Ultrastructure of wood cellulose substrates during enzymatic hydrolysis

Summary The ultrastructure of holocellulose and alpha-cellulose from Pinus radiata D. Don was examined after treatment with cellulase for either 24 hours or 7 days. A procedure for localising the enzyme in situ using phosphotungstic acid is described. The pattern of degradation differed between the two substrates with alpha-cellulose being much more susceptible to hydrolysis than holocellulose. In both substrates the primary wall showed evidence of hydrolysis after 24 hours and was completely hydrolysed after 7 days. In holocellulose after 7 days treatment, hydrolysis of the secondary wall was confined to localised areas of the S3 layer sometimes penetrating into the S2 region. In contrast, alpha-cellulose showed uniform degradation across the secondary wall. Enzyme did not appear to penetrate the holocellulose but full penetration occurred in alpha-cellulose, the enzyme being closely associated with individual microfibrils. The reasons for these differences in degradation pattern are discussed.     

Some of the properties of particleboard made from paulownia

The objective of this study was to determine some of the properties of experimental particleboard panels made from low-quality paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa). Chemical properties including holocellulose, cellulose, lignin contents, water solubility, and pH level of the wood were also analyzed. Three-layer experimental panels were manufactured with two density levels using urea–formaldehyde as a binder. Modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond strength (IB), screw-holding strength, thickness swelling, and surface roughness of the specimens were evaluated. Panels with densities of 0.65 g/cm³ and manufactured using a 7-min press time resulted in higher mechanical properties than those of made with densities of 0.55 g/cm³ and press times of 5 min. Based on the initial findings of this study, it appears that higher values of solubility and lignin content of the raw material contributed to better physical and mechanical properties of the experimental panels. All types of strength characteristics of the samples manufactured from underutilized low-quality paulownia wood met the minimum strength requirements of the European Standards for general uses.     

Dynamics of physicochemical properties and occurrence of fungal fruit bodies during decomposition of coarse woody debris of Fagus crenata

The pattern of changes in the physicochemical properties of wood, and its relationship with fungal succession during decomposition of coarse woody debris (CWD) of beech (Fagus crenata Blume) were investigated. In total, 47 snags and 66 logs were assigned to a system of five decay classes, and were used for analysis of the decomposition process. The decomposition process consists of two phases characterized by their dominant organic chemical constituents. In the first phase (decay class 1–3), acid-unhydrolyzable residue (AUR) and holocellulose decreased simultaneously. In the second phase (decay class 3–5), holocellulose decayed selectively. Fruiting bodies of ten fungal taxa occurred frequently on decomposing logs and/or snags. These fungi were divided into early and late colonizers according to their occurrence during CWD decomposition. The relationship between fungal community composition and the physicochemical properties of CWD was analyzed by canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). According to the Monte Carlo permutation test, decay class, water content, and type of CWD (log or snag) significantly affected the fungal community structure. Our results suggested that white-rot basidiomycetes, especially Omphalotus guepiniformis, play a central role in the simultaneous decomposition of AUR and holocellulose in the first phase of decomposition. On the other hand, fungal taxa occurring in the second phase of decomposition may not be responsible for the decomposition of holocellulose. Three possible mechanisms of holocellulose decomposition and AUR accumulation in the second phase of decomposition are proposed and discussed. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Suitability of sawdust from three tropical timbers for wood-cement composites

Construction material rising cost and global demand for economically-sustainable and environmentally-friendly building resources have necessitated the use of sawdust-cement composite. Wood constituents and cement incompatibility hinder its production and need careful selection of the timber. Sawdust suitability from Triplochiton scleroxylon, Entandrophragma cylindricum and Klainedoxa gabonensis for wood-cement composite was determined by identifying their chemical constituents and their composites’ physico-mechanical properties. T. scleroxylon recorded the minimum total extractive (6.12%), lignin (29.89%) and holocellulose (56.38%) and K. gabonensis the maximum (9.31, 31.59 and 57.5% respectively). Ash content was higher for T. scleroxylon (7.6%) but lower for K. gabonensis (1.53%). T. scleroxylon boards were stronger [Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) = 696.1 N/m²] and more moisture-resistant [Moisture Absorption (MA) = 8.8%] than E. cylindricum (MOE = 625.9 N/m²; MA = 9.5%). K. gabonensis boards crushed after manufacturing due to its incompatibility with cement. T. scleroxylon sawdust is suitable for wood-cement composites due to its more compatible chemical constituents (i.e., lower extractive, lignin, holocellulose contents and more ash) and its boards’ excellent physico-mechanical properties than those for the other timbers. Its sawdust-cement composites could be utilized for cladding and walling. The use of sawdust would increase green building resource base and reduce environmental pollution.     

Chemical composition of wood and its connection with wood anatomy in Betula pubescens

ABSTRACT

The connection between chemical composition and anatomy of wood is poorly studied. Abiotic and biotic growth conditions affect the synthesis of structural compounds and the anatomy of wood at the same time as they affect growth. In this study, the wood chemical composition, and connections between wood chemistry and anatomy were studied in downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) grown on four growth sites possessing mineral and peat soils. Lignin, holocellulose, extractive and ash contents, and effective heating value were analysed and compared with libriform fibre double wall thickness and lumen diameter, vessel size and number, and ray and axial parenchyma numbers. Measured lignin and extractive contents were exceptionally high and holocellulose content low. Correlations between wood anatomy and effective heating value were partly different on different soils. Correlations between holocellulose and anatomy were the opposite of the correlations between other chemical compounds and anatomy. The significant correlations between chemical composition and anatomy were commonly opposite in trees grown on peat than in trees grown on mineral soil. Particularly, vessel characteristics and fibre wall thickness correlated significantly with wood chemistry in trees grown on mineral soil. The connections between wood anatomy and chemistry proved to be soil-dependent.     

Occurrence and significance of bacteria in living trees of Populus nigra L.

On the occurrence and significance of bacteria in living trees of Populus nigra L. Eleven strains of bacteria were isolated from sapwood and heartwood of living poplar trees (Populus nigra L.) and identified mostly as Erwinia, Xanthomonas, Agrobacterium and Acinetobacter. Most of them were able to attack milled wood and the wood components pectin, hemicelluloses and holocellulose; α-cellulose and lignin were not consumed. The capillary liquid in the xylem of poplar served as a nutrient for the isolated bacteria. The significance of these bacteria for wetwood formation is discussed.     

Biodegradation of sugarcane bagasse with marine fungusPhlebia sp. MG-60

A marine fungus,Phlebia sp. MG-60, and three white-rot fungi were incubated with whole sugarcane bagasse (WSB). The residual lignin content and holocellulose content in the decayed WSB were determined, and based on their content delignification selection factors of the fungi were calculated. More than 50% of lignin in the WSB was degraded byPhlebia sp. MG-60, and less than 10% of the holocellulose was lost. The WSB was fractioned by sieving to separate long-fiber bagasse, shortfiber bagasse, and bagasse pith. WhenPhlebia sp. MG-60 was incubated with the three fractions, more efficient delignification activity on the bagasse pith was observed. As the most efficient utilization of bagasse, we predict that bagasse fiber might be employed as the raw material in the pulp and paper industry after biopulping withPhlebia sp. MG-60 and bagasse pith, or WSB might be used to produce animal feed after fermentation with the strain.     

Quantifying lignin and holocellulose content in coniferous decayed wood using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy

To determine the independent decomposition rates of lignin and cellulose of decayed woody debris, a technique for the rapid analysis of lignin and cellulose is required. We applied a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technique to measure the lignin and holocellulose content in decayed wood. We succeeded in creating partial least-squares (PLS) models to estimate the lignin and holocellulose content in the decayed wood of five species using NIR spectra. Although the accuracy was acceptable for the estimation of a five-species mixed model (R ² = 0.970 for lignin and R ² = 0.962 for holocellulose), it was further improved when the model was applied to each species independently. This combination of NIRS and a PLS model is a valuable tool for the determination of the lignin and holocellulose content in decayed wood. The technique is time efficient (3 min per sample) and non-hazardous (no acid treatment is required).     

Determination of the distribution and reaction of polysaccharides in wood cell walls by the isotope tracer technique VIII: Selective radiolabeling of xylan in mature cell walls of magnolia (Magnolia kobus DC.) and visualization of its distribution by microautoradiography

To radiolabel xylan in mature cell walls selectively, magnolia (Magnolia kobus DC.) was administered withmyo-inositol-[2-³H] and allowed to metabolize for 1 month. The radiolabeled xylem tissue was then submitted to sulfuric acid hydrolysis and nitrobenzene oxidation. A large amount of radioactivity was found mainly in xylose, although slight activities were detected in glucose and in vanillin and syringaldehyde. The labeled tissue was submitted to a preparation of holocellulose followed by treatment with 24% potassium hydroxide (KOH). Radioactivity was distributed mainly in the KOH-soluble part of the holocellulose. These results indicate that most radioactivity was incorporated into xylan in the cell walls. The distribution of the incorporated radioactivity in the xylem tissue was visualized by microautoradiography. Radioactivities were distributed in the xylem more than 400 m from the cambium; and an inner layer of a secondary wall had formed at the labeled xylem. Consequently, selective radio-labeling of xylan was visualized in mature cell walls.Part of this report was presented at the 47th annual meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Kouchi, April 1997     

Analysis on Chemical Composition of Guadua amplexifolia Planted in China

The objective of this study is to determine the properties of G. amplexifolia. In this paper; the chemical composition, including holocellulose, acid-insoluble lignin, 1% NaOH solubility, benzene-ethanol extractives and ash content, was considered for the variability with respect to positions along bamboo culm height （bottom, middle and top）, parts along radial direction （inner part and outer part）and ages （1-year and 2- year）. The test results were also compared to those of moso that is commonly planted and used in China. This study indicated that both the holocellulosecontent and the lignin content in inner part were lower than ; in outer part, but for extractives and ash content, the reverse was true. Bamboo age also had effect on chemical composition; both the holocellulose content and the ash content in the culm of 1- year were higher than those of 2-year; while the lignin content and the extractive content m the culm of 1- year were higher than those of 2-year. High holocellulose content, low lignin contentand extractive content were advantages of G. amplexifolia.     

Relations between various extracted basic densities and wood chemical components in Eucalyptus globulus

Relations between various extracted basic densities and wood chemical components were investigated by their within-tree variations in Eucalyptus globulus for assistance in the prediction of the properties of wood or wood-derived products. Extraneous compounds affect the relations between various basic densities and wood chemical components such as holocellulose and the lignin syringyl/guaiacyl ratio. We also discuss the relation of various densities, the molar composition of neutral sugars constituting hemicellulose, and fiber morphology.     

Enzymatic saccharification of spent wood-meal media made of 5 different tree species after cultivation of edible mushroom <Emphasis Type="Italic">Auricularia polytricha</Emphasis>

The chemical characteristics and the suitability for enzymatic saccharification in the spent culture media (SCM) of Auricularia polytricha were examined in order to investigate the utilization of the SCM as a biomass resource for alternative energy production. Wood meals from 3 hardwood species (Quercus serrata, Betula platyphylla var. japonica, and Alnus japonica) and 2 softwood species (Pinus densiflora and Cryptomeria japonica) were used as basal culture media. Dry weight of fruiting bodies were higher in the cultural media made of B. platphylla var. japonica and A. japonica. Amount of weight loss in media showed almost the same value among the cultural media made of 5 species, except for media made of C. japonica. The amounts of the main chemical components (Klason lignin, holocellulose, and α-cellulose) in SCM showed lower values than those in wood meals (WM) and fresh media (FM). After saccharification of the media by Meiselase for 48 h, the hydrolysis weight decrease dramatically increased in SCM. The amount of glucose in SCM ranged from 10.9 to 19.2 g/100 g dry biomass. The highest amount of glucose was obtained in the SCM from B. platyphylla var. japonica. These results indicate that SCM of A. polytricha is a suitable biomass material to produce fermentable sugars for bio-ethanol production.     

Studies on holocellulose and alpha-cellulose from spruce wood using cryo-ultramicrotomy

Summary Cryo-ultramicrotomy was applied to holocellulose and alpha-cellulose from spruce wood (Picea abies Karst.) for a light and electron microscopical study of the removal of lignin during chlorite delignification and the changes in swelling during delignification and alkali extraction. The swelling state of the fibre walls during each stage of treatment was well preserved, and distinct differences could be observed. Staining with uranyl acetate brought out the fine structure of the fibre walls down to the range of elementary fibrils.Submitted by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. The assistance of Dr. D. Grosser at the light microscope and of Miss U. Schwarz with the chemical analysis is greatly appreciated.     

Chemical reactivity of heat-treated wood

Chemical reactivity of heat-treated wood was compared with that of untreated wood. For this purpose, heat-treated pine or beech sawdust was reacted with different carboxylic acid anhydrides in pyridine or with phenyl isocyanate in dimethyl formamide. Compared to controls, weight gains obtained with heat-treated sawdust are smaller showing a lower chemical reactivity. FTIR analyses of lignin and holocellulose fractions, isolated after acidic hydrolysis of polysaccharides or delignification with sodium chlorite, indicate that both components are involved in the reactions. Compared to lignin, holocellulose exhibits important infrared absorptions of about 1,730 cm⁻¹, characteristic of ester or urethane linkages formed. Lower reactivity of heat-treated sawdust is explained by the decrease in free reactive hydroxyl groups in holocellulose due to the thermal degradation of hemicelluloses, considered more reactive than cellulose.     

Chemical characterization of wood and extractives of fast-growing Schizolobium parahyba and Pinus taeda

This study aims to evaluate the chemical composition of wood and extractives of Pinus taeda and Schizolobium parahyba (guapuruvu) as potential feedstock for new applications in the biorefinery industry. For this purpose, their content of α-cellulose, hemicellulose, insoluble lignin, hot water solubility, NaOH_1% solubility, inorganic materials (ash), and monomeric sugars by high-performance liquid chromatography was quantified. Attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis were also used to complete the physicochemical characterization of the studied woods. The extractives were obtained by soxhlet extraction with ethanol:toluene and dichloromethane and identified with pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy technique. The results showed that guapuruvu wood has the higher amount of hemicellulose (16%) when compared to pine wood (10%), which resulted in higher solubility in alkali solution. Furthermore, in relation to other biomasses, the two woods presented more percentage of lignin and minor content of hemicelluloses. The P. taeda wood presented the highest percentage of extractives mainly composed of fatty acids and aromatic hydrocarbons, while guapuruvu wood had a higher percentage of phenolic compounds and also fatty acids. Both the materials have low content of extractives with dichloromethane and were mainly composed of lipophilic compounds.     

Use of butanol-water mixtures for making wheat straw pulp

Summary A central composite design was used to investigate the influence of the cooking conditions (time, temperature and butanol concentration) for wheat straw with butanol-water mixtures on the properties of the pulp obtained (yield and holocellulose, α-cellulose, lignin and ethanol-benzene extractives contents) and the pH of the resulting waste water. A second-order polynomial model consisting of three independent process variables was found to accurately describe the organosolv pulping of wheat straw. The equations derived predict the yield, the holocellulose, α-cellulose, lignin and ethanol-benzene extractives contents of the pulp, and the pH of the waste water with multiple-R, R², adjusted-R² and Snedecor' F values of 0.99, 0.99, 0.99 and 310.33; 0.98, 0.97, 0.95 and 56.63; 0.91, 0.84, 0.74 and 9.14; 0.99, 0.98, 0.96 and 70.52; 0.97, 0.94, 0.92 and 40.42; and 0.98, 0.95, 0.93 and 49.33, respectively. The process variables must be set at low values in order to ensure a high yield and pH. On the other hand, if a high holocellulose content and low lignin and ethanol-benzene extractives contents are to be obtained, then the process variables must be set at high values. Finally, obtaining pulp with a high α-cellulose content entails using a long cooking time and a high temperature, as well as a low butanol concentration. Received 1 July 1996     

Effect of heat treatment on extracellular enzymatic activities involved in beech wood degradation by Trametes versicolor

Effect of heat treatment on extracellular enzymes involved in wood degradation by Trametes versicolor was investigated. Heat-treated and untreated beech blocks were exposed to T. versicolor on malt-agar medium and extracellular enzymatic activities investigated. A strong ABTS oxidizing activity has been detected during the first stage of colonization in both cases, while cellulase activities are mainly detected in the case of untreated beech wood. Further investigations carried out on holocellulose, isolated using sodium chlorite delignification procedure and subjected to heat treatment or not, indicate that commercially available cellulases and xylanases are able to hydrolyse untreated holocellulose, while heat-treated holocellulose was not affected. All these data suggest that chemical modifications of wood components during heat treatment disturb enzymatic system involved in wood degradation.     

Dissolution of polystyrene into p-cymene and related substances in tree leaf oils

We examined the dissolution of polystyrene into p-cymene and related substances to develop an alternative method for the recycling of expanded polystyrene. The dissolving power of p-cymene [212.0 g (100 g solvent)⁻¹] to polystyrene at 50°C compared favorably with those of 2-p-cymenol [156.7 g (100 g solvent)⁻¹], (R)-limonene and its structural isomers [181.7–197.1 g (100 g solvent)⁻¹], and Abies leaf oil [84.7 g (100 g solvent)⁻¹]. The favorable solubility of polystyrene into p-cymene can be explained by the solubility parameter. p-Cymene and polystyrene can be recovered almost quantitatively from the polystyrene solution by simple steam distillation.     

Comparative study of Kenaf varieties and growing conditions and their effect on kraft pulp quality

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is an annual plant which produces a very high fiber yield per hectare and has demonstrated to be a suitable material for pulping. The crop conditions influence fiber production, but there is no information about their effect on pulp quality. The aim of this work was to study the effect of kenaf varieties and crop conditions (watering dose and harvesting time) on sulfate pulp quality. The study has been made on bast fiber sulfate pulps due to their high added value. The quality criteria were fiber dimensions, chemical composition and pulp quality. Kenaf variety or crop conditions have significant effect on fiber dimensions, holocellulose content, kappa number and breaking strength. To obtain high fiber yield and good delignified pulps it is recommended to grow the Salvador variety and to employ advance harvesting. Received: 20 January 1999     

Variability of some wood properties of eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr.) clones

The objective of this article is to investigate the variability in chemical composition, fiber length, and basic wood density (specific gravity) amongst clones. Wood samples were taken from an experimental plantation in a dense 2.5 × 2.5 m wood, i.e., 1600 trees/ha. The plantation consisted of 127 clones which were selected in the nursery from 11 eastern cottonwood (P. deltoides Bartr., section Aigeiros) half-sib progenies. The physical, structural, and chemical characteristics of 40 poplar clones aged four years were investigated in three model trees from each clone. There are significant differences between the contents of the individual components of the wood chemical composition. The values of the heritability factor are high and they are similar for lignin (0.936), holocellulose (0.937) and for the extractives content (0.999). The mean value of the basic wood density is 380 kg/m³ (coefficient of heritability is 0.938), and the mean value of the fiber length is 863 m (coefficient of heritability 0.611).