abstract
Wood bark is a structurally complex by-product of the pulp and paper industry, which focuses primarily on the valorization of structurally more regular wood xylem components. The aim of this study was the elucidation of the less valorised willow wood counterparts (whole bark, inner bark, sclerenchyma bundles, and parenchymatous tissues) by NMR spectroscopic techniques. This allowed a better understanding of the structural features of macromolecular components of bark (i.e. pectin, hemicellulose, and lignin), thus providing a base for a more rational design of the customized biochemical processes prior to chemical processing of bark. This crucial knowledge contributed to the creation of a protocol/decision tool to select tailored enzymes (discarding the slightest substrate binding) for the biological pre-treatment of bark to a state suitable for chemical pulping. Such a protocol/decision-making tool would significantly improve the efficiency of enzyme selection by 60-70% due to the specific catalytic activity of the enzymes involved.
keywords
SOLID-STATE NMR; DIOXANE LIGNIN; PURIFICATION; EXTRACTION; HYDROLASE; CELLULOSE; MODE; WOOD; XYLOGALACTURONAN; SPECTROSCOPY
subject category
Chemistry; Science & Technology - Other Topics
authors
Dou, JZ; Wang, JC; Hietala, S; Evtuguin, DV; Vuorinen, T; Zhao, J
our authors
Dmitry Evtyugin
Associate Professor with Aggregationacknowledgements
This work made use of the RawMatTERS Finland infrastructure (RAMI) facilities based at Aalto University. This work was a part of the Academy of Finland's Flagship Programme under project no. 318890 and 318891 (Competence Center for Materials Bioeconomy, FinnCERES). Special thanks go to Dr Heidi Henrickson from Aalto University for the language check. GC-MS infrastructure from the University of Aveiro is also appreciated for analyzing the tannin-like substances. Dr Leena Pitkanen from Aalto University provided the assistance for the molecular weight analysis using gel permeation chromatography. The NMR premises from the University of Helsinki are also appreciated.