Extractives of Tree Biomass of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) for Biorefining in Four Climatic Regions in Finland—Lipophilic Compounds, Stilbenes, and Lignans

Effect of Chemical and Steam Explosion Pulping on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Sugarcane Straw Pulp Trays

Sugarcane straw fiber (SSF) samples were prepared by chemical pulping (CP) and steam explosion (STE). CP (5, 10, 15% NaOH + 0.2% w/w anthraquinone at 121 °C for 1 h) and STE pressure (1.77, 1.96, and 2.16 MPa at 220 °C for 4 min) SSF trays were molded with a hydraulic hot-press machine at 120 °C, 7 min, and 1.72 MPa. The yield (%) of SSF from STE (54-60% dry basis (db.)) was higher than CP (32-48% db.). STE trays had greater tensile strength than CP. However, STE's elongation and compression strength was lower than CP tray samples. The trays made from SSF using STE had less swelling in thickness, longer water wetting time, and a higher water contact angle than those made from CP. The micrographs displayed a smaller size of SSF obtained in STE than the CP. The appearance and area of peaks in ATR-FTIR spectra and XRD diffractograms, respectively, revealed that the STE trays had a larger residual lignin content from the lignin study and a lower crystallinity index than the CP trays. Moreover, the lightness values of the STE trays were lower than those of the CP trays due to lignin retention. The study results indicate that CP is the preferred method for producing SSF packaging material with high flexibility and fiber purity. However, when considering the specific SF of 4.28, the STE treatment showed superior physical and mechanical properties compared to CP. This suggests that STE could be an excellent alternative green pulping technique for producing durable biobased trays. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of STE as a viable option for obtaining trays with desirable characteristics, providing a sustainable and efficient approach to tray production.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from the buds of Pinus sylvestris L. (pine tincture) for use in all animal species (FEFANA abl)

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the buds of Pinus sylvestris L. (pine tincture) when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The product under assessment is a ■■■■■ solution, with a dry matter content of ~ 2.2%. The product contains on average 0.0882% polyphenols, of which 0.0222% are phenolic acids. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that pine tincture is safe at the maximum proposed use level of 50 mg/kg complete feed for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel considers that the use in water for drinking alone or in combination with use in feed should not exceed the daily amount that is considered safe when consumed via feed alone. No safety concern would arise for the consumer from the use of pine tincture up to the maximum proposed use level in feed. Pine tincture should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. The use of pine tincture in animal feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since twigs of P. sylvestris, which are considered similar in composition to the source material for the production of pine tincture, are described to flavour food, no further demonstration of efficacy is deemed necessary.

Purification and Characterization of Class III Lipase from a White-Rot Fungus Pleurotus ostreatus

Pleurotus ostreatus is an edible white-rot fungus with lignocellulosic biomass degrading enzymes that have been studied extensively. However, until now, lipolytic enzymes from P. ostreatus, which degrade extractives in lignocellulosic biomass, have not been purified and characterized. In this study, P. ostreatus was inoculated into the rapeseed oil containing culture to induce lipase. The lipase in the culture broth was successfully purified to homogeneity by chromatographic methods. The molecular weight of the purified lipase was 27 kDa, and its optimal pH and temperature were 5.0 and 30 °C, respectively. The purified lipase showed high activity with the substrates 4-methylumbelliferyl (4-MU) decanoate (C10:0) and 4-MU oleate (C18:1), and no activity with 4-MU acetate (C2:0) and 4-MU butyrate (C4:0). The amino acid sequences and substrate specificities of the purified lipase suggested that it belonged to class III. Kinetic parameters measurements (Km and Vmax) showed that 4-MU palmitate had a high affinity for the purified lipase, and it was the substrate most efficiently hydrolyzed by the purified lipase.