: Expanding lignin-derived product portfolio is crucial for sustainable bio-based economy. Researchers engineered Pseudomonas putida to produce itaconic acid at high yields from lignin-derived compounds. Dynamic metabolic control rerouting carbon in central metabolism enabled high yields of valuable chemicals from lignin.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Saddam Hussain Mohammad, Bhima Bhukya
Summary: This study successfully utilized Pseudomonas putida KT2440 to valorize lignin and its derivatives, and synthesized bio-polymers without any genetic manipulation.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maciej W. Guzik, Tomasz Nitkiewicz, Magdalena Wojnarowska, Mariusz Soltysik, Shane T. Kenny, Ramesh P. Babu, Marshall Best, Kevin E. O'Connor
Summary: The study optimized the production of medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA) using Pseudomonas putida KT2440 fed with a polyethylene (PE)-derived fatty acid mixture. The results showed high mcl-PHA yields in a 20-L setup, indicating the potential environmental advantages of processing waste PE into PHA instead of incineration.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Andrew J. Borchert, Alissa Bleem, Gregg T. Beckham
Summary: By using RB-TnSeq technology, this study identified genes in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 that influenced stress tolerance against lignin-derived compounds, providing promising engineering targets for improving feedstock tolerance in lignin valorization strains.
METABOLIC ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Linh Thanh Nguyen, Dieu-Phuong Phan, Arslan Sarwar, My Ha Tran, Ok Kyung Lee, Eun Yeol Lee
Summary: Lignin is a renewable aromatic resource and the most abundant aromatic biopolymer on Earth, with over 50 million tons of waste lignin generated annually. Efforts to develop efficient lignin valorization technologies are increasing, with a focus on thermochemical depolymerization and biological conversion processes. The integrated valorization method combining thermochemical depolymerization and biological conversion shows promise for increasing the production of value-added products from waste lignin.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Zhaoxian Xu, Meilin Xu, Chenggu Cai, Sitong Chen, Mingjie Jin
Summary: This study systematically unraveled ligninolytic enzymes in Pseudomonas putida NX-1 and confirmed the polyhydroxyalkanoate biosynthesis capability using lignin as the sole carbon source. Furthermore, it determined the physical properties of polyhydroxyalkanoate from glucose and lignin-derived aromatics, showing their similarity and suggesting lignin as a potential alternative feedstock for polyhydroxyalkanoate production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ayumu Wada, Erica T. Prates, Ryo Hirano, Allison Z. Werner, Naofumi Kamimura, Daniel A. Jacobson, Gregg T. Beckham, Eiji Masai
Summary: Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is a well-studied bacterium capable of utilizing lignin-related monomers for growth. This study reveals that PcaK and HcnK play a major role in the uptake of PCA/4HBA and FA/4CA, respectively, while VanK acts as a transporter for VA/PCA.
METABOLIC ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhangyang Xu, Chunmei Pan, Xiaolu Li, Naijia Hao, Tong Zhang, Matthew J. Gaffrey, Yunqiao Pu, John R. Cort, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Wei-Jun Qian, Bin Yang
Summary: Co-feeding lignin derivatives with glycerol was shown to increase cell dry weight and PHA content in P. putida KT2440. The addition of lignin derivatives altered the distribution of PHA monomers and benzoate acted as an independent factor in PHA synthesis. Proteomics and metabolomics analysis revealed that benzoate stimulated oxidative-stress responses and altered intracellular NADH/NADPH ratios, increasing energy generation and storage processes for enhanced PHA biosynthesis.
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Bixia Fu, Gezhi Xiao, Yang Zhang, Jifeng Yuan
Summary: This study demonstrated the efficient conversion of lignin-derived substrates into gallic acid using Escherichia coli-based whole-cell biocatalytic systems. The synthesis of gallic acid from ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid was achieved with high conversion rates under optimal conditions, representing a promising approach for eco-friendly production of gallic acid from renewable feedstocks derived from lignin.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jin Li, Cheng Yue, Wenping Wei, Yanzhe Shang, Ping Zhang, Bang-Ce Ye
Summary: This study successfully developed an auto-regulatory system to address the challenging issues in lignin valorization, demonstrating its effectiveness and economic advantages.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rajendran Nandhini, Baskaran Sivaprakash, Natarajan Rajamohan, Dai-Viet N. Vo
Summary: Sustainable bioplastics derived from biomass are being developed as a solution to global warming and plastic pollution. The production of biopolymers from bioresources and organic waste is expected to increase, leading to a reduction in waste accumulation.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Anton Fagerstrom, Omar Abdelaziz, Sofia Poulikidou, Adam Lewren, Christian Hulteberg, Ola Wallberg, Tomas Rydberg
Summary: The potential of integrating bio-electro-jet fuel (BEJF) production into existing biomass-based combined heat and power (CHP) facilities was investigated in this study. Techno-economic and life cycle assessments were performed to evaluate the production cost and environmental impact. The findings highlight the resource-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally benign nature of BEJF as an alternative for the aviation sector.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yusuf Umar, Orlando Velasco, Omar Y. Abdelaziz, Omar Aboelazayem, Mamdouh A. Gadalla, Christian P. Hulteberg, Basudeb Saha
Summary: This study introduces an integrated lignin-glycerol valorisation strategy, where glycerol is used to depolymerise lignin and the generated bio-oil is used as a renewable additive to biodiesel to enhance its oxygen stability. Results show that glycerol has a positive impact on the yield and antioxidant activity of the bio-oil. Adding bio-oil to biodiesel significantly improves its oxidation stability.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexey Polukeev, Reine Wallenberg, Jens Uhlig, Christian P. Hulteberg, Ola F. Wendt
Summary: Convenient methods for on-board hydrogen storage and release are necessary for the large-scale use of hydrogen fuel cells. This study demonstrates the use of a continuous flow reactor and a heterogenized iridium pincer complex to significantly increase the dehydrogenation rates of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs). This advancement holds potential for applications in fuel-cell powered cars.
Article
Polymer Science
Roujin Ghaffari, Henrik Almqvist, Robin Nilsson, Gunnar Liden, Anette Larsson
Summary: This study investigated the diffusion of kraft lignin molecules through model cellulose membranes of varying pore sizes. The results showed that small pore sizes enable the diffusion of small molecules while hindering the transport of larger molecules or clusters. This study provides important insights into the mass transfer events in pulping processes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sabrina Maria Gericke, Jenny Rissler, Marie Bermeo, Harald Wallander, Hanna Karlsson, Linnea Kollberg, Mattia Scardamaglia, Robert Temperton, Suyun Zhu, Kajsa G. V. Sigfridsson Clauss, Christian Hulteberg, Andrey Shavorskiy, Lindsay Richard Merte, Maria Elise Messing, Johan Zetterberg, Sara Blomberg
Summary: Nickel-promoted molybdenum-based catalysts undergo oxidation-reduction reactions under high-pressure H-2 and elevated temperatures. The mixing of nickel and molybdenum lowers the reduction temperature of the oxide. The reduction process of the supported catalysts is more gradual compared to foils, indicating a strong interaction between the catalyst and the alumina support.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ada Josefina Robinson, Aristide Giuliano, Omar Y. Abdelaziz, Christian P. Hulteberg, Apostolis Koutinas, Konstantinos S. Triantafyllidis, Diego Barletta, Isabella De Bari
Summary: This study establishes an integrated optimization model to assess the profitability of converting lignin into high-added-value products. The results demonstrate that lignin can have a high market value with the use of key technologies, depending on the market prices of different products.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Omar Y. Abdelaziz, Ida Clemmensen, Sebastian Meier, Carina A. E. Costa, Alirio E. Rodrigues, Christian P. Hulteberg, Anders Riisager
Summary: This review focuses on the conversion of technical lignins by oxidative depolymerization using heterogeneous catalysts. It summarizes the current literature on the use of various heterogeneous catalysts for oxidative depolymerization of lignin, including methods, reaction products and yields, as well as techniques for determining product yields and recovery. Challenges and suggestions for future research are also outlined.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tove Kristensen, Christian Hulteberg, Sara Blomberg, Per Tuna, Omar Abdelaziz
Summary: A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of temperature, pressure, and weight hourly space velocity on the catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin to cresol over a Ni-Mo/delta-Al2O3 catalyst. The results showed that both temperature and pressure had significant effects on the selectivity for cresol, and the interaction of temperature with pressure and space velocity also played a significant role in the reaction. The optimal conditions for obtaining the highest selectivity for cresol were determined to be 314℃, 5 bar, and 35 h(-)(1).
TOPICS IN CATALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Roujin Ghaffari, Henrik Almqvist, Alexander Idstrom, Ioanna Sapouna, Lars Evenas, Gunnar Liden, Martin Lawoko, Anette Larsson
Summary: The transport of lignin fragments from cells and fibers to black liquor is crucial in the delignification process, but our understanding of its diffusion through cellulose is limited. Therefore, a comprehensive study on lignin mass transport through cellulosic materials is important.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Omar Y. Y. Abdelaziz, Ida Clemmensen, Sebastian Meier, Sasa Bjelic, Christian P. P. Hulteberg, Anders Riisager
Summary: Zirconia-supported vanadium-copper catalysts (VCux:yZr) were used to oxidatively depolymerize softwood LignoBoost Kraft lignin (LB). The most promising catalyst was VCu1:2Zr, which achieved a total monomer yield of 9 wt% and the highest selectivity for vanillin (59%). This study demonstrates the potential of the V-Cu/ZrO2 catalyst system in the production of value-added aromatics from technical lignin under relatively mild conditions, contributing to the more sustainable use of forest-based industries.
TOPICS IN CATALYSIS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dimitris D. S. Argyropoulos, Claudia Crestini, Christian Dahlstrand, Erik Furusjo, Claudio Gioia, Kerstin Jedvert, Gunnar Henriksson, Christian Hulteberg, Martin Lawoko, Clara Pierrou, Joseph S. M. Samec, Elena Subbotina, Henrik Wallmo, Martin Wimby
Summary: Kraft lignin, a by-product of pulp production, can be separated from black liquor to reduce the load on recovery boilers and increase pulp production, while also generating valuable bioenergy. In recent years, there has been growing interest in developing and utilizing this underutilized resource. This review provides an overview of Kraft lignin, its applications, and evaluates its value chains from black liquor to different products. It is anticipated that this work will inspire further development and use of Kraft lignin for new applications, promoting global sustainability concerns.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sixten Dahlbom, Christian Hulteberg
Summary: In this study, a method based on isothermal calorimetry and modeling is presented to estimate the risk of lagging fire or determine the maximum insulation thickness for a particular system temperature. The combination of mineral wool and rapeseed oil was studied, and full-scale tests were conducted to validate the results. Two methods of lagging contamination were evaluated, with the solvent method yielding more repeatable results. Using calorimetric measurements, parameters for the kinetic equation were estimated, and the self-ignition temperature of contaminated lagging on a pipe was determined based on these results. A temperature increase of 40 degrees Celsius was deemed a reasonable ignition criterion.
JOURNAL OF LOSS PREVENTION IN THE PROCESS INDUSTRIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tianhao Hu, Sabrina M. Gericke, Xiao Tong, Dmytro Nykypanchuk, Tove Kristensen, Christian Hulteberg, Dario Stacchiola, Sara Blomberg, Ashley R. Head
Summary: The conversion of biomass to transportation fuels and value-added chemicals is a promising method to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, and Mo-based catalysts have been shown to be highly active in this process. This study investigates the adsorption behavior of an alumina-supported mixed nickel molybdenum oxide catalyst and finds that molybdenum oxide controls the adsorption and reactivity of the surface species with a cooperative effect by nickel.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kaushik Chakrabarti, Alice Spangenberg, Vasudevan Subramaniyan, Andreas Hederstedt, Omar Y. Abdelaziz, Alexey V. Polukeev, Reine Wallenberg, Christian P. Hulteberg, Ola F. Wendt
Summary: Finding alternative and sustainable ways to produce, store and convert energy, particularly hydrogen, is crucial for reducing carbon emissions. This study investigates the use of silica- and alumina-supported POCOP-Ir systems as catalysts for gas phase acceptorless dehydrogenation of 4-methylpiperidine, an organic hydrogen carrier. The newly designed POCOP-Ir complex with two anchors exhibits high activity and stability, making it a promising catalyst for hydrogen storage and conversion.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Vratislav Stovicek, Laura Dato, Henrik Almqvist, Marie Schopping, Ksenia Chekina, Lasse Ebdrup Pedersen, Anna Koza, Diogo Figueira, Freddy Tjosas, Bruno Sommer Ferreira, Jochen Forster, Gunnar Liden, Irina Borodina
Summary: The study successfully engineered an industrial strain of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae for efficient utilization of xylose in lignosulfonate stream at low pH using CRISPR/Cas genome editing and adaptive laboratory evolution. Whole genome sequencing revealed genetic determinants of increased tolerance to SSL, leading to the development of strains for producing dicarboxylic acids. The engineered strains showed high productivity of malic and succinic acid from fermentable carbon content of SSL, providing potential gene targets for improving tolerance to inhibitory industrial feedstocks.
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)