Abstract
An alkalophilic bacterium isolated from soil and designated as strain GIR-277 was found to efficiently macerate bast fibers of mitsumata (Edgeworthia papyrifera Sieb. et Zucc). The organism identified as a Bacillus sp. was successfully applied to alkaline retting in papermaking. The optimum concentration of alkali (Na2CO3) for this process was 1.0 ~ 1.5%, which corresponded to an initial pH of 10.1 ~ 10.3. The retting was accomplished within a few days at 30°C. Substantial maceration was ascribed primarily to pectate lyase (EC 4.2.2.2) secreted by the bacterium, and to a lesser extent to the j5-eliminative splitting of pectic substances. The overall yield of pulp was about 70%. The strength of the unbeaten pulp resulting from bacterial retting was as higher than that by the conventional soda ash-cooking method. Paper sheets were quite uniform and very soft to touch. It is concluded that bacterial retting under alkaline conditions is a potentially useful process to produce pulp of excellent quality from no...
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