Hemicellulose Content Research Articles

Evaluation of Organic Waste Long-Term Effects on Cellulose, Hemicellulose and Lignin Content in Energy Grass Species Grown in East-Central Poland

Biomass can be used for electricity generation, especially in developing countries, but also in developed ones, where the utilization of renewable energy sources is being integrated into a sustainable economy. There are considerable differences in the scale of biomass use and in the technology of its processing. One of the most important sources of biofuel is the biomass of grass. This research aimed to determine the long-term effects of organic fertilizers on cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content in the biomass of three grass species: giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus), prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) in the first three years of growth. The experiment was established in four replications on microplots of 2 m2 in April 2018. Before planting grass rhizomes, municipal sewage sludge (SS) and spent mushroom substrate (SMS) were introduced into the soil in various combinations. Biomass is harvested in December every year. The content of structural polysaccharides in the grass species statistically significantly varied in response to organic waste. Compared to other fertilizer combinations, SS application increased the content of cellulose in the biomass of Miscanthus giganteus (43.66% of DM) and Spartina pectinata (37.69% of DM) and hemicellulose in Spartina pectinata (27.80% of DM) and Panicum virgatum (23.64% of DM). Of the three species of grass, the chemical composition of Miscanthus giganteus cell walls was the most favorable for biofuel production, with the most cellulose and hemicellulose and the least lignin compared to other grass species. The content of lignin in the biomass of Miscanthus × giganteus and Spartina pectinata was the greatest on the plot with SMS and amounted to 7.79% of DM and 12.32% of DM, respectively. In the case of Panicum virgatum, the average content of lignin was similar across all fertilized plots, with 15.42% DM.

Characterization of the Physicochemical Properties of Salix psammophila Sand Barriers Degradation Under Ultraviolet Irradiation and Synergistic Water Environment

The degradation of Salix psammophila mechanical sand barriers in desert environments can lead to a reduction in their windbreak and sand-fixing benefits, thereby becoming a significant factor limiting the operational lifespan of these structures. Targeting the typical damage types of S. psammophila sand barriers in the desert, we conducted simulations of desert sunlight and rainfall phenomena and investigated the changing characteristics of the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of sand barriers in the degradation process. The results clearly indicate that (1) accelerated aging for 288 h represents a critical time point for assessing changes in physical, mechanical, and chemical properties during the interaction between ultraviolet irradiation and water. Following 576 h of accelerated aging, compared with a fresh S. psammophila branch sample (CK), the mass loss percentage was 24.33%, while the basic density decreased by 35.87%, and the modulus of rupture and elasticity decreases by 24.93% and 23.03%, respectively. (2) After accelerated aging for 576 h, the contents of lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose decreased by 35.93%, 33.84%, and 22.38%, respectively. The interaction between simulated ultraviolet irradiation and water under sunlight intensifies the vigorous physical and chemical reactions occurring within the S. psammophila sand barrier, alters its internal structure, diminishes its mechanical properties, and expedites the degradation of its protective capabilities.

Extraction and characterization of bark fibers from Ethiopian Ficus thonningii tree

The growing environmental pollution issues by synthetic textile products demand sustainable natural textile alternatives. This paper aimed at extracting and characterizing a new fiber called Ficus thonningii fiber from Ficus thonningii trees found in Ethiopia to be used as a source of textile fiber for different applications. The study utilized water and chemical extraction with sodium hydroxide methods. Physical, mechanical, and chemical properties such as length, diameter, fineness, tenacity, moisture content, moisture regain, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and ash content were characterized. The results revealed that Ficus thonningii fiber possesses comparable characteristics with jute, sisal, and flax fibers that can be used for different applications. The fiber exhibits tenacity of 39.65 cN, an elongation of 2.60%, a moisture content of 10.78%, and a moisture regain of 11.98% when extracted chemically. While it exhibits a tenacity of 37.83 cN, an elongation of 3.02%, a moisture content of 10.35%, and a moisture regain of 11.02% when extracted using water extraction method. Both extraction methods yield a fiber length of 101.50 mm. The chemical composition of the fiber obtained through water extraction consists of 52.35% cellulose, 19.20% hemicellulose, 17.20% lignin, and 1.20% ash. On the other hand, the chemical extraction method results in a composition of 63.57% cellulose, 16.10% hemicellulose, 12.10% lignin, and 0.83% ash. These results confirm the potential use of Ficus thonningii tree as a valuable source of coarse fibers for various technical textile applications.

Tree species selection for optimizing soil carbon storage: Insights from litter decomposition and bacterial community analysis in coastal ecosystems

Coastal wetland ecosystems are critical sinks for atmospheric carbon dioxide, playing a vital role in global carbon cycling and climate regulation. The decomposition of leaf litter plays a crucial role in the formation and stability of soil organic carbon (SOC) in these environments. This study investigated the impact of leaf litter decomposition from five tree species (Populus deltoids, Ligustrum lucidum, Taxodium 'Zhongshanshan', Hibiscus hamabo, and Nerium oleander) on SOC dynamics, humus composition, and soil bacterial community structure in a tidal flat. Litterbags were used to monitor the mass loss and changes in litter chemical composition over 270 days. The results revealed significant differences in decomposition rates among the tree species, with Nerium oleander exhibiting the fastest decomposition and Populus deltoids the slowest. Surprisingly, initial litter chemistry did not correlate with decomposition rates; however, changes in lignin and hemicellulose content during decomposition were significantly related to mass loss. Despite its rapid decomposition, Nerium oleander litter resulted in the highest accumulation of SOC, total humus, and humin compared to the other species, challenging the conventional view that slower decomposition leads to greater SOC storage. The soil microbial community structure was significantly influenced by SOC, humus, and litter components, with distinct microbial assemblages associated with each tree species. A random forest model identified key bacterial taxa, predominantly Proteobacteria, as important predictors of SOC content, highlighting the role of bacterial diversity in regulating SOC dynamics. These findings underscore the importance of considering litter quality, decomposition dynamics, and bacterial community composition in strategies aimed at enhancing soil carbon sequestration. This study suggests that selecting tree species with rapidly decomposing litter, such as Nerium oleander, in coastal plantations can be an effective management tool for optimizing soil carbon storage, offering valuable insights for mitigating climate change impacts.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of SpUGE gene family and heterologous expression-mediated Arabidopsis thaliana tolerance to Cd stress

The UDP-glucose 4-epimerase (UGE) enzyme plays a critical role in plant growth and responses to abiotic stressors, such as heavy metal exposure. However, UGE-mediated remodeling of cell wall polysaccharides in response to these stressors remains poorly understood in willow. This study investigated the structure, function, and expression patterns of the UGE gene family in willow, focusing on cadmium treatment to elucidate how SpUGE1 enhances Cd resistance. Six SpUGE genes were identified through whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, and they were mapped across five chromosomes. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that, with the exception of SpUGE3, all genes showed their highest relative expression in the leaves. Under Cd treatment, members of the SpUGE gene family displayed varying levels of responsiveness, with SpUGE1 showing a marked increase in expression over time. In transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana overexpressing SpUGE1, the cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin content significantly increased, with cellulose levels rising by >50 % and pectin by approximately 30 %. This overexpression conferred enhanced Cd resistance by increasing cell wall thickness through elevated cell wall polysaccharides, which reduced Cd uptake. Consequently, Cd content in the cell wall, chloroplasts, and mitochondria was significantly lower than that in wild-type plants, reducing cellular damage and improving Cd resistance. Overall, this study provides valuable theoretical and experimental insights into the role of the SpUGE1 gene family in willow.

Identify the key factors driving the lignocellulose degradation of litter along a forest succession chronosequence from the perspective of functional genes

The purpose of this paper was to discover the key factors driving the lignocellulose degradation in litter along a forest succession chronosequence from the perspective of functional genes. We investigated four natural successive stages of forests (white birch forest, broad-leaved mixed forest, coniferous-broad-leaved mixed forest, and mixed broadleaved-Korean pine forest). We determined the lignocellulose degradation of litter and the absolute abundance of related functional genes by using high-throughput-qPCR. There was strong degradation of cellulose content, hemicellulose, and lignin contents in the litter decomposition layer in the early and late stages of forest succession, respectively. Furthermore, forest succession changed microbial communities' succession and fungal Shannon diversity, and then enhanced the absolute abundance of lignocellulose-degrading genes and nitrogen-cycling genes. By network analysis, bacterial and fungal module 1 were key modules for producing lignocellulose-degrading genes and nitrogen cycling genes, while fungal module 2 was a key module for lignin-degrading genes. Fungi were strongly correlated with functional genes based on Procrustes analysis. Additionally, cellulose-degrading genes were the key factor driving the cellulose degradation in the early period of forest succession, while fungal diversity and composition were key drivers in promoting the degradation of lignin in the late period of forest succession. Our study provided insight into the mechanisms underlying the soil microbe-driven functional changes in nutrient cycling and an understanding of the decomposition kinetics of litter at a more microscopic level in the process of forest succession.

Betula platyphylla glucosyltransferase BpGT14;6 is essential for cell wall development and stress response

Glycosyltransferases (GTs) constitute a diverse family of synthetic polysaccharides with important roles in plant growth and development. This study characterized the GT14 family gene BpGT14;6 of birch (Betula platyphylla Suk.). BpGT14;6 was highly expressed in the xylem and stem of birch plants. Subcellular localization analysis suggested that BpGT14;6 was located in the Golgi apparatus. RNA interference (RNAi) silencing of BpGT14;6 revealed lower lignin, hemicellulose, and pectin contents compared to wild type (WT) plants. Following treatment with abscisic acid (ABA), compared to WT plants, RNAi-BpGT14;6 plants were more sensitive to ABA, suffered more membrane lipid damage, and accumulated more reactive oxygen species. The inhibition of BpGT14;6 expression narrowed the birch xylem and thinned the cell wall, and increased the expression of multiple ABA pathway-related genes in birch under ABA treatment. Compared to WT plants, RNAi-BpGT14;6 plants showed increased tolerance to drought stress. Promoter analysis revealed that BpGT14;6 is involved in hormone regulation and adaptation to adversity. Using the 1 156 bp BpGT14;6 promoter as bait, two potential transcription factors, BpWRKY1 and BpARF2, were identified through Y1H screening that may regulate its expression. EMSA confirmed that BpWRKY1 and BpARF2 can directly bind to the W-BOX and AuxRE cis-acting elements on the BpGT14;6 promoter, respectively. The collective results suggest that BpGT14;6 affects birch xylem and cell wall development by affecting lignin, hemicellulose, and pectin synthesis, and participates in birch adversity adaptation.

The biological mechanism of a lower carbon/nitrogen ratio increases methane emissions during vegetable waste composting

The initial carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio is one of the most important factors impacting composting processes, such as methane (CH4) emissions. However, the effects of the C/N ratio on CH4 emissions and the associated biological mechanisms during vegetable waste composting are largely unknown. In this study, a lab-scale experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different C/N ratios on CH4 emissions and the mechanisms associated with methane-metabolizing microorganisms (methanogens and methanotrophs) during capsicum straw composting. The initial C/N ratios were set to 18, 30 and 50 to simulate the low (L), medium (M) and high (H) C/N ratios, respectively. The results showed that CH4 emissions were mainly concentrated in the thermophilic phase and that the cumulative CH4 emissions were significantly greater in the L treatment than in the M and H treatments by 10.8 and 15.4 times, respectively. During the methanogenic process, the relative abundance of the dominant genus Methanoculleus (47.59 % ∼ 76.92 %) was higher than in the L treatment than in the M and H treatments at the thermophilic and maturation stages, and the Chao1 index and the mcrA gene abundance followed the order of L > M > H at each composting stage. During the methanotrophic process, the dominant genus unclassified_d_bacteria (51.3 % ∼ 91.87 %), Chao1 index, pmoA gene abundance and CO2 emissions were in the order of L > M > H at each composting stage. This pattern suggests that a lower C/N ratio simultaneously enhanced CH4 production and oxidation. A structural equation model further revealed that the methanogenic community, which was driven directly by the relative contents of hemicellulose and cellulose in the substrates, as indicated by the C/N ratio, made greater contributions to CH4 emissions than did the methanotrophic community. In conclusion, a lower C/N ratio increased CH4 emissions mainly by regulating the population and composition of methanogen community.

Thermogravimetric Assessment of Biomass: Unravelling Kinetic, Chemical Composition and Combustion Profiles

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed on six samples of pine wood, poplar sawdust and olive residue, and the kinetic parameters were evaluated by using isoconversional models. The hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin contents were also estimated using the Fraser–Suzuki deconvolution method. In addition, a range of thermodynamic parameters and combustion indices was calculated. Significant correlations were found between the kinetic, thermodynamic and combustion parameters. The ignition index showed an inverse relationship with the activation energy, whereas the burnout index correlated with enthalpy values for most samples. Higher heating rates during TGA increased ignition and combustion efficiencies but decreased combustion stability. Differences in behaviour were detected between the olive residues, which had a much higher lignin content (51.2–56.9%), and the woody biomass samples (24.2–29.2%). Moreover, the sample with the highest ash content also exhibited some distinctive characteristics, including the lowest high heating value and ignition index, coupled with the highest activation energy, indicating a less favourable combustion behaviour than the other samples. The particle size of the samples was also found to be critical for both combustion efficiency and safety.

Determining the impact of different types of biofuels on the quality of iron ore pellets

The object of this study is the process of roasting iron ore pellets. The study solves the task of replacing fossil fuel with plant-based fuel in order to reduce environmental load and ensure the stable quality of pellets, which is necessary for use in blast furnaces. The influence of biofuel content at a given temperature and air speed on the strength of pellets after roasting was studied. As a result of the research, it was established that the fuel content has a decisive effect on the strength of pellets. Among all types of fuel that were investigated, pellets with the addition of sunflower husks and wood had the highest strength that meets the requirements for blast furnace melting of 200 kilograms. The use of wheat straw and charcoal does not make it possible to completely replace solid fuel in the layer of pellets. The results show that the use of up to 0.36 % of sunflower husk makes it possible to increase the strength of burned pellets compared to samples without biofuel content. Adding all other considered types of fuel reduced the strength of the pellets. These results are explained by the different content of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, which determines the characteristics of the biomass. The high content of cellulose and hemicellulose allows for high hydrophilicity due to the high number of OH groups and positively affects the formation of raw pellets. Volatile substances released during the combustion of biofuel contribute to the formation of spherical pores, as well as their uniform distribution, which prevents the propagation of cracks under load. Research results make it possible to establish the optimal roasting mode, decrease harmful emissions, and bring down costs by reducing fossil fuel consumption

Effects of Selenium Application on Fermentation Quality, Chemical Composition, and Bacterial Community of Hybrid Pennisetum Silage

The primary objective of this study is to facilitate the conversion of inorganic selenium (Se) into organic Se within plants via assimilation, subsequently feeding it to livestock and poultry to enhance healthy animal production and yield Se-enriched livestock and poultry products. Therefore, it is imperative to first investigate the impact of varying Se doses on the agronomic traits of plants as well as their forage storage and processing. This experiment investigated the effect of Se fertilizer application on the fermentation quality, chemical composition, and bacterial community of Pennisetum americanum × Pennisetum purpureum cv Minmu 7 (HPM7). There were nine Se fertilizer dissolution levels of HPM7 treated, which were 0 mg/kg (Se0), 0.50 mg/kg (Se1), 1.00 mg/kg (Se2), 2.00 mg/kg (Se3), 5.00 mg/kg (Se4), 10.00 mg/kg (Se5), 20.00 mg/kg (Se6), 30.00 mg/kg (Se7), 40.00 mg/kg (Se8), and 50.00 mg/kg (Se9). The results showed that after silage, the water-soluble carbohydrates of Se1, Se2, and Se3 were lower than Se0, and the pH of Se3, Se4, and Se6 were lower than the Se0. The number of OTUs in the nine groups was sequentially Se1 > Se2 > Se3 > Se8 > Se6 > Se5 > Se7 > Se4 > Se0. The dominant bacterial phyla in silage samples were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Compared with Se0, Bacterial Shannon index in Se1 and Se2 were higher, while Chao1 and ACE indices of Se1, Se2, Se3, Se5, and Se6 were higher. A beta diversity analysis indicated that the Se1 exhibited the highest number of significant biomarkers. Escherichia coli between Se0 and Se3 and Clostridium sardiniense and Clostridium perfringens between Se0 and Se1 exhibited significant differences at a species level. The most abundant pathways for metabolism were membrane transport, carbohydrate metabolism, translation, replication, repair, and amino acid metabolism. The correlation analysis indicated that the dry matter content was negatively correlated with Bacillus (p < 0.01), Lactobacillus (p < 0.05), Pediococcus (p < 0.05), and Hirschia (p < 0.05); the contents of neutral detergent fiber and hemi-cellulose were positively correlated with Lactobacillus (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). The protein content was negatively correlated with proteus (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that the application of Se fertilizer could enhance the Se content in HPM7. The optimal fertilization concentration was found to range from 0.50 to 2.00 mg/kg, which facilitates the metabolism of soluble carbohydrates and enhances both the fermentation quality and microbial relative abundance of HPM7 silage.

Evaluating the role of feedstock composition and component interactions on biomass gasification

Biomass gasification offers a solution to waste concerns while generating clean energy. This study examines the gasification of pine sawdust (PS), used ground coffee (UGC), and wheat straw (WS) under identical conditions. The compositions of the biomass samples are determined, and the gasification of individual components (hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin) are conducted to understand the process’ dependency on the biomass characteristics. The results suggest cellulose and cellulose-rich biomass (PS) produces more tar and less hydrogen than lignin and lignin-rich biomass (UGC and WS). High lignin and hemicellulose content leave more char. Gasification of PS, UGC, and WS yields 12.7, 15.7, and 17.2 vol% hydrogen, respectively. Additionally, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin gasification yield 10.5, 22.1, and 30.4 vol% hydrogen, respectively. Comparing experimental and theoretical values for the three biomass samples reveals significant differences due to component interactions. Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) indicates significant degradation interactions between hemicellulose-lignin, cellulose-hemicellulose, and cellulose-lignin. It is concluded that high cellulose content biomass shows more predictable results, while high lignin and hemicellulose biomass increases secondary reactions or interactions, exacerbating predictability. These findings assist in estimating gasification performance for better biomass selection.

An environmental approach to cement admixtures: Utilization of waste olive seed powder as a bio-polymeric admixture.

The integration of organic wastes into cement-based materials shows promise as a solution to mitigate environmental pollutants. It achieves this by minimizing waste sent to landfills and in some conditions decreasing Portland cement use. One of these organic wastes that produces positive effects when used in cement products is olive seed. In this study, the effect of a new generation bio-polymeric admixture on the physical and mechanical properties of cement mortars is examined in detail. The bio-polymeric admixture is prepared by grinding olive seeds in 0/125μm sizes. The olive seeds have been used as bio-polymeric admixture in cement mortars at different rates, i.e., 0, 0.2, 0.35, 0.5, 1 and 1.5% of total weight. The olive seed is characterized by XRD, FT-IR analysis and by determining extracts, pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content. The characteristics of hydration products were analyzed by SEM/EDS and XRD investigations. Effect of bio-polymeric admixture addition on the unit weight, flowability, setting time, compressive and flexural strength and capillary water absorption was analyzed. The results suggested that the bio-polymeric admixture hindered the cement hydration at low usage rates but promoted at high usage rates. Accordingly, 28days compressive and flexural strength of test samples decreased. However, 1.5 wt% bio-polymeric admixture was associated with a slight increase of 150-days compressive strength. Bio-polymeric admixture improves the hydrophobicity property of the hardened mortar samples by declining effect on the water absorption. Another important effect of the bio-polymeric admixture contribution was also observed on the flowability property of the cement mortars. As the bio-polymeric admixture increased, the flow diameter values of the mortar were also significantly increased. The research outcomes suggested for the first time the beneficial effect of bio-polymeric admixture as a natural and bio-degradable alternative of chemical admixtures on especially flowability, set retarder and hydrophobicity of cement mortars with comparable mechanical properties.

Optimizing Planting Density, Irrigation, and Nitrogen Application Can Improve Rapeseed Yield in Xinjiang’s Aksu by Reducing the Lodging Rate

This study aimed to investigate the effects of planting density, irrigation volume, and nitrogen application on the resistance of rapeseed to lodging and yield and to provide technical support for achieving high yield and lodging resistance. We employed an L9 (34) orthogonal array, different planting densities, irrigation levels, and nitrogen applications to investigate their impact on rapeseed lodging and yield. The results showed the following: (1) Irrigation had the greatest effect on rapeseed lodging. This effect was most pronounced for the combination (A3B3C2), which exhibited the most severe lodging phenomenon (90%). Planting density had the greatest effect on yield, and the optimal combination was A2B2C3, which reached 3744 kg/hm2 in 2023 and 3420 kg/hm2 in 2024. (2) The agronomic practices increased the content of lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, crude fiber, pectin, and soluble sugar fractions in the stalks by enhancing their flexural, puncture, and stress resistance. This led to the highest yield while reducing the rate of lodging. This emphasizes the importance of agricultural practices for rapeseed lodging and yield, providing critical insights into rapeseed cultivation in the Aksu region of Xinjiang.

Cell wall remodeling confers plant architecture with distinct wall structure in Nelumbo nucifera.

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera G.) is a perennial aquatic horticultural plant with diverse architectures. Distinct plant architecture (PA) has certain attractive and practical qualities, but its genetic morphogenesis in lotus remains elusive. In this study, we employ genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) for the seven traits of petiole length (PLL), leaf length (LL), leaf width (LW), peduncle length (PLF), flower diameter (FD), petal length (PeL), and petal width (PeW) in 301 lotus accessions. A total of 90 loci are identified to associate with these traits across 4 years of trials. Meanwhile, we perform RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyze the differential expression of the gene (DEG) transcripts between large and small PA (LPA and SPA) of lotus stems (peduncles and petioles). As a result, eight key candidate genes are identified that are all primarily involved in plant cell wall remodeling significantly associated with PA traits by integrating the results of DEGs and GWAS. To verify this result, we compare the cell wall compositions and structures of LPA versus SPA in representative lotus germplasms. Intriguingly, compared with the SPA lotus, the LPA varieties have higher content of cellulose and hemicellulose, but less filling substrates of pectin and lignin. Additionally, we verified longer cellulose chains and higher cellulose crystallinity with less interference in LPA varieties. Taken together, our study illustrates how plant cell wall remodeling affects PA in lotus, shedding light on the genetic architecture of this significant ornamental trait and offering a priceless genetic resource for future genomic-enabled breeding.

Water hyacinth biorefinery: Improved biofuel production using Trichoderma atroviride pretreatment

AbstractThe pyrolysis of water hyacinth is gaining attention and acceptance as a resource recovery technique due to its availability and economic viability. However, the presence of lignin, one of the three major biomass fractions, presents significant challenges for profitable water hyacinth processing for biofuel production. Fungal pretreatment of water hyacinth for lignin breakdown has been explored but the application of Trichoderma atroviride as a pretreatment for pyrolysis is relatively novel. The efficacy of T. atroviride pretreatment in improving water hyacinth's pyrolytic products using a fixed‐bed reactor was therefore investigated in this study. The optimization process was studied using a central composite design in response surface methodology with Design Expert 13. Delignification of the biomass was established because the elemental analysis showed a 25.42% increase in cellulose content and a 23.40% and 3.37% decrease in lignin and hemicellulose content, respectively. The biomass pretreatment applied influenced the physical and chemical characteristics of the pyrolytic products. The highest pyrolysis oil yield increased by 25.81% at 575 °C and particle size 2290 μm, and the highest char yield decreased by 4.23% at 273 °C and particle size 1500 μm. This research is crucial for policy and research conversations as it offers a scientific basis for the application of T. atroviride pretreatment in biomass pyrolysis technology and emphasizes the optimal utilization of water hyacinths to obtain socio‐environmental benefits.

Improving the tensile properties of hemicellulose/polylactic acid (PLA) blends prepared by solvent casting

AbstractThe development of new biopolymers has been explored as an alternative to improve the biodegradability of conventional synthetic plastics, such as those used in the packaging industry. Hemicelluloses are biodegradable polymers extracted from plants that, when combined with other biodegradable polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA), can be easily processed and satisfy the mechanical requirements for commercial application. Thus, this work seeks a biodegradable blend that combines hemicellulose and PLA properties using solvent casting. The influence of hemicellulose content (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) on the thermal and mechanical properties was studied. For that purpose, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were applied to determine the thermal stability and crystallinity of the materials. Additionally, water uptake and mechanical tests provided information regarding the mechanical and hygroscopic behavior of the blends due to hemicellulose addition. As a result, the blends presented intermediate thermal stabilities between those of hemicellulose and PLA and increased crystallinities with hemicellulose content. The blends are more flexible and hygroscopic than PLA and more resistant than pure hemicellulose. Given the biodegradable nature of PLA and hemicellulose, these blends have the potential for application in sustainable packaging.

Structural and anatomical analysis of rattan (Calamus balansaeanus Becc.)

Abstract Calamus balasaeanus Becc., a climbing palm species, has potential commercial value. Detailed anatomical and chemical analyses of rattan stems at different ages are crucial for their utilization in various industrial applications, particularly eco-friendly products. In this study, rattan stems of different ages were examined using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the anatomical structure of rattan stems at different ages are very similar, with vascular bundle sizes ranging from 0.26 to 0.37 mm and a frequency of 8.4 to 13.7 bundles/mm2. The vessel lengths and diameters were 1.87–2.35 mm and 0.10–0.16 mm, respectively. Fiber lengths and diameters were 0.84–1.15 mm and 8.65–11.55 μm, respectively. As C. balasaeanus matured, the secondary wall of fiber cells thickened into the cell lumen, changing from 2 layers to 4 layers, the amount of crystallinity in cellulose increased while the mean microfibril angle decreased. The crystallinity of cellulose was higher in the periphery of the stem compared to the center. Unimodal imaging effectively visualized the distribution of various polysaccharides in C. balasaeanus tissues, with the highest concentrations of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin found in the base of the rattan stems.

EFFECT OF MAIZE (<i>ZEA MAYS</i>) COB BASED TOTAL MIXED RATION IN GROWING CALVES

The present study was conducted to study the effect of maize (Zea mays) cob on replacing paddy straw in the Total Mixed Ration (TMR). Twelve cross bred calves of about 5 to 8 months of age with body weight ranging from 41 to 79 kg were divided into two groups of six each in completely randomized design. Five complete diets were prepared (TMR1 to TMR5) using maize cobs at the level of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% replacement of paddy straw in the diets containing 12 % CP and 60 % TDN of 50:50 concentrate to roughage ratio. There was significant (P<0.01) differences among the diets in OM, CF, NFE, TA, AIA, NDF, ADF, Lignin, Hemicellulose and Cellulose contents. In vitro rumen fermentation study showed significantly (P<0.01) higher total gas (ml/200 mg/48 h), in vitro dry matter and organic matter degradability in maize cob based ration than paddy straw contained ration (51.17 vs 36.00; 62.87 vs 57.25; 64.80 vs 59.93). Paddy straw (100%) based diet as control ration and maize cob (100 % replacement of paddy straw) based diet as treatment ration fed to growing calves for sixty days in growth trial. A seven day digestion trial was conducted in the middle of the experiment. The digestibility (%) of DM, OM, CP, EE, CF and NFE were significantly (P<0.01) higher in the maize cob based diet fed group than paddy straw based diet fed group. The average body weight gain (kg) and FCR (kg DMI/ kg gain) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in maize cob fed animals (19.47; 6.10) than paddy straw fed animals (16.02; 7.34). The feed cost per unit of weight gain in calves fed paddy straw based diet was numerically higher (30.78 %) than calves fed on maize cob based ration. It could be concluded that maize cob based ration could replace paddy straw at 100 % level in total mixed ration without affecting feed intake and nutrient digestibility and may also improve the body weight gain and reduce feed cost in growing calves.

Exploring the constituents and thermal characteristics of miscanthus floridulus for biomass composites

Miscanthus floridulus (MF) possesses notable attributes including high photosynthetic efficiency, rapid growth, robust adaptability, and substantial biomass yield. It is widely researched in fields such as genetics, special materials, bioenergy, and ecological protection. However, the research on the addition of MF for biomass composites remains limited due to the absence of comprehensive analysis concerning the composition, internal molecular structure, and properties of MF. A thorough exploration of the fundamental properties of MF has the potential to broaden their advantages and facilitate the advancement of biomass. This investigation delves into the structural characterization and properties of MF, focusing on its stems, leaves, and tassels. Firstly, the primary constituents of MF comprise cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Cellulose predominates in the stem, exhibiting the highest crystallinity, while lignin content peaks in the tassel with the lowest crystallinity. The leaf falls between these extremes in terms of crystallinity. Secondly, carbon and oxygen elements constitute over 95 % of MF's primary components, alongside trace elements like phosphorus and sulfur. Additionally, chemical structure of MF features abundant characteristic functional groups such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, and benzene rings. Studies indicate that samples with low hemicellulose and high lignin content demonstrate superior thermal stability. Consequently, the stem of MF exhibits optimal low-temperature thermal stability, while the tassel excels in high-temperature conditions. Finally, the data highlights a significant influence in the mechanical properties of polylactic acid materials upon the addition of MF. With a 5 % addition of MF, the tensile modulus and flexural strength of the PLA composite reached their optimal values of 933.91 MPa and 55.28±8.77 MPa, respectively. This research establishes a theoretical groundwork for integrating MF into biomass composite materials.