Milled wood lignin: a linear oligomer

Fractionation and characterization of lignins from Miscanthus via organosolv and soda pulping for biorefinery applications

The structural complexity of lignins necessitates characterization and isolation methodologies for assessing their appropriateness for thermo-chemical systems and material applications. Lignins prepared via two pulping methods (organosolv and soda) were comprehensively investigated by analyzing the properties, including lignin purity, yield, and thermal and chemical properties. The extracted organosolv lignin has high purity (93.13-98.12%), however, the purity of soda lignin was relatively low (87.58-89.61%). Organosolv lignin produced the highest heating value of 26.79-26.95 MJ kg-1, with a fixed carbon content of 39.47-41.06 wt%, high purity, and low ash content, making it suitable for biofuel applications. The content of total phenolic OH groups was higher for the organosolv lignins; however, for the phenolic OH groups, the 4-vinylphenol content was significantly higher in the soda lignins, and increased with increasing NaOH concentration. Overall, the thermal and chemical properties related to the lignin structure changed with the fractionation method and solvent concentration, which in turn influences the design of lignin valorization strategies for prospective depolymerization and material applications.

Extraction of High-Purity Lignins via Catalyst-free Organosolv Pulping from Low-Input Crops

A catalyst-free organosolv pulping process was applied to cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum, S), Miscanthus grass (Miscanthus x giganteus, M), and the Paulownia tree (Paulownia tomentosa, P), resulting in high-purity lignins with no signals for cellulose, hemicellulose, or other impurities in two-dimensional heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. Different biomass particle sizes used for the organosolv pulping (1.6-2.0 mm (1); 0.5-1.0 mm (2); <0.25 mm (3)) influenced the molecular weight and chemical structure of the isolated lignins. Principal component analysis (PCA) of ¹H NMR data revealed a high intergroup variance of Miscanthus and Paulownia lignins, separating the small particle fraction from the larger ones. Furthermore, monolignol ratios identified via HSQC NMR differ significantly: Miscanthus lignins were composed of all three monolignols (guaiacyl (G), p-hydroxyphenyl (H), syringyl (S)), while for Paulownia and Silphium lignins only G and S units were observed (except for P3).

Infrared and Raman spectra of lignin substructures: Dibenzodioxocin

Vibrational spectroscopy is a very suitable tool for investigating the plant cell wall in situ with almost no sample preparation. The structural information of all different constituents is contained in a single spectrum. Interpretation therefore heavily relies on reference spectra and understanding of the vibrational behavior of the components under study. For the first time, we show infrared (IR) and Raman spectra of dibenzodioxocin (DBDO), an important lignin substructure. A detailed vibrational assignment of the molecule, based on quantum chemical computations, is given in the Supporting Information; the main results are found in the paper. Furthermore, we show IR and Raman spectra of synthetic guaiacyl lignin (dehydrogenation polymer-G-DHP). Raman spectra of DBDO and G-DHP both differ with respect to the excitation wavelength and therefore reveal different features of the substructure/polymer. This study confirms the idea previously put forward that Raman at 532 nm selectively probes end groups of lignin, whereas Raman at 785 nm and IR seem to represent the majority of lignin substructures.

Multiple Mechanisms Mapped in Aryl Alkyl Ether Cleavage via Aqueous Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation over Skeletal Nickel

We present here detailed mechanistic studies of electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) in aqueous solution over skeletal nickel cathodes to probe the various paths of reductive catalytic C-O bond cleavage among functionalized aryl ethers relevant to energy science. Heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenolysis of aryl ethers is important both in hydrodeoxygenation of fossil fuels and in upgrading of lignin from biomass. The presence or absence of simple functionalities such as carbonyl, hydroxyl, methyl, or methoxyl groups is known to cause dramatic shifts in reactivity and cleavage selectivity between sp³ C-O and sp² C-O bonds. Specifically, reported hydrogenolysis studies with Ni and other catalysts have hinted at different cleavage mechanisms for the C-O ether bonds in α-keto and α-hydroxy β-O-4 type aryl ether linkages of lignin. Our new rate, selectivity, and isotopic labeling results from ECH reactions confirm that these aryl ethers undergo C-O cleavage via distinct paths. For the simple 2-phenoxy-1-phenylethane or its alcohol congener, 2-phenoxy-1-phenylethanol, the benzylic site is activated via Ni C-H insertion, followed by beta elimination of the phenoxide leaving group. But in the case of the ketone, 2-phenoxyacetophenone, the polarized carbonyl π system apparently binds directly with the electron rich Ni cathode surface without breaking the aromaticity of the neighboring phenyl ring, leading to rapid cleavage. Substituent steric and electronic perturbations across a broad range of β-O-4 type ethers create a hierarchy of cleavage rates that supports these mechanistic ideas while offering guidance to allow rational design of the catalytic method. On the basis of the new insights, the usage of cosolvent acetone is shown to enable control of product selectivity.

Structural insights into the alkali lignins involving the formation and transformation of arylglycerols and enol ethers

Soda process is one of the most important pulping processes in paper industry producing large quantities of alkali lignins that can afford plenty of biofuels, aromatic chemicals and materials. However, the structural and size-related heterogeneities and complexities hinder the development in these directions. Herein, we report new insights into the structure of alkali lignin, through investigating the formation and transformation of enol ether and arylglycerol structures that are significant responsible for the structural transformation from native lignin to alkali lignin. Four-type enol ethers composed of G/S units in hardwood alkali lignin were identified by 2D HSQC NMR. A series of alkali lignins prepared by alkali treatment of eucalyptus cellulolytic enzyme lignin under various temperatures were analyzed by 2D HSQC NMR, ³¹P NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Upon these analyses and related model compound studies, it was found that the arylglycerols formed from native β-O-4 linkages tends to be oxidized with the further degradation of aryl ether bonds, and that the enol ether linkages are facile to be hydrolyzed or oxidized in the air. These insights improve the mechanistic understanding for the structural evolution and the diversity of alkali lignins and will aid the development of further lignin valorization strategies.

Characterization of Eucalyptus nitens Lignins Obtained by Biorefinery Methods Based on Ionic Liquids

Eucalyptus nitens wood samples were subjected to consecutive stages of hydrothermal processing for hemicellulose solubilization and delignification with an ionic liquid, i.e., either 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate or triethylammonium hydrogen sulfate. Delignification experiments were carried out a 170 °C for 10–50 min. The solid phases from treatments, i.e., cellulose-enriched solids, were recovered by centrifugation, and lignin was separated from the ionic liquid by water precipitation. The best delignification conditions were identified on the basis of the results determined for delignification percentage, lignin recovery yield, and cellulose recovery in solid phase. The lignins obtained under selected conditions were characterized in deep by ³¹P-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, HSQC, and gel permeation chromatography. The major structural features of the lignins were discussed in comparison with the results determined for a model Ionosolv lignin.

Vascular Plants Are Globally Significant Contributors to Marine Carbon Fluxes and Sinks

More than two-thirds of global biomass consists of vascular plants. A portion of the detritus they generate is carried into the oceans from land and highly productive blue carbon ecosystems-salt marshes, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows. This large detrital input receives scant attention in current models of the global carbon cycle, though for blue carbon ecosystems, increasingly well-constrained estimates of biomass, productivity, and carbon fluxes, reviewed in this article, are now available. We show that the fate of this detritus differs markedly from that of strictly marine origin, because the former contains lignocellulose-an energy-rich polymer complex of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin that is resistant to enzymatic breakdown. This complex can be depolymerized for nutritional purposes by specialized marine prokaryotes, fungi, protists, and invertebrates using enzymes such as glycoside hydrolases and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases to release sugar monomers. The lignin component, however, is less readily depolymerized, and detritus therefore becomes lignin enriched, particularly in anoxic sediments, and forms a major carbon sink in blue carbon ecosystems. Eventual lignin breakdown releases a wide variety of small molecules that may contribute significantly to the oceanic pool of recalcitrant dissolved organic carbon. Marine carbon fluxes and sinks dependent on lignocellulosic detritus are important ecosystem services that are vulnerable to human interventions. These services must be considered when protecting blue carbon ecosystems and planning initiatives aimed at mitigating anthropogenic carbon emissions.

Establishing lignin structure-upgradeability relationships using quantitative 1H-13C heteronuclear single quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance (HSQC-NMR) spectroscopy

Lignin depolymerization could provide an attractive renewable aromatic feedstock for the chemical industry. Past studies have suggested that lignin structural features such as ether content are correlated to lignin's upgradeability. An obstacle to the development of a conclusive causal relationship between lignin structure and upgradeability has been the difficulty to quantitatively measure lignin structural features. Here, we demonstrated that a modified HSQC-NMR method known as HSQC0 can accurately quantify lignin functionalities in extracted lignin using several synthetic polymer models. We then prepared a range of isolated lignin samples with a wide range of ether contents (6-46%). By using a simple ether cleavage model, we were able to predict final depolymerization yields very accurately (<4% error), conclusively demonstrating the direct causal relationship between ether content and lignin activity. The accuracy of this model suggests that, unlike in native lignin, ether linkages no longer appear to be randomly distributed in isolated lignin.

The Influence of Lignin Diversity on the Structural and Thermal Properties of Polymeric Microspheres Derived from Lignin, Styrene, and/or Divinylbenzene

This work investigates the impact of lignin origin and structural characteristics, such as molecular weight and functionality, on the properties of corresponding porous biopolymeric microspheres obtained through suspension-emulsion polymerization of lignin with styrene (St) and/or divinylbenzene (DVB). Two types of kraft lignin, which are softwood (Picea abies L.) and hardwood (Eucalyptus grandis), fractionated by common industrial solvents, and related methacrylates, were used in the synthesis. The presence of the appropriate functional groups in the lignins and in the corresponding microspheres were investigated by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR/FT-IR), while the thermal properties were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The texture of the microspheres was characterized using low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. The swelling studies were performed in typical organic solvents and distilled water. The shapes of the microspheres were confirmed with an optical microscope. The introduction of lignin into a St and/or DVB polymeric system made it possible to obtain highly porous functionalized microspheres that increase their sorption potential. Lignin methacrylates created a polymer network with St and DVB, whereas the unmodified lignin acted mainly as an eco-friendly filler in the pores of St-DVB or DVB microspheres. The incorporation of biopolymer into the microspheres could be a promising alternative to a modification of synthetic materials and a better utilization of lignin.

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).

Lignin for Nano- and Microscaled Carrier Systems: Applications, Trends, and Challenges

To liberate society from its dependence on fossil-based fuels and materials it is pivotal to explore components of renewable plant biomass in applications that benefit from their intrinsic biodegradability, safety, and sustainability. Lignin, a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, is a plausible material for carrying various types of cargo in small- and large-scale applications. Herein, possibilities and constraints regarding the physical-chemical properties of the lignin source as well as modifications and processing required to render lignins suitable for the loading and release of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and biological macromolecules is reviewed. In addition, the technical challenges, regulatory and toxicological aspects, and future research needed to realize some of the promises that nano- and microscaled lignin materials hold for a sustainable future are critically discussed.

Blend configuration in functional polymeric materials with a high lignin content

Lignins upgrade the lignocellulosic cell-wall domains in all vascular plants; they embody 20-30% of terrestrial organic carbon. For 50 years, mistaken assumptions about the configuration of lignin have hindered the development of useful polymeric materials with a lignin content above 40 wt%. Now, polymeric materials composed only of methylated softwood lignin derivatives can exhibit better tensile behavior than polystyrene. Marked improvements may be achieved with small quantities (5-10 wt%) of miscible blend components as simple as poly(ethylene glycol). These observations contradict commonly held views about crosslinking or hyper-branching in lignin chains. The hydrodynamic compactness of the macromolecular lignin species arises from powerful noncovalent interactions between the lignin substructures. Individual lignin components undergo association to form macromolecular complexes that are preserved in plastics with a very high lignin content. Material continuity results from interpenetration between the peripheral components in adjoining lignin complexes. Through interactions with the peripheral domains, miscible blend components modulate the strength and ductility of these utterly original lignin-based plastics.

Structure and Properties of Cork-Silica Xerogel Nanocomposites: Influence of the Cork Content

Environmentally friendly nanocomposites were synthesized from a silica precursor and cork under mild conditions and dried at atmospheric pressure. Because of the covalent bonding between the components, these CorSil nanocomposites are homogeneous, light (apparent density in the range 360-750 kg m^-3), machinable, with the Shore D hardness up to 67 and compressive strength up to 22.6 MPa. These properties place them as good replacements for wood, other natural products, and thermoplastic polymers, with the advantage of being flame-retardant. The influence of the cork content and grain size on the structure, porosity, and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was studied using infrared spectroscopy, sorption isotherms, compressive strength, and Shore D hardness measurements.

On the solution structure of kraft lignin in ethylene glycol and its implication for nanoparticle preparation

Ethylene glycol (EG) starts to attract attention as a robust solvent for lignin processing. However its solution structure has not been revealed. In this effort, small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and dynamic light scattering are used to understand the dissolution of kraft lignin in EG and the impact of the resultant solution structure on nanoparticle preparation. Lignin solutions with different concentrations (0.6 to 13.0 wt%) were explored by SANS, allowing evaluation of the solvent quality, the conformation of lignin subunits and their aggregation in EG. Molecular interactions between EG and lignin were discussed and compared to those between DMSO and lignin. The process of nanoparticle preparation from EG solutions upon addition of anti-solvents was also discussed.

Performance of three delignifying pretreatments on hardwoods: hydrolysis yields, comprehensive mass balances, and lignin properties

BACKGROUND

In this work, three pretreatments under investigation at the DOE Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs) were subjected to a side-by-side comparison to assess their performance on model bioenergy hardwoods (a eucalyptus and a hybrid poplar). These include co-solvent-enhanced lignocellulosic fractionation (CELF), pretreatment with an ionic liquid using potentially biomass-derived components (cholinium lysinate or [Ch][Lys]), and two-stage Cu-catalyzed alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreatment (Cu-AHP). For each of the feedstocks, the pretreatments were assessed for their impact on lignin and xylan solubilization and enzymatic hydrolysis yields as a function of enzyme loading. Lignins recovered from the pretreatments were characterized for polysaccharide content, molar mass distributions, β-aryl ether content, and response to depolymerization by thioacidolysis.

RESULTS

All three pretreatments resulted in significant solubilization of lignin and xylan, with the CELF pretreatment solubilizing the majority of both biopolymer categories. Enzymatic hydrolysis yields were shown to exhibit a strong, positive correlation with the lignin solubilized for the low enzyme loadings. The pretreatment-derived solubles in the [Ch][Lys]-pretreated biomass were presumed to contribute to inhibition of enzymatic hydrolysis in the eucalyptus as a substantial fraction of the pretreatment liquor was carried forward into hydrolysis for this pretreatment. The pretreatment-solubilized lignins exhibited significant differences in polysaccharide content, molar mass distributions, aromatic monomer yield by thioacidolysis, and β-aryl ether content. Key trends include a substantially higher polysaccharide content in the lignins recovered from the [Ch][Lys] pretreatment and high β-aryl ether contents and aromatic monomer yields from the Cu-AHP pretreatment. For all lignins, the ¹³C NMR-determined β-aryl ether content was shown to be correlated with the monomer yield with a second-order functionality.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, it was demonstrated that the three pretreatments highlighted in this study demonstrated uniquely different functionalities in reducing biomass recalcitrance and achieving higher enzymatic hydrolysis yields for the hybrid poplar while yielding a lignin-rich stream that may be suitable for valorization. Furthermore, modification of lignin during pretreatment, particularly cleavage of β-aryl ether bonds, is shown to be detrimental to subsequent depolymerization.

Getting Closer to Absolute Molar Masses of Technical Lignins

Determination of molecular weight parameters of native and, in particular, technical lignins are based on size exclusion chromatography (SEC) approaches. However, no matter which approach is used, either conventional SEC with a refractive index detector and calibration with standards or multi-angle light scattering (MALS) detection at 488 nm, 633 nm, 658 nm, or 690 nm, all variants can be severely erroneous. The lack of calibration standards with high structural similarity to lignin impairs the quality of the molar masses determined by conventional SEC, and the typical fluorescence of (technical) lignins renders the corresponding MALS data rather questionable. Application of MALS detection at 785 nm by using an infrared laser largely overcomes those problems and allows for a reliable and reproducible determination of the molar mass distributions of all types of lignins, which has been demonstrated in this study for various and structurally different analytes, such as kraft lignins, milled-wood lignin, lignosulfonates, and biorefinery lignins. The topics of calibration, lignin fluorescence, and lignin UV absorption in connection with MALS detection are critically discussed in detail, and a reliable protocol is presented. Correction factors based on MALS measurements have been determined for commercially available calibration standards, such as pullulan and polystyrene sulfonate, so that now more reliable mass data can be obtained also if no MALS system is available and these conventional calibration standards have to be resorted to.

Clicking Biobased Polyphenols: A Sustainable Platform for Aromatic Polymeric Materials

Lignin, tannins, and cashew nut shell liquid are considered the main sources of aromatic-based macromolecules. They represent an abundant alternative feedstock for the elaboration of aromatic chemicals and polymers, with a view to replacing some fossil-based fractions. Located in different tissues of plants, these compounds, with a large diversity and structural complexity, have, to date, been considered as byproducts derived from fractionation-separation industrial processes with low added value. In the last decade, the use of click chemistry as a tool for the synthesis of controlled macromolecular architectures has seen much development in fundamental and applied research for a wide range of applications. It could represent a valid solution to overcome the main limitations encountered in the chemical modification of natural sources of chemicals, with an environmentally friendly approach to create new substrates for the development of innovative polymers and materials. After a brief description of the main aromatic biopolymers, including the main extraction techniques, along with their structure and their properties, this Review describes chemical modifications that have mainly been focused on natural polyphenols, with the aim of introducing clickable groups, and their further use for the synthesis of biobased materials and additives. Special emphasis is given to several as-yet unexplored chemical features that could contribute to further fundamental and applied materials science research.

Alternatives for Chemical and Biochemical Lignin Valorization: Hot Topics from a Bibliometric Analysis of the Research Published During the 2000–2016 Period

A complete bibliometric analysis of the Scopus database was performed to identify the research trends related to lignin valorization from 2000 to 2016. The results from this analysis revealed an exponentially increasing number of publications and a high relevance of interdisciplinary collaboration. The simultaneous valorization of the three main components of lignocellulosic biomass (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) has been revealed as a key aspect and optimal pretreatment is required for the subsequent lignin valorization. Research covers the determination of the lignin structure, isolation, and characterization; depolymerization by thermal and thermochemical methods; chemical, biochemical and biological conversion of depolymerized lignin; and lignin applications. Most methods for lignin depolymerization are focused on the selective cleavage of the β-O-4 linkage. Although many depolymerization methods have been developed, depolymerization with sodium hydroxide is the dominant process at industrial scale. Oxidative conversion of lignin is the most used method for the chemical lignin upgrading. Lignin uses can be classified according to its structure into lignin-derived aromatic compounds, lignin-derived carbon materials and lignin-derived polymeric materials. There are many advances in all approaches, but lignin-derived polymeric materials appear as a promising option.

Understanding Lignin Aggregation Processes. A Case Study: Budesonide Entrapment and Stimuli Controlled Release from Lignin Nanoparticles

The mechanism of lignin nanoprecipitation and subsequent self-assembly was elucidated by studying generation of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) from aqueous ethanol. LNP formation was found to follow a kinetically controlled nucleation-growth mechanism in which large lignin molecules formed the initial critical nuclei. Using this information, we demonstrate entrapment of budesonide in LNPs and subsequent pH-triggered and surfactant-responsive release of this synthetic anti-inflammatory corticosteroid. Overall, our results not only provide a promising intestinal delivery system for budesonide but also deliver fundamental mechanistic understanding for the entrapment of actives in LNPs with controlled size and release properties.

Microbial β-etherases and glutathione lyases for lignin valorisation in biorefineries: current state and future perspectives

Lignin is the major aromatic biopolymer in nature, and it is considered a valuable feedstock for the future supply of aromatics. Hence, its valorisation in biorefineries is of high importance, and various chemical and enzymatic approaches for lignin depolymerisation have been reported. Among the enzymes known to act on lignin, β-etherases offer the possibility for a selective cleavage of the β-O-4 aryl ether bonds present in lignin. These enzymes, together with glutathione lyases, catalyse a reductive, glutathione-dependent ether bond cleavage displaying high stereospecificity. β-Etherases and glutathione lyases both belong to the superfamily of glutathione transferases, and several structures have been solved recently. Additionally, different approaches for their application in lignin valorisation have been reported in the last years. This review gives an overview on the current knowledge on β-etherases and glutathione lyases, their biochemical and structural features, and critically discusses their potential for application in biorefineries.

Effects of pH on steam explosion extraction of acetylated galactoglucomannan from Norway spruce

BACKGROUND

Acetylated galactoglucomannan (AcGGM) is a complex hemicellulose found in softwoods such as Norway spruce (Picea abies). AcGGM has a large potential as a biorefinery feedstock and source of oligosaccharides for high-value industrial applications. Steam explosion is an effective method for extraction of carbohydrates from plant biomass. Increasing the reaction pH reduces the combined severity ( R 0 ' ) of treatment, affecting yields and properties of extracted oligosaccharides. In this study, steam explosion was used to extract oligosaccharides from Norway spruce wood chips soaked with sodium citrate and potassium phosphate buffers with pH of 4.0-7.0. Yields, monosaccharide composition of released oligosaccharides and biomass residue, their acetate content and composition of their lignin fraction were examined to determine the impact of steam explosion buffering on the extraction of softwood hemicellulose.

RESULTS

Reducing the severity of steam explosion resulted in lower yields, although the extracted oligosaccharides had a higher degree of polymerization. Higher buffering pH also resulted in a higher fraction of xylan in the extracted oligos. Oligosaccharides extracted in buffers of pH > 5.0 were deacetylated. Buffering leads to a removal of acetylations from both the extracted oligosaccharides and the hemicellulose in the residual biomass. Treatment of the residual biomass with a GH5 family mannanase from Aspergillus nidulans was not able to improve the AcGGM yields. No hydroxymethylfurfural formation, a decomposition product from hexoses, was observed in samples soaked with buffers at pH higher than 4.0.

CONCLUSIONS

Buffering the steam explosion reactions proved to be an effective way to reduce the combined severity ( R 0 ' ) and produce a wide range of products from the same feedstock at the same physical conditions. The results highlight the impact of chemical autohydrolysis of hemicellulose by acetic acid released from the biomass in hydrothermal pretreatments. Lower combined severity results in products with a lower degree of acetylation of both the extracted oligosaccharides and residual biomass. Decrease in severity appears not to be the result of reduced acetate release, but rather a result of inhibited autohydrolysis by the released acetate. Based on the results presented, the optimal soaking pH for fine-tuning properties of extracted AcGGM is below 5.0.

Unravelling the enigma of ligninOX: can the oxidation of lignin be controlled?

As societal challenges go, the development of efficient biorefineries as a means of reducing our dependence on petroleum refineries is high on the list.

As societal challenges go, the development of efficient biorefineries as a means of reducing our dependence on petroleum refineries is high on the list. One of the core strengths of the petroleum refinery is its ability to produce a huge range of different products using all of the components of the starting material. In contrast, the target of using all the biopolymers present in lignocellulosic biomass is far from realised. Even though our ability to use the carbohydrate-based components has advanced, our plans for lignin lag behind (with the notable exception of vanillin production). One approach to lignin usage is its controlled depolymerisation. This study focuses on an increasingly popular approach to this challenge which involves highly selective lignin oxidation to give a material often referred to as lignin^OX. But what do we mean by lignin^OX? In this study we show that it is possible to form many different types of lignin^OX depending on the oxidation conditions that are used. We show that variations in the levels of processing of the β–O-4, the β–β and a third linkage occur. Through use of this information, we can form a well-defined lignin^OX from six different hardwood lignins. This process is reproducible and can be carried out on a large scale. With a source of well-defined lignin^OX in hand, we show that it can be converted to simple aromatic monomers and that any remaining lignin^OX is sufficiently soluble for further processing to be carried out.

Stable Organic Radicals in Lignin: A Review

Lignin and the quest for the origin of stable organic radicals in it have seen numerous developments. Although there have been various speculations over the years on the formation of these stable radicals, researchers have not been able to arrive at a solid, unequivocal hypothesis that applies to all treatments and types of lignin. The extreme complexity of lignin and its highly aromatic, cross-linked, branched, and rigid structure has made such efforts rather cumbersome. Since the early 1950s, researchers in this field have dedicated their efforts to the establishment of methods for the detection and determination of spin content, theoretical simulations, and reactions on model compounds and spin-trapping studies. Although a significant amount of published research is available on lignin or its model compounds and the reactive intermediates involved during various chemical treatments (pulping, bleaching, extractions, chemical modifications, etc.), the literature provides a limited view on the origin, nature, and stability of such radicals. Consequently, this review is focused on examining the origin of such species in lignin, factors affecting their presence, reactions involved in their formation, and methods for their detection.

Lignin Films from Spruce, Eucalyptus, and Wheat Straw Studied with Electroacoustic and Optical Sensors: Effect of Composition and Electrostatic Screening on Enzyme Binding

Lignins were isolated from spruce, wheat straw, and eucalyptus by using the milled wood lignin (MWL) method. Functional groups and compositional analyses were assessed via 2D NMR and ³¹P NMR to realize their effect on enzyme binding. Films of the lignins were fabricated and ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy, and water contact angle measurements were used for their characterization and to reveal the changes upon enzyme adsorption. Moreover, lignin thin films were deposited on quartz crystal microgravimetry (QCM) and surface plasmon (SPR) resonance sensors and used to gain further insights into the lignin-cellulase interactions. For this purpose, a commercial multicomponent enzyme system and a monocomponent Trichoderma reesei exoglucanase (CBH-I) were considered. Strong enzyme adsorption was observed on the various lignins but compared to the multicomponent cellulases, CBH-I displayed lower surface affinity and higher binding reversibility. This resolved prevalent questions related to the affinity of this enzyme with lignin. Remarkably, a strong correlation between enzyme binding and the syringyl/guaiacyl (S/G) ratio was found for the lignins, which presented a similar hydroxyl group content (³¹P NMR): higher protein affinity was determined on isolated spruce lignin (99% G units), while the lowest adsorption occurred on isolated eucalyptus lignin (70% S units). The effect of electrostatic interactions in enzyme adsorption was investigated by SPR, which clearly indicated that the screening of charges allowed more extensive protein adsorption. Overall, this work furthers our understanding of lignin-cellulase interactions relevant to biomass that has been subjected to no or little pretreatment and highlights the widely contrasting effects of the nature of lignin, which gives guidance to improve lignocellulosic saccharification and related processes.

Organosolv Lignin-Based Wood Adhesive. Influence of the Lignin Extraction Conditions on the Adhesive Performance

Ethanol organosolv alfa grass lignins were extracted in the presence of sulfuric acid or Lewis acids (Sc(OTf)₃, FeCl₃) as catalysts and subjected to a comprehensive structural characterization by solid state ¹³C NMR, GPC, MALDI-TOF, and ASAP-MS/MS. The impact of the severity of the treatment and of the nature of the acid catalyst on the recovered lignin structure was investigated. The lignins isolated at high severity were highly recondensed and partly composed of regular structures composed of furan-like rings. The alfa (Stipa tenacissima L.) organosolv lignins were used for the preparation of formaldehyde-free adhesives which were characterized by TMA and used for the preparation of particleboard without any addition of synthetic resin. It has been demonstrated for the first time that: (1) the addition of 10% to 30% of organosolv alfa lignin in a tannin-based adhesive improved the adhesive performance; and (2) the conditions of the lignin extraction strongly impact the lignin-based adhesive performances. The highly recondensed lignin extracted with sulfuric acid as a catalyst allowed the production of resins with improved performances. Formulations composed of 50% glyoxalated alfa lignin and 50% of Aleppo Pine tannins yielded good internal bond strength results for the panels (IB = 0.45 MPa) and satisfied relevant international standard specifications for interior-grade panels.

Paving the Way for Lignin Valorisation: Recent Advances in Bioengineering, Biorefining and Catalysis

Lignin is an abundant biopolymer with a high carbon content and high aromaticity. Despite its potential as a raw material for the fuel and chemical industries, lignin remains the most poorly utilised of the lignocellulosic biopolymers. Effective valorisation of lignin requires careful fine-tuning of multiple "upstream" (i.e., lignin bioengineering, lignin isolation and "early-stage catalytic conversion of lignin") and "downstream" (i.e., lignin depolymerisation and upgrading) process stages, demanding input and understanding from a broad array of scientific disciplines. This review provides a "beginning-to-end" analysis of the recent advances reported in lignin valorisation. Particular emphasis is placed on the improved understanding of lignin's biosynthesis and structure, differences in structure and chemical bonding between native and technical lignins, emerging catalytic valorisation strategies, and the relationships between lignin structure and catalyst performance.

Identification of 4-O-5-Units in Softwood Lignins via Definitive Lignin Models and NMR

Lignins are complex and heterogeneous natural polymers in which the major units are characterized by certain prominent interunit linkages. Previous attempts to identify and quantify 4-O-5-linked units in softwood lignins by NMR were not successful. In this work, various lignin model compounds, including the tetramers formed by the 4-O-5-coupling of β-O-4-, β-β-, and β-5-model dimers, were synthesized. Such compounds are better able to model the corresponding structures in lignins than those used previously. 4-O-5-Linked structures could be clearly observed and identified in real softwood lignin samples by comparison of their 2D HSQC NMR spectra with those from the model compounds. When comparing NMR data of phenol-acetylated versus phenol-etherified model compounds with those of acetylated lignins, it was apparent that most of the 4-O-5-linked structures in softwood lignins are present as free-phenolic end units.

Conformations of Low-Molecular-Weight Lignin Polymers in Water

Low-molecular-weight lignin binds to cellulose during the thermochemical pretreatment of biomass for biofuel production, which prevents the efficient hydrolysis of the cellulose to sugars. The binding properties of lignin are influenced strongly by the conformations it adopts. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulations in aqueous solution to investigate the dependence of the shape of lignin polymers on chain length and temperature. Lignin is found to adopt collapsed conformations in water at 300 and 500 K. However, at 300 K, a discontinuous transition is found in the shape of the polymer as a function of the chain length. Below a critical degree of polymerization, Nc =15, the polymer adopts less spherical conformations than above Nc. The transition disappears at high temperatures (500 K) at which only spherical shapes are adopted. An implication relevant to cellulosic biofuel production is that lignin will self-aggregate even at high pretreatment temperatures.

Enhanced sampling simulation analysis of the structure of lignin in the THF–water miscibility gap

Using temperature replica-exchange molecular dynamics, we characterize a globule-to-coil transition for a softwood-like lignin biopolymer in a tetrahydrofuran (THF)–water cosolvent system at temperatures at which the cosolvent undergoes a de-mixing transition.

Allylation of a lignin model phenol: a highly selective reaction under benign conditions towards a new thermoset resin platform

Highly selective functionalization of a lignin model compound to form thermoset resins under benign conditions.

Ferricyanide-based analysis of aqueous lignin suspension revealed sequestration of water-soluble lignin moieties

A simple and reproducible ferricyanide-based technique for routine qualitative and semi-quantitative comparative analysis of aqueous lignin extracts.

Lignin-ester derivatives as novel thermoplastic materials

Biobased products such as lignin and cellulose were used to develop eco-friendly thermoplastic composites with interesting thermal and mechanical properties.

Current Pretreatment Technologies for the Development of Cellulosic Ethanol and Biorefineries

Lignocellulosic materials, such as forest, agriculture, and agroindustrial residues, are among the most important resources for biorefineries to provide fuels, chemicals, and materials in such a way to substitute for, at least in part, the role of petrochemistry in modern society. Most of these sustainable biorefinery products can be produced from plant polysaccharides (glucans, hemicelluloses, starch, and pectic materials) and lignin. In this scenario, cellulosic ethanol has been considered for decades as one of the most promising alternatives to mitigate fossil fuel dependence and carbon dioxide accumulation in the atmosphere. However, a pretreatment method is required to overcome the physical and chemical barriers that exist in the lignin-carbohydrate composite and to render most, if not all, of the plant cell wall components easily available for conversion into valuable products, including the fuel ethanol. Hence, pretreatment is a key step for an economically viable biorefinery. Successful pretreatment method must lead to partial or total separation of the lignocellulosic components, increasing the accessibility of holocellulose to enzymatic hydrolysis with the least inhibitory compounds being released for subsequent steps of enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation. Each pretreatment technology has a different specificity against both carbohydrates and lignin and may or may not be efficient for different types of biomasses. Furthermore, it is also desirable to develop pretreatment methods with chemicals that are greener and effluent streams that have a lower impact on the environment. This paper provides an overview of the most important pretreatment methods available, including those that are based on the use of green solvents (supercritical fluids and ionic liquids).

Modification of Kraft Lignin to Expose Diazobenzene Groups: Toward pH- and Light-Responsive Biobased Polymers

A pH- and light-responsive polymer has been synthesized from softwood kraft lignin by a two-step strategy that aimed to incorporate diazobenzene groups. Initially, styrene oxide was reacted with the phenolic hydroxyl groups in lignin, to offer the attachment of benzene rings, thus creating unhindered reactive sites for further modifications. The use of advanced spectroscopic techniques ((1)H and (31)P NMR, UV and FTIR) demonstrated that the reaction was quantitative and selective toward the phenolic hydroxyl groups. In a second step, the newly incorporated benzene rings were reacted with a diazonium cation to form the target diazobenzene motif, whose formation was again thoroughly verified. As anticipated, the diazobenzene-containing kraft lignin derivatives showed a pH-dependent color change in solution and light-responsive properties resulting from the cis-trans photoisomerization of the diazobenzene group.