Biomass-derived materials are green alternatives to synthetic plastics and other fossil-based materials Lignin, an aromatic plant polymer, is one of the most appealing renewable material precursors for smart materials capable of responding to different stimuli Here we review lignin-based smart materials, a research field that has seen a rapid growth during the last five years We describe the main processing and chemical synthesis routes available for the fabrication of lignin-based smart materials, and focus on their use as sensors, biomedical systems, and shape-programmable materials In addition to benchmarking their performance to the state of the art fossil counterparts, we identify challenges and future opportunities for the development of lignin-based smart materials towards new high-performance applications

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Lignin-based smart materials: a roadmap to processing and synthesis for current and future applications

Biofuels could be defined as the fuels of the future, although much work is still required before they will replace fossil fuels. In this review, lignocellulosic biomass based on straw and related ...

Recent Developments in the Delignification and Exploitation of Grass Lignocellulosic Biomass

Lignin is the most abundant aromatic polymer available on earth and is a recalcitrant by-product in the lignocellulose biomass-based industry. In recent times even though about 1 g of lignin is released per liter of bioethanol produced, the lignin valorization rates are relatively low and challenging, as it has an irregular complex structure and requires high-level conversion techniques. Most of the lignin conversion methods deliver toxic by-products or have a lower product yield due to mild lignin solubilization. Recently, Ionic liquids (ILs), which are greener and recyclable solvents, have attributed excellent solvation properties towards lignin, while simultaneously helping in its valorization. In this review, we have discussed the potential of ILs-mediated lignin valorization to produce different end commodities like hydrogels, flavours, and alkanes. This article emphasizes on the various ILs utilized, their effects on lignin, and the advanced strategies available for conversion. The valorization rate is improved by the addition of chemical or biological catalysts i.e., lignin-degrading enzymes (LDEs). Nevertheless, the biocatalyst is influenced in the system, so the effect of LDEs during ILs mediated lignin bioconversion and the available strategies to improve LDEs effectiveness have also been depicted. Also, the economic viability and the futuristic demands like developing innovative process design, engineering tolerant LDEs, and designing biocompatible ILs that will facilitate the commerciality of ILs-mediated lignin valorization have been discussed. Overall, a comprehensive insight has been established that highlights the technological advancements in the ILs-based valorization that can avail in the sustainable production of renewable commodities utilizing lignin in near future.

Recent advancements in the ionic liquid mediated lignin valorization for the production of renewable materials and value-added chemicals

The heterogeneous lignocellulosic contents of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber requires the use of chemical or biological pre-treatment for further value-added applications. An effective biological pre-treatment was preferred since it is mild, low energy, substrate specific and will not generate any inhibitory chemicals that interfere enzymatic activities and fermentation process. The biological pre-treatment of OPEFB fibers by local isolate Pycnoporus sanguineus was investigated in this work to improve its biodegradability through laccase production via solid-state fermentation approach. The effects of physical parameters (temperature, inducer concentrations, substrate loading) were explored to obtain maximum laccase production by P. sanguines. Results showed that the use of extractive-free OPEFB fiber at 30 °C supplemented with 4 mM of 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and 10 g of OPEFB loading yielded laccase production that was 2.1 fold higher compared to raw OPEFB. The changes of chemical and surface structures of raw, chemicals and laccase treated OPEFB were reported from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The simulated techno-economic analysis suggested economic feasibility of a batch bio-refinery for laccase production in an industrial scale feed at a maximum rate of 50 tons OPEFB/batch. From the simulated baseline study, the cost price forecast for laccase production was 14.26 US$/kg owing to the capital (65.87%) and raw materials costs (31.68%). This study reveals the potential of P. sanguineus to be used not only in biorefinery industry but also in biopulping, biobleaching (in textile and paper industries) and degrading phenolic waste (dye, colorant, pesticide waste).

Enhanced laccase production for oil palm biomass delignification using biological pretreatment and its estimation at biorefinary scale

The rising global population and worldwide industrialization have led to unprecedented energy demand that is causing fast depletion of fossil reserves. This has led to search for alternative energy sources that are renewable and environment friendly. Use of lignocellulosic biomass for energy generation is considered a promising approach as it does not compete with food supply. However, the lignin component of the biomass acts as a natural barrier that prevents its efficient utilization. In order to remove the lignin and increase the amount of fermentable sugars, the lignocellulosic biomass is pretreated using physical and chemical methods which are costly and hazardous for environment. Moreover, during the traditional pretreatment process, numerous inhibitory compounds are generated that adversely affect the growth of fermentative microbes. Alternatively, biological methods that use microbes and their enzymes disrupt lignin polymers and increase the accessibility of the carbohydrates for the sugar generation. Microbial laccases have been considered as an efficient biocatalyst for delignification and detoxification offering a green initiative for energy generation process. The present review aims to bring together recent studies in bioenergy generation using laccase biocatalyst in the pretreatment processes. The work provides an overview of the sustainable and eco-friendly approach of biological delignification and detoxification through whole-cell and enzymatic methods, use of laccase-mediator system, and immobilized laccases for this purpose. It also summarizes the advantages, associated challenges, and potential prospects to overcome the limitations.

Laccase-mediated delignification and detoxification of lignocellulosic biomass: removing obstacles in energy generation.

https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2020/gc/c9gc04341a

Vincent J P Boerkamp

Papers

Understanding laccase/HBT-catalyzed grass delignification at the molecular level

Quantitative assessment of epoxide formation in oil and mayonnaise by 1H-13C HSQC NMR spectroscopy.

Lipid Oxidation in Food Emulsions: Analytical Challenges and Recent Developments

Viscophoretic particle transport