Lignocellulosic Materials Research Articles

Laser‐assisted graphene‐like materials for oil‐spill clean up

AbstractConventional synthetic sorbents for oil spill cleanup are the most widely employed materials, although a major drawback is the extensive chemical modification that they have undergone, making them economically and environmentally non‐sustainable. The use of inexpensive, abundant, non‐toxic, biodegradable, and reusable lignocellulosic materials might be an alternative to conventional sorbents, with obvious positive impact on sustainability and circular economy. The present study subsequently utilizes the well‐established process, of converting grape molasses ‐ a byproduct of the winemaking industry that represents a typical and abundant source of biomass – into a laser‐assisted graphene‐like product (LA‐B). Comparative experiments were carried out with two additional materials that are similarly produced by the same laser‐assisted method, yet use synthetic polyimide (PI) foil and tape polymers as precursors, namely LA‐F and LA‐T. The results showed that diesel oil adsorption capacity of LA‐B was 33.5 g/g, while the ultra‐oleophilic LA‐T adsorbed 57 g/g and LA‐F adsorbed 41 g/g. Furthermore, the crude oil uptake was 31.1, 56.0 and 38.6 g/g for LA‐B, LA‐T and LA‐F respectively. The adsorption of oil on the used materials could be well‐described by pseudo‐second order kinetics, showing that over 80% of oil was removed from water within 15 min.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Xylanase production by Penicillium sp. Pn004 and its application for grass hydrolysis: high value subproduct from non-centrifugal sugarcane bagasse and wheat bran

Worldwide more than 7 billion tons of lignocellulosic biomass will be produced by 2025. In Colombia, these residues are mainly disposed of in rivers and open fields, and only 10% is reused and recycled. Non-centrifugal sugarcane bagasse (SCB) is a residue obtained after sugarcane juice extraction during the manufacturing process of panela and is mostly used as fuel for boilers at sugar mills. Wheat bran (WB) is the main waste from wheat flour production. Nonetheless, the chemical composition of these by-products makes them suitable for use as substrates for hemicellulolytic enzyme production from fungi. Here, a whole process for production in a solid-state fermentation system, recovery, and ultrafiltration process for concentration of xylanases by Penicillium sp. Pn004 is presented. The higher productivity (26.7 ± 1.59 U gds-1 day-1) was reached on the fifth day of fermentation with an enzyme activity of 130.0 ± 7.95 U gds-1. The batch ultrafiltration process allowed increasing the xylanase activity up to 19-fold in the retentate, from 66.47 U mL-1 to 1486.83 U mL-1, without reaching a steady state flux through the membrane. Finally, the enzymatic extract achieved a 43% release of sugar from kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus), showing its potential to be used as an additive for silage or for enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic materials for sugar production.

Cinnamon Bark Oil as an Effective Fungicide in Protecting the Surface of Wood-Based Softboards against the Development of Mold Fungi

Porous wood-based boards, like any lignocellulosic material, are susceptible to biocorrosion caused by mold fungi. Their durability can be extended by using biocides. Due to the fact that porous boards are considered an ecological material, it would be beneficial to also use natural agents to protect them. For this purpose, the surface of softboards was protected with a 30% solution of cinnamon bark oil in ethanol. Three application levels were used: 75 g/m2, 120 g/m2, and 200 g/m2 of solution. It has been shown that the cinnamon bark oil solution used at an application rate of 200 g/m2 is an effective fungicide, protecting softboards (SBs) against the development of mold fungi: T. viride and C. globosum. The dominant volatile component of cinnamon oil identified in the boards turned out to be cinnamaldehyde. Three months after treatment, this substance constituted 74% of the volatile components. The proposed treatment method allows for short-term preventive protection of boards against mold fungi.

Renewable Energy Potential: Second-Generation Biomass as Feedstock for Bioethanol Production.

Biofuels are clean and renewable energy resources gaining increased attention as a potential replacement for non-renewable petroleum-based fuels. They are derived from biomass that could either be animal-based or belong to any of the three generations of plant biomass (agricultural crops, lignocellulosic materials, or algae). Over 130 studies including experimental research, case studies, literature reviews, and website publications related to bioethanol production were evaluated; different methods and techniques have been tested by scientists and researchers in this field, and the most optimal conditions have been adopted for the generation of biofuels from biomass. This has ultimately led to a subsequent scale-up of procedures and the establishment of pilot, demo, and large-scale plants/biorefineries in some regions of the world. Nevertheless, there are still challenges associated with the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass, such as recalcitrance of the cell wall, multiple pretreatment steps, prolonged hydrolysis time, degradation product formation, cost, etc., which have impeded the implementation of its large-scale production, which needs to be addressed. This review gives an overview of biomass and bioenergy, the structure and composition of lignocellulosic biomass, biofuel classification, bioethanol as an energy source, bioethanol production processes, different pretreatment and hydrolysis techniques, inhibitory product formation, fermentation strategies/process, the microorganisms used for fermentation, distillation, legislation in support of advanced biofuel, and industrial projects on advanced bioethanol. The ultimate objective is still to find the best conditions and technology possible to sustainably and inexpensively produce a high bioethanol yield.

Biohydrogen Production and Quantitative Determination of Monosaccharide Production Using Hyperthermophilic Anaerobic Fermentation of Corn Stover

Second-generation biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass remain critical and require several challenges due to lignin compounds’ inefficient degradation and recalcitrate characteristics. In this regard, this study focuses on enzymatic technology as a promising treatment that is beneficial in breaking down the biomass’s hemicellulose and cellulosic parts. Thermostable bacterial species owe thermostable enzymes that are able to degrade complex carbohydrate compounds and produce efficient hydrogen production. The present study investigates the direct utilization of ligninolytic enzymes such as cellulase and xylanase derived from the hyperthermophilic bacteria Thermotoga maritima (ATCC 43589 strain). The results show that xylanase and cellulase enzymes extracted from Thermotoga maritima could depolymerize the lignin bonds of corn stover substrate and release monomers such as Galactose in the media. In conclusion, this study can open a new advanced research window on directly applying a hyperthermophilic consortium of enzymes capable of hydrolyzing lignocellulose material toward hydrogen production.

Synthesis and characterization of cellulose nanofibers from waste paper and their utilization in wood adhesion

AbstractNanocellulose extraction from lignocellulosic materials is a highly chemical and energy‐intensive process as it requires the removal of lignin and hemicellulose. Writing paper is one of the processed materials that could be used as a raw material for the extraction of nanocellulose. In this work, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were synthesized from paper waste using TEMPO‐oxidation followed by high‐shear microfluidization. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy confirmed the diameter of fibers in the nano‐range and a consistent zeta potential confirmed the stability of CNF suspension in water over a long time frame. Characterization of the CNFs using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of a carbonyl group due to the oxidation process. Thermogravimetric analysis and x‐ray diffraction revealed lower thermal stability and reduction in the crystallinity index of CNFs, as compared to pulp fibers. The obtained CNFs were used successfully as the sole binding agent in the preparation of fiberboards and also utilized as a reinforcing agent for polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) adhesive in the preparation of laminated veneer lumber (LVLs). The addition of CNFs in PVAc improved the glue shear strength indicating superior bonding characteristics and also increased the water resistance of the LVLs.Highlights This work focused on cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) extraction from waste paper Obtained CNFs form stable water suspension and have a diameter of less than 15 nm Thermal stability and crystallinity index reduced after conversion to nanofibers CNFs form a complex network and act as a sole binder to make fiberboards CNFs were utilized as a reinforcing agent for PVAc in preparation of LVLs

A Review of Non-wood Lignocellulose Waste Material Reinforced Concrete for Light-weight Construction Applications

In recent decades, non-wood lignocellulosic materials have gained significant attention, particularly in concrete applications for construction purposes. This study delves into utilising non-wood lignocellulosic materials for reinforcing concrete in construction applications. Lignocellulosic material emerges as a promising option for formulating new fibre cement compositions, thereby enhancing the sustainability, affordability, and performance of construction materials. Moreover, this research broadens the horizons of recycling agricultural waste by facilitating rational disposal and optimal utilisation. Through a comprehensive review, the study reveals that flax fibres, coir pith, prickly pear fibres, and rice husk ash waste exhibit superior workability compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, the strength of non-wood lignocellulosic reinforced concrete, incorporating bagasse ash, rice husk ash, and nutshell ash, peaked when fine aggregate replacement reached 15%, surpassing other types of non-wood lignocellulosic reinforced concrete. Adding a small quantity of prickly pear fibre to cement enhances the thermal conductivity of concrete, consequently improving compressive strength, flexural strength, tensile strength, and elastic modulus. This research is relevant to international research as it advances sustainable construction materials with desirable properties, benefiting society and various industries.

Impact of biogenic impurities on catalytic synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and hydrogen from polyolefin resins

Biogenic impurities are common contaminants of plastic waste. This study investigated the effects of biogenic impurities on the conversion of a polyolefin mixture (6 wt% low-density polyethylene, 24 wt% high-density polyethylene, and 70 wt% polypropylene) into multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and hydrogen via pyrolysis-chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Biogenic components from diverse sources were added to the polyolefin mixture, including lignocellulosic materials (pine sawdust, coconut coir pith), biosolids from wastewater treatment (municipal sewage sludge), animal-based waste (crustaceans), and bio-based plastic (polylactic acid). At contamination levels up to 9.1 wt%, 3 out of 5 impurities (coconut coir pith, sewage sludge and crustaceans) caused a decline in the conversion efficiency of feedstock into MWCNTs (33 ± 7% for polyolefins only compared with 20 ± 6%, 16 ± 1% and 16 ± 2% for polyolefins with 9.1 wt% coconut coir pith, sewage sludge and crustaceans, respectively). According to gas analysis, impurities led to a loss of catalyst activity, resulting in a decreased concentration of H2 and increased concentrations of methane and ethylene in the CVD gas. Furthermore, for polyolefins containing 9.1 wt% coconut coir pith, sewage sludge, crustaceans and polylactic acid, microscopy data revealed changes in the growth of filamentous carbon, leading to the appearance of carbon nanofibers in MWCNT samples. On the contrary, biogenic impurities barely changed outer diameters, ID/IG ratios, interlayer spacing, crystallite sizes of graphite-like sites, and the surface chemistry of MWCNT samples. The results suggest the development of quality management system for contaminated plastic feedstock could be advantageous to ensure consistent outcomes of pyrolysis-CVD process.

Microalgal biochar assisted simultaneous removal of particulate matter, formaldehyde, and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC's) from indoor air

Biochar-based materials for air treatment have gained significant attention for removing health-detrimental volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) in indoor air settings. However, high turnaround time, multiple pretreatment processes involved, and high pore size and low surface area (>10 μm, <100 m2 g−1) of lignocellulosic feedstocks demand alternative biochar feedstock material. Considering this, we designed a simple first-of-its-kind indoor air scrubbing material using diatoms-enriched microalgae biochar. In the present study, the microalgae were cultivated on waste anaerobic digestate (biogas slurry) and were pyrolyzed at three different temperatures: 300 °C (BC300), 500 °C (BC500), and 700 °C (BC700). The BC500 and BC700 showed the highest removal efficiencies (99 %) for total volatile organic carbons (TVOCs) and formaldehyde (HCHO) at concentrations of 1.22 mg m−3 HCHO and 8.57 mg m−3 TVOC compared to 50% efficiency obtained with commercially available surgical, cloth, and N95 masks. The biochar obtained showed a high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 238 m2 g−1 (BC500) and 480 m2 g−1 (BC700) and an average pore size of 9–11 nm due to the mesoporous characteristic of diatom frustules. The comparatively poor performance of BC300 was due to lower surface area (150 m2 g−1) arising from incomplete organic removal, as evidenced by FESEM-EDX and FTIR. The high removal efficiencies in BC500 and BC700 were also attributed to the presence of reactive functional groups such as –OH and R–NH2. Concurrently, the average particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1) removal efficiency for BC500 and BC 700 ranged between 66 and 82.69 %. The PM removal performance of BC500 and BC700 was lower (15–20%) than commercially available masks. Overall, the present study highlights the importance of diatoms (reactive Si) present inside the pores of microalgal biochar for enhanced removal of PM, TVOCs, and HCHO at temperatures above 500 °C. This complete approach signifies a step towards establishing a self-sustainable and circular process characterized by minimal waste generation for indoor air treatment.

Influence of rice straw and wood fiber combination on physical and mechanical properties of rice straw pulverized composite board

The production of particleboards from various kinds of ligno cellulosic materials are successful on commercial scale in various parts of the country.  However, much success is not seen in use of crop residues for particleboards. Rice straw and wheat straw are one such materials that are abundantly available in India that can be used to produce particleboard.  The present work investigated the effect of Rice straw particles and wood fibers combination on physical and mechanical properties of the composite board. The pulverized rice straw composite boards were produced with three different composition of rice straw material (100 %, 70 %, 50 %) and wood Fibers (0 %, 30 %, 50 %). Melamine Urea Formaldehyde (MUF), Phenol Cardanol Formaldehyde (PCF), Blocked Isocyanate resin combined with PCF (BPCF), Blocked Isocyanate combined with Urea Melamine Formaldehyde (BUMF) and Blocked Isocyanate combined with PF (BPF) resins were synthesized. The resin system (10%,12%,14%) with requisite additive was admixed with rice straw and wood fibers.  According to the resin system employed, the hot press temperature, specific pressure and curing time were worked out for compression of the boards. The boards were produced with 780 - 850 kg/m3 nominal density and prior to testing, the test specimens were exposed to an atmosphere maintained at a relative humidity of 65 ± 5 percent and at a temperature of 27 ± 2 °C until their masses are nearly constant. The boards made were subjected for evaluation of physical and mechanical properties according to IS 3087.  It was found that the Rice Straw particles with Wood Fibers of 50-50 combination bonded with PCF and also with MUF adhesive of 12 % resin solids confirms  to the requirement of  physical and mechanical properties as per IS 3087 particleboards of wood and other lignocellulosic materials (medium density) for general purposes Specification.  Comparison with resin for hybrid boards of rice straw particles with wood fiber, BPCF has shown excellent properties than BPF and BUMF. The study indicated that increasing the percentage replacement of wood fibers with rice straw particles by more than 50 % decreased the internal bond strength.   It can be concluded that rice straw pulverized particleboard can be successfully made with the combination of 30 % - 50 % wood fibers using PCF resin or BPCF resin.

Bonding properties of selected alien invasive wood species

Invasive alien plant species pose a significant challenge to European ecosystems. They displace native vegetation, damage agricultural land, and annually cost the European economy billions of euros. Many of them are removed daily and mainly burned, although some of them produce lignocellulosic material that could be used in place of native wood species. In this study, the bonding properties of selected invasive wood species in Slovenia were tested using standard methods. Wood lamellas were produced according to the SIST EN 205 standard from Ailanthus altissima, Aesculus hippocastanum, Robinia pseudoacacia, Gleditsia triacanthos and Acer negundo and glued with polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and one-component polyurethane (PU) adhesive. The results showed that selected wood species can be bonded well with both adhesives (bond shear strengths from 7.2 to 15.1 N/mm2), although there were large variations due to the heterogeneity of the wood material. The differences in the shear strength of the bonds were mainly due to the different densities of the wood (479 to 702 kg/m3) species and the high variability in material properties (for example porosity from 0.54 to 0.68 and shear strength in tangential direction from 11.2 to 21.1 N/mm2), which are related to the anatomical characteristics of the individual wood species.

Elucidation of enhanced cellulase immobilization onto synthetic magnetic nickel nanomaterials for lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis

The immobilization of cellulase enzymes for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into sustainable biochemical products is essential for the stability and recovery of the enzymes. In this study, nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) were synthesized and coated with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) to serve as cellulase enzyme carriers. Cellulase enzyme immobilization on the prepared NiNPs was achieved using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linker. The physicochemical properties of the carrier were determined before and after enzyme immobilization using X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Vibrating-Sample Magnetometer (VSM), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The impacts of different experimental factors on the performance of the cellulase enzymes immobilized on the synthesized NiNPs and commercial nickel nanoparticles were compared. The results showed comparable optimal cellulase enzyme immobilization conditions on both substrates in terms of the immobilization time, pH, and cellulase enzyme concentration. However, the recommended temperatures for cellulase enzyme immobilization on the synthesized and commercial NiNPs were 50 °C and 40 °C, respectively. Under these optimum conditions, the immobilized cellulase enzyme on the synthesized NiNPs had an activity of about 99.1% (in comparison to the activity of free cellulase enzyme), while the activity of the enzyme upon immobilization on commercial NiNPs was about 93%. The particle size of the NiNPs was found to be crucial for enzyme immobilization efficiency and its magnetic strength. Therefore, cellulase enzyme immobilization on tunable NiNPs could be a sustainable and eco-friendly approach towards high recovery of cellulose from lignocellulosic materials.

Synthesis strategies and obstacles of lignocellulose-derived hard carbon anodes for sodium-ion batteries

In this perspective, we present an overview of the research and advancement of lignocellulose-derived hard carbon anodes and their pivotal role in the commercialization of sodium-ion batteries. Hard carbon anodes, sourced from lignocellulosic biomasses, exhibit considerable promise due to their widespread availability, economical viability, and environmentally friendly attributes with zero carbon-dioxide emissions. Given the intricate compositions and composite nature of lignocellulosic materials, it becomes imperative to prioritize factors crucial for the fabrication of hard carbon anodes that exhibit enhanced sodium-ion storage capabilities. Thus, our study offers an extensive overview of the structure and performance nuances of hard carbon anodes derived from cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Furthermore, it delves into the fundamental principles governing synthesis methodologies and confronts the challenges inherent in producing lignocellulose-derived hard carbon anodes tailored specifically for sodium-ion batteries.Graphical

Tailoring whole slurry bioprocessing for sugary stovers to augment sugar production by integrating soluble and insoluble carbohydrates

Obtaining sufficient concentrations of fermentable sugars from the polysaccharides of lignocellulosic materials represents a long-term challenge in achieving sustainable biorefineries. This work aimed to enhance sugar titers by employing high sugar-containing stovers (HSS) and combining its intrinsic soluble sugars with the two insoluble carbohydrates, namely cellulose and hemicellulose. Whole-slurry hydrolysis (WSH) was performed under low-to-high solid conditions using non-detoxified pretreated slurry, which exhibited a decrease in cellulose hydrolysis efficiency (CHE) from 89.08% to 42.1% as the solid loadings increased from 7% to 20%. A further WSH with detoxified slurry showed a significant increase in CHE from 42.1% to 59.52% at 20% solid loading, indicating that inhibitors present in the pretreated slurry had negative effects on CHE. Lower CHE with non-detoxified slurry accompanied by higher losses of cellulase and β-glucosidase activities, particularly at higher solid loadings. Therefore, systematic modification of WSH was performed by incorporating 2% syringic acid during pretreatment and 0.4% polyethylene glycol during saccharification, reformulating enzyme cocktails, and implementing a fed-batch experiment. These modifications resulted in a notable improvement in sugar production under high-solid loading (20%) and non-detoxified conditions, reaching 142.87 g/L total sugars with a CHE of 90.7%. These findings have revealed the potential of integrating soluble sugars with holocellulose for obtaining high-titer fermentable sugars in lignocellulosic biorefineries.

Fungal bioprocessing for circular bioeconomy: Exploring lignocellulosic waste valorization

ABSTRACT The rising global demand for sustainable and eco-friendly practices has led to a burgeoning interest in circular bioeconomy, wherein waste materials are repurposed into valuable resources. Lignocellulosic waste, abundant in agricultural residues and forestry by-products, represents a significant untapped resource. This article explores the potential of fungal-mediated processes for the valorisation of lignocellulosic waste, highlighting their role in transforming these recalcitrant materials into bio-based products. The articles delve into the diverse enzymatic and metabolic capabilities of fungi, which enable them to efficiently degrade and metabolise lignocellulosic materials. The paper further highlights key fungal species and their mechanisms involved in the breakdown of complex biomass, emphasising the importance of understanding their intricate biochemical pathways for optimising waste conversion processes. The key insights of the article will significantly contribute to advancing the understanding of fungal biotechnology for circular bioeconomy applications, fostering a paradigm shift towards a more resource-efficient and environmentally friendly approach to waste management and bio-based product manufacturing.

Assessing the influence of biomass origin and fractionation methods on pyrolysis of primary biomass fractions

Pyrolysis has emerged as a highly promising technology for the efficient utilization of organic materials, particularly lignocellulosic materials. This study investigates the behavior and influence of three primary biomass fractions (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) derived from different sources (trees, shrubs, and agricultural residues) on the kinetic of the pyrolysis process. With this objective, different fragmentation methods were employed to isolate the main components of the lignocellulosic biomass, followed by thermogravimetric analysis to examine the pyrolysis process. The activation energy was determined using both, the Friedman differential kinetic models of and the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa integrated method, with the latter being found to be more efficient. The activation energy (Ea) was found to be influenced by several factors, including the fractionation process and the origin of the raw material. For hemicellulose, the Ea was in the range of 200–300 kJ mol−1, while cellulose showed Ea values of about 180–220 kJ mol−1. In contrast, lignin displayed a wider range of Ea variation, with its values being more sensitive to the fractionation method used. Gas samples were collected through adsorption tubes during pyrolysis for analysis of gas stream compositions from different lignocellulosic fractions using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Furfural, among other compounds, was predominantly detected in the pyrolysis of hemicellulose fractions, ranging from 6.6 % to 19.3 %.

Use of sawdust for production of ligninolytic enzymes by white-rot fungi and pharmaceutical removal.

Use of white-rot fungi for enzyme-based bioremediation of wastewater is of high interest. These fungi produce considerable amounts of extracellular ligninolytic enzymes during solid-state fermentation on lignocellulosic materials such as straw and sawdust. We used pure sawdust colonized by Pleurotus ostreatus, Trametes versicolor, and Ganoderma lucidum for extraction of ligninolytic enzymes in aqueous suspension. Crude enzyme suspensions of the three fungi, with laccase activity range 12-43 U/L and manganese peroxidase activity range 5-55 U/L, were evaluated for degradation of 11 selected pharmaceuticals spiked at environmentally relevant concentrations. Sulfamethoxazole was removed significantly in all treatments. The crude enzyme suspension from P. ostreatus achieved degradation of wider range of pharmaceuticals when the enzyme activity was increased. Brief homogenization of the colonized sawdust was also observed to be favorable, resulting in significant reductions after a short exposure of 5 min. The highest reduction was observed for sulfamethoxazole which was reduced by 84% compared to an autoclaved control without enzyme activity and for trimethoprim which was reduced by 60%. The compounds metoprolol, lidocaine, and venlafaxine were reduced by approximately 30% compared to the control. Overall, this study confirmed the potential of low-cost lignocellulosic material as a substrate for production of enzymes from white-rot fungi. However, monitoring over time in bioreactors revealed a rapid decrease in enzymatic ligninolytic activity.

Optimization of alkaline hydrothermal treatment for humic acids production from corn straw digestate using the response surface methodology

Anaerobic digestion (AD) technology was widely used for treating waste biomass, during which a large amount of lignin-rich digestate would be produced, needing further treatment. In this study, corn straw digestate (CSD) was used as raw material for hydrothermal humic acids (HHA) producing through alkaline hydrothermal treatment (AHT). According to the response surface analysis, the optimal reaction conditions were determined to be 156°C, 2 hours, and 5% KOH (% of the dry digestate), resulting in a HHA yield of 40.3 wt%. Structural characterization analysis showed the produced HHA had abundant oxygen-containing functional groups (e.g., C-O and CO) in HHA and aromatic structures, which also showed good thermal stability. By AHT with hemicellulose and lignin, the HHA yields reached 79.2%. Hemicellulose and lignin proved to be important components for HHA formation. In addition, the protein content in the EPS extraction solution of HC was significantly reduced compared to CSD, indicating that the dewaterability of the digestate were improved after AHT. This technique provides a feasible approach for the further utilization of residual lignocellulosic materials after anaerobic digestion.

Utilizing fungal biodegradation for valorisation of lignocellulosic waste biomass and its diverse applications

AbstractMyco degradation is an effective technique for breaking down waste plant substances made of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, which are collectively known as lignocellulose. This abundant organic material is found throughout the world. Due to its recalcitrant nature, lignocellulose poses a challenge for efficient conversion into biofuels, biochemicals, and other valuable products. Myco degradation, which involves the use of fungi to degrade lignocellulosic materials, offers a sustainable and cost‐efficient resolution to this challenge. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms and applications of myco degradation for lignocellulosic biomass degradation. The review discusses the various types of fungi involved in lignocellulose degradation, their enzymatic systems, and the factors that influences their performance. Furthermore, the potential applications of myco degradation products, such as biofuels, enzymes, and bioplastics, are reviewed. It also highlights the implications of myco degradation for waste management and sustainable development. Overall, myco degradation represents a promising technology for the efficient deprivation of lignocellulosic waste biomass, and further research in this field holds great potential for the sustainable creation of bio‐based products.

Enzymatic conversion of pineapple plant stem starch and lignocellulosic materials into sugar syrups

Managing pineapple waste amid increasing demand is crucial and repurposing this waste offers a sustainable solution. Pineapple stems, an overlooked resource rich in starch and lignocellulosic materials, were explored in this study. Enzymatic hydrolysis was used to convert the stems into sugar syrup. Optimal conditions resulted in a sugar concentration of 107.88 ± 1.56 g/L from 10% starch, using 1% (v/v) Dextrozyme and Celluclast 1.5 L. Hydrolysis was most efficient at 70 °C for starch and 40 °C for lignocellulose. The produced syrups match high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in water activity, moisture content, and color, making them a promising alternative in food industry.