Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Na Liu, Shuzhen Ni, Hailong Gao, Yongjie Chang, Yingjuan Fu, Wenxia Liu, Menghua Qin
Summary: By using biografting technique, a multifunctional chitosan copolymer, Lac/LG-CTS, with enhanced antioxidant property, hydrophobicity, and moisture barrier property, was successfully prepared. Although the swelling capacity and acid solubility of the copolymer film decreased significantly, the tensile strength and elongation were slightly weakened.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Tong Chen, Yufei Shen, Di Wu, Rong Wu, Jie Sheng, Xiao Feng, Xiaozhi Tang
Summary: The study investigated the effects of laccase crosslinking on the structure and properties of chitosan-based biodegradable films, showing significant improvements in particle size, tensile strength, and antioxidant activity. Addition of tea polyphenols and laccase catalysis had synergistic effects on the properties of the films, making them more suitable for application.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ka Man Cheung, Hio Lam Chong, Zhuolun Jiang, To Ngai
Summary: The presence of plastic packaging has caused significant environmental contamination due to over-reliance on petrochemicals and the non-biodegradable nature of these materials. Bacterial cellulose (BC) and chitosan (CT) films offer an attractive option for food packaging because of their strong mechanical strength, biodegradability, eco-friendly manufacturing process, and non-toxic composition. However, their high moisture absorption has limited their use as it compromises their strength and barrier properties.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sebastian A. A. Mayr, Nikolaus Schwaiger, Hedda K. K. Weber, Janez Kovac, Georg M. M. Guebitz, Gibson S. S. Nyanhongo
Summary: Enzymatic polymerization of lignin using laccase from a thermophilic fungus successfully produced water-insoluble polymers by coupling a hydrophobicity enhancing fluorophenol molecule onto lignosulfonate. The addition of 2% fluorophenol significantly increased the hydrophobicity of the polymer while reducing its swelling capacity.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maithri Tharmavaram, Gaurav Pandey, Payal Bhatt, Prajesh Prajapati, Deepak Rawtani, K. P. Sooraj, Mukesh Ranjan
Summary: Chitosan functionalized Halloysite Nanotubes were utilized as nano-supports for the grafting of copper and laccase for the degradation of chlorpyrifos in aqueous environment. The developed nanocomposite showed high degradation efficiency towards chlorpyrifos at neutral pH and room temperature, with the ability to maintain its degradation ability even under variable temperature and pH conditions. Additionally, the nanocomposite exhibited good reusability with consistent degradation performance after multiple cycles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jibao Deng, Hefei Wang, Haisheng Zhan, Chenxi Wu, Yi Huang, Bing Yang, Ahmed Mosa, Wanting Ling
Summary: This study immobilized laccase on magnetic particles to improve its operational stability and reusability in the treatment of PAH pollution. The immobilized laccase showed high degradation efficiencies for anthracene and benzo[a]pyrene. The findings provide valuable insight in promoting the application of immobilized laccase technology in the remediation of PAH contamination.
Article
Polymer Science
Tatiana A. Akopova, Tatiana S. Demina, Mukhamed A. Khavpachev, Tatiana N. Popyrina, Andrey V. Grachev, Pavel L. Ivanov, Alexander N. Zelenetskii
Summary: Hydrophobic derivatives of polysaccharides have amphiphilic behavior and are commonly used as rheological modifiers, selective sorbents, and stabilizers. Mechanochemical reactions of chitosan alkylation with docosylglycidyl and hexadecylglycidyl ethers were studied in this work, revealing that the length of the alkyl substituent significantly affects reactivity. Modification disrupts macromolecular packing ability and results in increased plasticity and decreased elastic modulus of chitosan films.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruya Hurmuzlu, Mujgan Okur, Nurdan Saracoglu
Summary: The study demonstrated that immobilized laccase on CTS/HNT beads can achieve efficient dye removal and has good reusability. Different parameters and mediators have significant effects on laccase activity and dye removal efficiency.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Konstantinos N. Maroulas, Dimitrios G. Trikkaliotis, Zoi S. Metaxa, Naglaa Abdelall, Abdullah Alodhayb, Ghada A. Khouqeer, George Z. Kyzas
Summary: The study recommends the use of biopolymer-derived aerogels to address oil spills. The aerogels demonstrated high absorption capacity for both water and diesel oil, and they can be effectively used for the oil/water separation process.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sajid Majeed, Muhammad Qaiser, Dure Shahwar, Khalid Mahmood, Nadeem Ahmed, Muhammad Hanif, Ghulam Abbas, Muhammad Harris Shoaib, Nabeela Ameer, Muhammad Khalid
Summary: This study aimed to develop targeted release magnetic microspheres containing gemcitabine for the treatment of colorectal hemorrhage. Various tests confirmed the magnetic and compositional properties of the microspheres. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated the efficacy of the microspheres in controlling bleeding and promoting tissue and cell regeneration.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiaokang Niu, Anqi Liu, Chunchi Liu, Chong Zhang, Sze Shin Low, Pau Loke Show
Summary: This study prepared chitosan/high methoxyl citrus pectin film catalyzed by Streptomyces coelicolor and found that the film exhibited higher viscosity, better mechanical properties, and improved CO2 barrier performance under a certain catalyst concentration. The internal structure of the film was more uniform, showing promising application in food packaging.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hao Wang, Wei Deng, Mengheng Shen, Ge Yan, Wei Zhao, Yang Yang
Summary: The study found that the laccase Gl-LAC-4 from Ganoderma lucidum can efficiently degrade and detoxify 4-n-octylphenol and 2-phenylphenol. Gl-LAC-4 exhibited strong degradation ability towards high concentrations of alkylphenol pollutants and showed strong tolerance for various metal salts and organic solvents.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Becky Robert, Dhrisya Chenthamara, Sadhasivam Subramaniam
Summary: The unique properties and porous network architecture of hydrogel have attracted attention in various fields. Enzymatically cross-linked hydrogels offer advantages over other methods, with laccase-mediated hydrogels showing mild reaction environments and high efficiency.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Fangdong Zhang, Yandong Tang, Xiaoli Yang, Yufan Pan, Qingxi Hou, Yumei Ding, Jicheng Pei
Summary: In this study, carboxylated chitosan oligosaccharide (C-COS) was prepared by selectively oxidizing chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) and its inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation were evaluated in vitro. The results showed that C-COS exhibited better inhibition effects than COS, which was mainly attributed to the chelation of carboxylic acid groups on C6 with metal ions, reducing the generation of free radicals. Additionally, exposing more amino sites outside the sugar chain promoted the capture of free radicals, effectively preventing lipid peroxidation.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ajay Mittal, Avtar Singh, Soottawat Benjakul, Thummanoon Prodpran, Krisana Nilsuwan, Nurul Huda, Koro de la Caba
Summary: The study investigated the effects of CS/CS-EGCG composite films on mechanical, barrier, and optical properties under different ratios and glycerol levels. The results showed that composite films had higher resistance, with the best performance found in films with a 8:2 CS/CS-EGCG ratio and glycerol.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao Liu, Kui Wang, Xinpeng Zhao, Zhijun Chen, Xiaoyan Yin, Tingting Cai, Xiaolei Zhang, Junming Xu, Jun Hu, Xianzhi Meng, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Jianchun Jiang
Summary: Integrated lignocellulosic biorefineries have the potential to convert all components of lignocellulosic biomass into valuable products. However, the challenge lies in the recalcitrance of lignocellulose, making the conversion process technically and economically challenging. This study proposes a sustainable and profitable strategy for lignocellulose fractionation and conversion, with the potential for high revenue.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Kai Nie, Boya Li, Yan Song, Xiaolong Qiao, Tao Zhao, Yuanming Zhang, Haoxi Ben, Arthur Ragauskas, Conger Wang, Wei Jiang, Guangting Han
Summary: In this study, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were used for degumming kenaf bast. The alkalinity amide DES (CU) showed the best degumming effect, with an optimal processing temperature of 160 degrees C and a processing time of 2 h. The DES weakened the hydrogen bond interaction in kenaf fibers and removed lignin by deprotonation of phenolic hydroxyl groups and breakage of β-O-4 bonds. This study provided a simple and green degumming method for kenaf bast.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chunxiao Gong, Xianzhi Meng, Caidi Jin, Ming Yang, Jianglong Liu, Kuichuan Sheng, Yunqiao Pu, Arthur Ragauskas, Guanya Ji, Ximing Zhang
Summary: This study presents a green synthetic route of cellulose formate and its efficient conversion into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Ball milling was used to improve the formylation and catalytic conversion of cellulose formate (BCF) into HMF. The use of BCF derived from cellulose ball milled for 1.5 h achieved a 66.9% HMF yield at 150 degrees C for 20 min. BCF exhibited high reactivity towards HMF due to its excellent solubility and accessibility in DMSO-H2O media.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jinye Wang, Wenyan Xiao, Junhua Zhang, Xiyu Quan, Jie Chu, Xianzhi Meng, Yunqiao Pu, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: The effects of nonionic surfactant Tween 80 on the adsorption and desorption of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes onto lignin were investigated. The results showed that Tween 80 effectively alleviated enzyme adsorption and enhanced enzyme desorption. However, the effectiveness of Tween 80 was influenced by the hydrophobicity and phenolic OH content of lignin.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qianqian Yang, Fubao Sun, Xianzhi Meng, Yunqiao Pu, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Junhua Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the production of xylo-oligosaccharides from corncob using lactic acid-rich fermentation broth and xylanase hydrolysis. The highest yield of xylo-oligosaccharides obtained was 72%. Additionally, a monosaccharides-rich hydrolysate was obtained from corncob residues.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hossain M. Zabed, Suely Akter, Junhua Yun, Guoyan Zhang, Mei Zhao, M. Mofijur, Mukesh Kumar Awasthi, M. A. Kalam, Arthur Ragauskas, Xianghui Qi
Summary: Corn stover (CS) is a common agricultural waste, accounting for 47-50% of the dry mass of total grain yield. It contains cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, making it an ideal raw material for biofuels and chemicals. However, the technoeconomic perspectives of CS-based biorefineries remain questionable due to logistics issues, expensive conversion technologies, limited scale-up, and lower market competitiveness. This review critically discusses the latest research on the biochemical conversion of CS into biofuels and chemicals, covering market potential, technological developments, and economic perspectives.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jahidul Islam, Rubel Anwar, Mahmud Shareef, Hossain M. Zabed, J. N. Sahu, Xianghui Qi, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, Arthur Ragauskas, Imed Boukhris, Md Rezaur Rahman, Faisal Islam Chowdhury
Summary: Remarkable advancements have been made in the field of rechargeable metal-metal alkaline batteries (RABs) in terms of safety, energy density, charge-discharge capacity, and long-term storage capability. Metal-metal RABs, such as Ni-Zn, Ni-Fe, Ni-Bi, Ni-MH, Ag-Zn, Co-Zn, Cu-Zn, and Bi-Zn systems, are considered as promising energy storage devices for electric vehicles, hybrid EVs, grid-scale energy storage, and implantable and wearable electronic devices. Ni-MH batteries have become competitive with Li-ion batteries in EVs and hybrid EVs applications due to their high tolerance against mechanical abuse, stability under wide temperature ranges, and considerable charge/discharge capacity.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xianhui Zhao, Samarthya Bhagia, Diego Gomez-Maldonado, Xiaomin Tang, Sanjita Wasti, Shun Lu, Shuyang Zhang, Mahesh Parit, Mitchell L. Rencheck, Matthew Korey, Huixin Jiang, Jiadeng Zhu, Xianzhi Meng, Meghan E. Lamm, Katie Copenhaver, Maria S. Peresin, Lu Wang, Halil Tekinalp, Guang Yang, Vipin Kumar, Gang Chen, Kashif Nawaz, X. Chelsea Chen, Uday Vaidya, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Erin Webb, Douglas J. Gardner, Ping He, Ximin He, Kai Li, Soydan Ozcan
Summary: This article reviews the recent development and applications of bioinspired nanocellulose-based materials, summarizes their functions and applications, discusses bioinspired design templates, strategies, advantages and challenges, and explores the mechanisms and processes of biomimetic design. Finally, future research directions and opportunities of bioinspired nanocellulose-based materials are highlighted.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yunxuan Wang, Jiae Ryu, Kwang Ho Kim, Xianzhi Meng, Yunqiao Pu, Yang Tian, Aymerick Eudes, Gyu Leem, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Chang Geun Yoo
Summary: Biomass-derived deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have shown promise as pretreatment and fractionation solvents for biomass due to their mild processing conditions, easy synthesis, and green components. In this study, the effects of water and ethylene glycol as solvent-based third constituents on biomass processing were evaluated using various parameters. The results showed that ternary ChCl-DHBA DESs outperformed binary ChCl-DHBA DES in terms of delignification, fermentable sugar production, and preservation of beta-O-4 ether linkage in lignin.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhi-Min Zhao, Zhi-Hua Liu, Tongtong Zhang, Rongqian Meng, Zhiqun Gong, Yibing Li, Jing Hu, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Bing-Zhi Li, Ying-Jin Yuan
Summary: Bioconversion of bioresources/wastes using Rhodococcus is a promising approach for producing lipid-derived bioproducts. However, bioconversion involves living cells and is a complex system that requires further understanding. This review highlights the potential of Rhodococcus for producing lipids from various wastes and presents genetic modifications using emerging tools for promoting bioconversion. Additionally, strategies for enhancing the bioaccessibility of lignin and its derived aromatics and synthesizing biodiesel and aviation fuels from lignin and lipids are discussed. The synergistic modification of microbial strains, substrates, and fermentation processes is proposed for sustainable biological lignin valorization.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Rithany Kheam, Kailong Zhang, Thomas Elder, Nathan Bryant, Arthur Ragauskas, Mi Li
Summary: This study investigated the isolation and characteristics of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from hemp and poplar using different pretreatment methods. The results showed that peracetic acid treatment effectively delignified the biomass, while sodium chlorite treatment left some lignin in the pulp. The CNCs obtained from TCF-treated biomass had larger dimensions and slightly higher crystallinity compared to those from sodium chlorite-treated biomass. The zeta potential, surface energy, water interactions, and thermal stability of the CNCs were comparable regardless of the biomass source and pretreatment methods used.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chan Man Ha, Luis Escamilla-Trevino, Chunliu Zhuo, Yunqiao Pu, Nathan Bryant, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Xirong Xiao, Ying Li, Fang Chen, Richard A. Dixon
Summary: C-lignin is a homopolymer of caffeyl alcohol found in the seed coats of various plant species. It has unique properties that make it valuable for engineering into the cell walls of bioenergy crops. This study used transcriptomic analysis to suggest strategies for engineering C-lignin using hairy roots of the legume Medicago truncatula.
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhi Yang, Samarthya Bhagia, Hugh O'Neill, Barbara R. Evans, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Brian H. Davison, Sai Venkatesh Pingali
Summary: This study examines the structural features of plant cell walls, particularly cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, using partially deuterated plants. By analyzing neutron scattering length density and FTIR data, the researchers were able to identify the differences between the polysaccharides and lignin in the cell walls. This research lays the foundation for further study on the deconstruction of plant cell walls.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinru La, Jurong Ren, Mengyuan Wen, Xianzhi Meng, Jia Wang, Jianchun Jiang, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: This study investigates an environmentally friendly method for CO production through the variable frequency microwave-driven CO2 Boudouard reaction over biochar. The resonance effect at 4225 MHz significantly enhances CO2 conversion efficiency and energy efficiency, resulting in a remarkable increase in productivity compared to electrical heating. Continuous microwave irradiation at the optimized frequency also improves the pore structure and surface area of biochar.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yun-Yan Wang, Yunxuan Wang, Luna Liang, Micholas Dean Smith, Xianzhi Meng, Yunqiao Pu, Mitra Mazarei, Rupesh Agarwal, Shalini J. Rukmani, Brian H. Davison, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: Biomass-derived solvents have the potential to be a novel pathway in biorefining. This study investigates the impact of Cyrene pretreatment on switchgrass lignin. The results show that Cyrene can effectively solubilize lignin and the pretreatment efficacy can be optimized by adjusting the Cyrene concentration and pretreatment time.
