Improving the anti-mould capacity of bamboo through sequential alkaline extraction and laccase-mediated thymol modification

Abstract

• An integrated anti-mould treatment of bamboo was effectively established. • Nearly no mould could grow on the modified bamboo with high hydrophobicity under investigation. • Relationships between anti-mould capacity and bamboo properties were summarized. The poor solubility of thymol restricts laccase catalytic efficiency for enhancing bamboo durability against exogenous mould. Herein, an integrated process of bamboo modification was established to improve the anti-mould capacity of bamboo through alkaline extraction and laccase-mediated thymol modification. The results showed that increased thymol dosages from 0 to 10.0% could significantly extend mould resistance activity persistence under laccase catalysis. Nearly no moulds could be found on the L-0.25Thy surface through the integrated strategy under a 30-day mould resistance test. The surface hydrophobicity of the modified bamboo increased from 52.5° to 123.5° due to various extents of thymol fixation. Multiple characterisation methods were employed to better grapple with the modified bamboo's chemical changes. This work demonstrates the complex dependence of improving the anti-mould capacity of bamboo through sequential alkaline extraction and laccase-mediated thymol modification to unlock the potential avenue to bamboo preservation.