Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Caoxing Huang, Xiao Jiang, Xiaojun Shen, Jinguang Hu, Wei Tang, Xinxing Wu, Arthur Ragauskas, Hasan Jameel, Xianzhi Meng, Qiang Yong
Summary: Efficiently producing second-generation biofuels from biomass remains a long-term challenge due to biomass recalcitrance. Lignin significantly contributes to biomass recalcitrance by physically limiting enzyme access to carbohydrates. Research is focused on mitigating the negative effects of lignin on enzyme performance.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Li Xu, Aiting Zhang, Ruijie Liao, Yuxia Pang, Dongjie Yang, Hongming Lou, Xueqing Qiu
Summary: By synthesizing a cationic copolymer, cellulase adsorption onto lignin surface can be effectively obstructed, leading to enhanced glucose release. The copolymers show versatility in different enzyme preparations, acid-treated lignocellulosic substrates, and solid saccharification systems, while also achieving enzyme saving. Mechanistically, the copolymer attenuates irreversible binding between lignin and cellulase and exerts a positive influence on enzyme activity.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sharib Khan, Kait Kaarel Puss, Tiit Lukk, Mart Loog, Timo Kikas, Siim Salmar
Summary: Lignin from lignocellulosic biomass can replace raw materials in the chemical industry. In this study, hydrolysis lignin obtained via Sunburst(TM) pretreatment was enzymatically converted. Acid precipitated lignin (APL) was obtained through alkali solubilization and acid precipitation. Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) showed the highest conversion rate of APL under highly alkaline conditions.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Chaozhong Xu, Shanshan Tong, Liqun Sun, Xiaoli Gu
Summary: Cellulase-mediated lignocellulosic biorefinery is crucial for producing high-value biofuels and chemicals, and immobilization of cellulase enzymes has greatly improved the efficiency, stability, and reusability of the process. This comprehensive review analyzes the principles and various approaches of cellulase immobilization, including physical adsorption, covalent binding, entrapment, and cross-linking. It also explores different carrier materials and emerging techniques such as multi-enzyme co-immobilization and 3D printing carriers, while addressing obstacles like diffusion limitations and loss of cellulase activity.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nejib Kasmi, Yosra Chebbi, Alessandra Lorenzetti, Minna Hakkarainen
Summary: Polyols made entirely from biomass play a significant role in producing greener polyurethanes. Researchers have developed highly transparent and malleable polyurethane thermosets using these biobased polyols, with easily adjustable properties for a wide range of applications.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dendera Munguia-Aguilar, Hector A. Ruiz, Elias Razo-Flores, Cesar Nieto-Delgado, Edith Cadena-Chamorro, Felipe Alatriste-Mondragon
Summary: The efficiency of enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass can be improved by a sequential process of hydrothermal pretreatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis, resulting in higher release of sugars and methane production.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chao Xu, Md. Asraful Alam, Zhongming Wang, Huanjun Chen, Jun Zhang, Shushi Huang, Wei Zhuang, Jingliang Xu
Summary: This study found that the cheap and biodegradable additives sophorolipid and whey protein can boost enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass by alleviating non-productive adsorption and blocking enzyme adsorption sites. Additionally, these additives can reduce the inactivation rate of cellulase under high shear and temperature conditions.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Patricia F. Avila, Rosana Goldbeck
Summary: This study improved cellulose recovery efficiency and reduced chemical consumption by performing prior delignification and alkaline treatment on sugarcane straw and coffee husk waste. Additionally, an effective approach for enzymatic production of short chain cello-oligosaccharides was explored using optimal mixture of commercial enzymes.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Patricia F. Avila, Allan H. F. de Mello, Rosana Goldbeck
Summary: This study developed a three-stage enzymatic hydrolysis method using cellulase from the GH12 family to extract cello-oligosaccharides (COS) from agricultural wastes. The enzymatic hydrolysis process increased the yield of COS by approximately 65% through the removal of glucose and other byproducts at each stage. The COS promoted the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus brevis, but showed low efficiency with Bifidobacterium sp. This research shows the potential of multi-stage enzymatic hydrolysis for COS production with prebiotic properties.
INNOVATIVE FOOD SCIENCE & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eva Balaguer Moya, Berta Syhler, Julen Ordenana Manso, Giuliano Dragone, Solange I. Mussatto
Summary: This study evaluated the optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis cocktail to maximize sugar extraction from pretreated sugarcane bagasse. It was found that adding hydrogen peroxide at the beginning of hydrolysis increased glucose and xylose concentrations, while the addition of hemicellulase increased glucose and xylose production. These findings suggest that using an appropriate enzymatic cocktail supplemented with additives can enhance sugar extraction from lignocellulosic biomass and contribute to the development of a more sustainable and competitive process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Guangyong Zeng, Liyi Zhang, Benkun Qi, Jianquan Luo, Yinhua Wan
Summary: Avicel cellulose was pretreated with two commonly used carboxylic acid-based deep eutectic solvents, choline chloride-lactic acid and choline chloride-formic acid. The pretreatment led to the formation of cellulose esters with lactic acid and formic acid, which was confirmed through spectroscopic analysis. Surprisingly, the esterified cellulose showed a significant decrease in enzymatic glucose yield compared to the untreated cellulose, but this reduction could be recovered by removing the ester groups through saponification. The decreased enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis may be attributed to changes in the interaction between the cellulose-binding domain of cellulase and the esterified cellulose.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jessica C. Rohrbach, Jeremy S. Luterbacher
Summary: This study highlights the interaction between experimental conditions and physical characteristics of biomass particles in affecting digestibility, emphasizing the role of internal mass transfer as substrate size increases and enzyme loading decreases. Adjusting enzyme and biomass loading based on wood particle size and cellulose accessibility is crucial for maintaining a strong concentration gradient and optimizing enzyme diffusion.
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jun Zhang, Kuntai Li, Shucheng Liu, Shushi Huang, Chao Xu
Summary: The study optimized the AHP pretreatment conditions for sugarcane bagasse, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis at high-solids substrate loading and fed-batch fermentation to convert fermentable sugars into succinic acid (SA), achieving a high SA conversion rate of 0.29 g/g SCB raw material.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Fernando Roberto Paz-Cedeno, Lucas Ragnini Henares, Eddyn Gabriel Solorzano-Chavez, Mateus Scontri, Flavio Pereira Picheli, Ismael Ulises Miranda Roldan, Rubens Monti, Samuel Conceicao de Oliveira, Fernando Masarin
Summary: The study showed that pretreatment with sulfite-NaOH was the most efficient in removing lignin while keeping cellulose intact, and had the best response to enzymatic hydrolysis with high conversion rates.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Neha Srivastava, Rajeev Singh, Manish Srivastava, Asad Syed, Dan Bahadur Pal, Ali H. Bahkali, P. K. Mishra, Vijai Kumar Gupta
Summary: The study utilized mixed fungal consortia for solid state fermentation to enhance cellulase production, and improved the thermal and pH stability of cellulase with NiFe2O4 nanoparticles. The treated cellulase was used for enzymatic hydrolysis of biowaste to biofuels, resulting in significantly higher sugar yield and productivity compared to control.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yingji Wu, Rima Nour Elhouda Tiri, Muhammed Bekmezci, Elif Esra Altuner, Aysenur Aygun, Changtong Mei, Yan Yuan, Changlei Xia, Elena-Niculina Dragoi, Fatih Sen
Summary: A novel activated carbon supported trimetallic Pt-Ru-Ni nanoparticles were synthesized and demonstrated to be an efficient catalyst for hydrogen production and enhanced photodegradation of methylene blue dye. The nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, and the results showed high photocatalytic degradation of the dye and good catalytic activity for hydrogen production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Guiyang Zheng, Haoran Ye, Yunyi Liang, Xin Jin, Changlei Xia, Wei Fan, Yang Shi, Yanfei Xie, Jianzhang Li, Shengbo Ge
Summary: This study used natural Moso bamboo powder as raw material and conducted pre-treatment with acetic acid and ball-milling with different concentrations. A compact glue-free bio-composite with excellent waterproof and mechanical characteristics was obtained through thermal forming. The bio-composite showed improved thermal conductivity and mechanical properties after acetic acid ball milling compared to the untreated bio-composite, with double the tensile strength. It also exhibited a low water absorption rate after immersion and a more compact bamboo cell structure after hot pressing. Moreover, the bio-composite demonstrated high specific strength and green characteristics for environmental protection, which makes it potentially suitable for construction and furniture.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yaqiong Hao, Haijun Sun, Xiaoping Zeng, Gangqiang Dong, Herbert J. Kronzucker, Ju Min, Changlei Xia, Su Shiung Lam, Weiming Shi
Summary: Microplastics (MPs) accumulation in farmland in China's smallholder farming is twice that found in large-scale farming, and there are differences in the characteristics of MPs between the two types of farming systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Changlei Xia, Xiang Li, Yingji Wu, Suharti Suharti, Yuwalee Unpaprom, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
Summary: Clean freshwater is essential for various purposes, and water contamination is a major concern worldwide. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising solution for wastewater treatment, and researchers are exploring its potential applications in water remediation. This study examines the remediation capability of nanocomposites for removing contaminants from contaminated water, highlighting their inventions and future perspectives.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yunyi Liang, Yonghong Luo, Yang Wang, Tianyang Fei, Lili Dai, Daihui Zhang, Hongzhi Ma, Liping Cai, Changlei Xia
Summary: Soy protein isolate (SPI) is a natural material used in wood adhesives, but its mechanical properties and water resistance are poor. By combining lysine (Lys) with a modified soy-based wood adhesive, the mechanical strength and interfacial bonding ability of soy protein-based composites can be improved. Adding Lys and glycerol epoxy resin (GER) further enhances the wet shear strength and water resistance of the adhesive. This research provides a new strategy for developing low-cost, renewable biobased adhesives with excellent mechanical properties, which can be a promising alternative to formaldehyde-free adhesives in the wood industry.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Haoran Ye, Guiyang Zheng, Shida Zuo, Qinghan Yu, Changlei Xia, Yequan Sheng, Yang Shi, Danxia Wang, Jianzhang Li, Shengbo Ge
Summary: To solve the problems of plastic pollution and energy shortage, chitosan was used as an interfacial compatibilizer to modify traditional wood plastic composites (WPC), resulting in enhanced mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and antibacterial properties. The optimal ratio of chitosan was found to be 10%. The modified WPC showed improved properties such as high tensile and flexural strength, water and corrosion resistance, UV resistance, and thermal stability. With its potential for sustainable development, WPC-10%CS can be widely used as a functional material both indoors and outdoors.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Xuan Wang, Yaoli Zhang, Changlei Xia, Ali Alqahtani, Ashutosh Sharma, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
Summary: Algae biorefinery ideas have recently gained significant attention in the emerging algae mediated bioeconomy, focusing on improving biomass, biofuel, and bioproducts productivity. By understanding the metabolic processes of algae and their potential in generating biofuels and bioproducts, researchers can uncover key obstacles to carbon utilization and photosynthesis potential, leading to increased production efficiency and economic potential. This analysis presents possible mechanisms for a theoretical algae biorefinery structure, addressing specific challenges for each product and exploring market potential for commercialization.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Yingji Wu, Changlei Xia, Jiajie Cao, Hakim AL Garalleh, Mazen Garaleh, Mohammed Khouj, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
Summary: Biofuel is a leading alternative to fossil fuels due to the depletion of energy sources. Nanoparticles acting as catalysts have shown potential in improving the quality and yield of biofuel. With improved processing, the reliance on fossil fuels can be significantly reduced. Various nanoparticles, such as organic and inorganic metals, have been applied to improve biofuel fabrication.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Yu Li, Yingji Wu, Kouqi Liu, Seyed Ali Delbari, Aejung Kim, Abbas Sabahi Namini, Quyet Van Le, Mohammadreza Shokouhimehr, Changlei Xia, Ho Won Jang, Rajender S. Varma, Rafael Luque
Summary: The demand for sustainable and ecofriendly materials has increased in recent decades. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted significant interest due to their unique chemical and physical properties. They have been utilized in various chemistries to convert biomass into biofuels and other valuable compounds. This review article discusses the conversion of glucose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) or levulinic acid, HMF into 2,5-furandicarboxylic acids, vanillin into 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol, and other transformations using MOF-based catalysts with improved green credentials. The article also examines the reusability aspect, reactivity of the catalysts with MOFs, benefits, and potential drawbacks, as well as future perspectives.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yingji Wu, Yongnan Zhang, Changlei Xia, Arunachalam Chinnathambi, Omaima Nasif, Beata Gavurova, Manigandan Sekar, A. Anderson, Nguyen Thuy Lan Chi, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
Summary: This study conducted tests on diesel engine to evaluate the suitability of ammonia as a substitute fuel for diesel and its impact on the primary properties of the engine. The results showed that adding ammonia reduced the brake thermal efficiency of the engine, but adding nanoparticles improved the thermal efficiency of biodiesel blends.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Changlei Xia, Sang-Woo Joo, Akbar Hojjati-Najafabadi, Huan Xie, Yingji Wu, Tebogo Mashifana, Yasser Vasseghian
Summary: This review provides an overview of the recent progress in the development of layered covalent organic frameworks (LCOFs) for water and wastewater treatment. LCOFs show unique properties that make them attractive for adsorption and degradation of pollutants. The review covers synthesis methods, structural and chemical characteristics, adsorption and degradation capacity, and the potential applications of LCOFs. It also discusses challenges, limitations, and future research directions. LCOFs have the potential to significantly improve current water and wastewater treatment methods and have implications for policy and practice.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haiying Lu, Ruiyan Xie, Hesham S. Almoallim, Sulaiman Ali Alharbi, G. K. Jhanani, T. R. Praveenkumar, Changlei Xia, A. Anderson
Summary: In this study, microalgae biochar was used to produce fuel pellets, and the results showed that the inclusion of microalgae biochar could enhance the calorific value, heating value, and bulk density of the pellets. The mechanical strength of microalgae-based pellets was also higher compared to other biomass, and their combustion time was longer due to their higher calorific value.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Liang Wen, Xuan Wang, Qin Xu, Jiewei Tong, Wanwan Zhao, Yaoli Zhang, Jianxiong Lv, Liping Cai, Changlei Xia
Summary: The monthly variation of dynamic viscosity and interfacial tension of xylem sap in different tree species and their influencing factors were analyzed. The dynamic viscosity and interfacial tension of poplar and metasequoia samples changed in a similar manner each month, but the metasequoia samples had higher values than the poplar samples. The differences in organic components and inorganic cations concentration in their xylem sap due to disparate xylem structures resulted in the variation in dynamic viscosity and interfacial tension between poplar and metasequoia samples.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hong Chen, Jiangjing Shi, Tuhua Zhong, Benhua Fei, Xiang Xu, Jieyu Wu, Lili Shang, Wenfu Zhang, Shaofei Yuan, Changlei Xia
Summary: In this study, parenchyma cells were mechanically separated from bamboo fibers and then recombined to generate formaldehyde-free bamboo self-bonding composites. The physical-mechanical properties of the composites were tuned by adjusting the content of parenchyma cells, resulting in improved water resistance and mechanical strength. These eco-friendly composites with tunable properties have promising applications in furniture, packaging, and interior decorations.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yingji Wu, Yan Yuan, Changlei Xia, Tahani Awad Alahmadi, Sulaiman Ali Alharbi, Manigandan Sekar, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
Summary: This study focuses on improving fuel quality by introducing hydrogen into waste tire pyrolysis oil. The addition of hydrogen was found to improve the combustion process and reduce harmful gas emissions. Waste tire pyrolysis oil blended with hydrogen showed promising performance as an alternative fuel for diesel engines.
