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Puițel AC, Suditu GD, Drăgoi EN, Danu M, Ailiesei GL, Balan CD, Chicet DL, Nechita MT. Optimization of Alkaline Extraction of Xylan-Based Hemicelluloses from Wheat Straws: Effects of Microwave, Ultrasound, and Freeze-Thaw Cycles. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15041038. [PMID: 36850320 PMCID: PMC9963123 DOI: 10.3390/polym15041038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The alkaline extraction of hemicelluloses from a mixture of three varieties of wheat straw (containing 40.1% cellulose, 20.23% xylan, and 26.2% hemicellulose) was analyzed considering the following complementary pre-treatments: freeze-thaw cycles, microwaves, and ultrasounds. The two cycles freeze-thaw approach was selected based on simplicity and energy savings for further analysis and optimization. Experiments planned with Design Expert were performed. The regression model determined through the response surface methodology based on the severity factor (defined as a function of time and temperature) and alkali concentration as variables was then used to optimize the process in a multi-objective case considering the possibility of further use for pulping. To show the properties and chemical structure of the separated hemicelluloses, several analytical methods were used: high-performance chromatography (HPLC), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR), thermogravimetry and derivative thermogravimetry analysis (TG, DTG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The verified experimental optimization result indicated the possibility of obtaining hemicelluloses material containing 3.40% glucan, 85.51% xylan, and 7.89% arabinan. The association of hot alkaline extraction with two freeze-thaw cycles allows the partial preservation of the hemicellulose polymeric structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Cătălin Puițel
- “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University, Bd. Prof. Dimitrie Mangeron, No. 73, 700050 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Gabriel Dan Suditu
- “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University, Bd. Prof. Dimitrie Mangeron, No. 73, 700050 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Elena Niculina Drăgoi
- “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University, Bd. Prof. Dimitrie Mangeron, No. 73, 700050 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Maricel Danu
- “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University, Bd. Prof. Dimitrie Mangeron, No. 73, 700050 Iaşi, Romania
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iași, Romania
| | - Gabriela-Liliana Ailiesei
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iași, Romania
| | - Cătălin Dumitrel Balan
- “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University, Bd. Prof. Dimitrie Mangeron, No. 73, 700050 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Daniela-Lucia Chicet
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University, Bd. Prof. Dimitrie Mangeron, No. 41, 700050 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Mircea Teodor Nechita
- “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University, Bd. Prof. Dimitrie Mangeron, No. 73, 700050 Iaşi, Romania
- Correspondence:
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Puițel AC, Suditu GD, Danu M, Ailiesei GL, Nechita MT. An Experimental Study on the Hot Alkali Extraction of Xylan-Based Hemicelluloses from Wheat Straw and Corn Stalks and Optimization Methods. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14091662. [PMID: 35566831 PMCID: PMC9102963 DOI: 10.3390/polym14091662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we describe an experimental study on the hot alkali extraction of hemicelluloses from wheat straw and corn stalks, two of the most common lignocellulosic biomass constituents in Romania. The chemical compositions of the raw materials were determined analytically, and the relevant chemical components were cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and ash. Using the response surface methodology, the optimum values of the hot alkaline extraction parameters, i.e., time, temperature, and NaOH concentration, were identified and experimentally validated. The physicochemical characterization of the isolated hemicelluloses was performed using HPLC, FTIR, TG, DTG, and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The main hemicellulose components identified experimentally were xylan, arabinan, and glucan. The study emphasizes that both corn stalks and wheat straw are suitable as raw materials for hemicellulose extraction, highlighting the advantages of alkaline pretreatments and showing that optimization methods can further improve the process efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Cătălin Puițel
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection “Cristofor Simionescu”, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, No. 73, 700050 Iaşi, Romania; (A.C.P.); (G.D.S.); (M.D.)
| | - Gabriel Dan Suditu
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection “Cristofor Simionescu”, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, No. 73, 700050 Iaşi, Romania; (A.C.P.); (G.D.S.); (M.D.)
| | - Maricel Danu
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection “Cristofor Simionescu”, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, No. 73, 700050 Iaşi, Romania; (A.C.P.); (G.D.S.); (M.D.)
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iași, Romania;
| | - Gabriela-Liliana Ailiesei
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iași, Romania;
| | - Mircea Teodor Nechita
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection “Cristofor Simionescu”, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, No. 73, 700050 Iaşi, Romania; (A.C.P.); (G.D.S.); (M.D.)
- Correspondence:
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Ghesti GF, Silveira EA, Guimarães MG, Evaristo RBW, Costa M. Towards a sustainable waste-to-energy pathway to pequi biomass residues: Biochar, syngas, and biodiesel analysis. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 143:144-156. [PMID: 35255448 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The waste-to-energy (WTE) valorization pathway of Caryocar brasiliense (pequi) seeds was investigated via pyrolysis, gasification, and transesterification to understand its potential as biochar, syngas, and biodiesel. First, the pyrolysis (300-700 °C) was conducted in N2 atmosphere for pequi seeds (PS) and pequi seeds without its extractives (PSWE), characterizing its biochar properties. The PSWE was then gasified at 1000 °C under O2/N2, O2/CO2/N2 and O2/H2O/N2 atmospheres to evaluate the characteristics of the producer gas. The PS extractives were then transesterified and characterized for biodiesel production. Finally, a multiple-criteria decision analysis assessed the PS products' potential within the thermochemical routes. The results evidenced better biochar (up to 22.29% HHV enhancement, higher mass and energy yield, up to 75.9 and 85.5% reduction of O/C and H/C, respectively, and enriched N content) via PSWE pyrolysis than PS considering biofuel application and optimistic perceptions for soil amendment. This indicates that the preceding extraction of vegetal fat from PS strengthens the WTE by including further processing of extracted oil. The produced syngas under O2/H2O/N2 gasification atmosphere showed better applicability as a biofuel (16.37 MJ·kg-1 lower heating value, 107.33% cold gas efficiency, and 113.55% carbon conversion efficiency) with up to 24% higher success rate. The transesterification of the extractives revealed its potential (98% conversion rate) for use as feedstock for in situ power generation, or blended for biodiesel production. The results provide insights into the circular economy in agro-extractivist communities that may support Brazil's small and medium agro-food industries with their energy demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace F Ghesti
- Laboratory of Brewing Bioprocesses and Catalysis to Renewable Energy, Chemistry Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Edgar A Silveira
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Munique G Guimarães
- Laboratory of Brewing Bioprocesses and Catalysis to Renewable Energy, Chemistry Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael B W Evaristo
- Laboratory of Brewing Bioprocesses and Catalysis to Renewable Energy, Chemistry Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - M Costa
- IDMEC, Mechanical Engineering Department, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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A Study of the Mechanical Properties in Composite Materials with a Dammar Based Hybrid Matrix and Reinforcement from Crushed Shells of Sunflower Seeds. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14030392. [PMID: 35160382 PMCID: PMC8839679 DOI: 10.3390/polym14030392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The production of composite materials through the reuse of waste or by-products from the agri-food industry will be a challenge for environmental protection. This study focuses in that direction. In the first stage, composites were made with the hybrid resin matrix (with three major volume proportions of natural Dammar resin and epoxy resin) and the reinforcing from shredded shells of sunflower seeds. Based on the tensile and compressive stresses, the stress–strain and strain–strain diagrams were obtained. The surface area of the rupture was investigated with stereo-microscopic analysis, and the absorption/loss of water was studied with a high precision balance. The vibration behavior was investigated experimentally, determining the damping coefficient and its own frequency. In the second stage, the study of these materials was extended. Sandwich composites were made with the same type of hybrid matrix as in the first stage. The core was made of shredded shells of sunflower seeds and the outer faces of linen fabric. These composites were applied to the bend (in three points), being obtained the force-deformation diagrams. The determined mechanical properties allow the complete or partial realization of these composites of some furniture components or of some equipment used in the field of constructions.
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Fabrication of Nanofibers Based on Hydroxypropyl Starch/Polyurethane Loaded with the Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Pathogenic Microbes in Wounds. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14020318. [PMID: 35054723 PMCID: PMC8779972 DOI: 10.3390/polym14020318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Fabrication of electrospun nanofibers based on the blending of modified natural polymer, hydroxyl propyl starch (HPS) as one of the most renewable resources, with synthetic polymers, such as polyurethane (PU) is of great potential for biomedical applications. The as-prepared nanofibers were used as antimicrobial sheets via blending with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which were prepared in a safe way with low cost using the extract of Nerium oleander leaves, which acted as a reducing and stabilizing agent as well. The biosynthesized AgNPs were fully characterized by various techniques (UV-vis, TEM, DLS, zeta potential and XRD). The obtained results from UV-vis depicted that the AgNPs appeared at a wavelength equal to 404 nm affirming the preparation of AgNPs when compared with the wavelength of extract (there are no observable peaks). The average particle size of the fabricated AgNPs that mediated with HPS exhibited a very small size (less than 5 nm) with excellent stability (more than -30 mv). In addition, the fabricated nanofibers were also fully characterized and the obtained data proved that the diameter of nanofibers was enlarged with increasing the concentration of AgNPs. Additionally, the findings illustrated that the pore sizes of electrospun sheets were in the range of 75 to 350 nm. The obtained results proved that the presence of HPS displayed a vital role in decreasing the contact angle of PU nanofibers and thus, increased the hydrophilicity of the net nanofibers. It is worthy to mention that the prepared nanofibers incorporated with AgNPs exhibited incredible antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microbes that actually presented in human wounds. Moreover, P. aeruginosa was the most sensitive species to the fabricated nanofibers compared to other tested ones. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) values of AgNPs-3@NFs against P. aeruginosa, and E. faecalis, were 250 and 500 mg/L within 15 min, respectively.
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Scapini T, Dos Santos MSN, Bonatto C, Wancura JHC, Mulinari J, Camargo AF, Klanovicz N, Zabot GL, Tres MV, Fongaro G, Treichel H. Hydrothermal pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass for hemicellulose recovery. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 342:126033. [PMID: 34592451 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The hemicellulosic fraction recovery is of interest for integrated processes in biorefineries, considering the possibility of high economic value products produced from their structural compounds of this polysaccharide. However, to perform an efficient recovery, it is necessary to use biomass fractionation techniques, and hydrothermal pretreatment is highlighted as a valuable technique in the hemicellulose recovery by applying high temperatures and pressure, causing dissolution of the structure. Considering the possibility of this pretreatment technique for current approaches to hemicellulose recovery, this article aimed to explore the relevance of hydrothermal pretreatment techniques (sub and supercritical water) as a strategy for recovering the hemicellulosic fraction from lignocellulosic biomass. Discussions about potential products to be generated, current market profile, and perspectives and challenges of applying the technique are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thamarys Scapini
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocess (LAMIBI), Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Erechim, RS, Brazil; Department of Biological Science, Graduate Program in Biotechnology and Bioscience, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Maicon S N Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Agroindustrial Processes Engineering (LAPE), Federal University of Santa Maria, Cachoeira do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Charline Bonatto
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocess (LAMIBI), Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Erechim, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Jéssica Mulinari
- Laboratory of Membrane Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Aline F Camargo
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocess (LAMIBI), Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Erechim, RS, Brazil; Department of Biological Science, Graduate Program in Biotechnology and Bioscience, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Natalia Klanovicz
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocess (LAMIBI), Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Erechim, RS, Brazil; Research Group in Advanced Oxidation Processes (AdOx), Department of Chemical Engineering, Escola Politécnica, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Giovani L Zabot
- Laboratory of Agroindustrial Processes Engineering (LAPE), Federal University of Santa Maria, Cachoeira do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcus V Tres
- Laboratory of Agroindustrial Processes Engineering (LAPE), Federal University of Santa Maria, Cachoeira do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Fongaro
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate Program in Biotechnology and Bioscience, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Helen Treichel
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocess (LAMIBI), Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Erechim, RS, Brazil; Department of Biological Science, Graduate Program in Biotechnology and Bioscience, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
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