Polyoxometalates as mediators in the laccase catalyzed delignification

The polyoxometalate (POM)-laccase catalytic system was applied for the first time to aerobic delignification of kraft pulps at moderate (40-60 degreesC) temperatures. Laccase was found to readily catalyze the re-oxidation of different kinds of polyoxometalates, including those, which cannot be re-oxidized by dioxygen even at high temperatures (PMo11V1, SiW11V1. etc.). This allows a sequence of catalytic redox cycles similar to that in the laccase-mediator system (LMS) where electrons are transferred from the substrate (lignin) via POM and laccase to oxygen. Results obtained showed that the POM-laccase system could decrease kappa number of eucalypt kraft pulp from 13.7 to 8.5 though the reaction rate is relatively slow. Among different POM used, SiW11V showed the best results. The effect of the process variables on the delignification was studied. The best results in delignification of eucalypt pulp were obtained at 60 degreesC, oxygen pressure of 5 bar, pH 6.3, SiW11V concentration of 4.2 mM and laccase concentration of 0.65 U/ml. The reaction temperature appears to be one of the crucial factors in the achievement of a delignification rate acceptable for practical application. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved

Label-free in situ imaging of lignification in the cell wall of low lignin transgenic Populus trichocarpa

Chemical imaging by confocal Raman microscopy has been used for the visualization of the cellulose and lignin distribution in wood cell walls. Lignin reduction in wood can be achieved by, for example, transgenic suppression of a monolignol biosynthesis gene encoding 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL). Here, we use confocal Raman microscopy to compare lignification in wild type and lignin-reduced 4CL transgenic Populus trichocarpa stem wood with spatial resolution that is sub-μm. Analyzing the lignin Raman bands in the spectral region between 1,600 and 1,700 cm−1, differences in lignin signal intensity and localization are mapped in situ. Transgenic reduction of lignin is particularly pronounced in the S2 wall layer of fibers, suggesting that such transgenic approach may help overcome cell wall recalcitrance to wood saccharification. Spatial heterogeneity in the lignin composition, in particular with regard to ethylenic residues, is observed in both samples

Assessing the efficiency of robot communication

A model is proposed for estimating the efficiency of communication by robots capable of social interaction with humans. A generalized index of the robots effectiveness in communication is derived. That index is calculated by means of a fuzzy deduction modul

Determination of hydroxyl groups in biorefinery resources via quantitative 31P NMR spectroscopy

The analysis of chemical structural characteristics of biorefinery product streams (such as lignin and tannin) has advanced substantially over the past decade, with traditional wet-chemical techniques being replaced or supplemented by NMR methodologies. Quantitative 31P NMR spectroscopy is a promising technique for the analysis of hydroxyl groups because of its unique characterization capability and broad potential applicability across the biorefinery research community. This protocol describes procedures for (i) the preparation/solubilization of lignin and tannin, (ii) the phosphitylation of their hydroxyl groups, (iii) NMR acquisition details, and (iv) the ensuing data analyses and means to precisely calculate the content of the different types of hydroxyl groups. Compared with traditional wet-chemical techniques, the technique of quantitative 31P NMR spectroscopy offers unique advantages in measuring hydroxyl groups in a single spectrum with high signal resolution. The method provides complete quantitative information about the hydroxyl groups with small amounts of sample (~30 mg) within a relatively short experimental time (~30-120 min)

Beyond What Meets the Eye: Imaging and Imagining Wood Mechanical–Structural Properties

Abstract: Wood presents a hierarchical structure, containing features at all length scales: from the tracheids or vessels that make up its cellular structure, through to the microfibrils within the cell walls, down to the molecular architecture of the cellulose, lignin, and hemicelluloses that comprise its chemical makeup. This structure renders it with high mechanical (e.g., modulus and strength) and interesting physical (e.g., optical) properties. A better understanding of this structure, and how it plays a role in governing mechanical and other physical parameters, will help to better exploit this sustainable resource. Here, recent developments on the use of advanced imaging techniques for studying the structural properties of wood in relation to its mechanical properties are explored. The focus is on synchrotron nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray tomographical imaging, Raman and infrared spectroscopies, confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Critical discussion on the role of imaging techniques and how fields are developing rapidly to incorporate both spatial and temporal ranges of analysis is presented

Novel synthesis of extracellular lignins in spruce cell cultures unravel native lignin carbohydrate bond formation (LCC formation)

ISWFPC 2017201