Themed collection Chemistry in Biorefineries

Professor Carlos Martín, Professor Alejandro Rodríguez and Professor Fabio Montagnaro introduce the RSC Advances themed collection Chemistry in Biorefineries.

The discovery and valorization of the unique homogeneous linear catechyl lignin (C-lignin) are systematically summarized.

Lignin can be modified and used in functional surfaces, films, and coatings.

A heterogeneous oxidative process is reported towards sustainable production of valuable catechol derivatives from the depolymerization of Tung nutshell C/G lignin by Cu–NC catalytic process. The CuO and Cu₂O might be active species for oxidation.

(L)CNF from horticultural residues or vine shoots improve the structural integrity of CMC films for food packaging. Gallic acid incorporation allows obtaining active films with enhanced UV-light barrier, high antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities.

NMR analysis of Populus leaves revealed lignin traits such as condensed syringyl units and both erythron/threo conformations of the β-O-4 linkage. Lignin structure was also well correlated with certain metabolites such as salicin derivatives.

Long-chain extractants with suitable properties improve both saccharification and fermentation.

Mass spectrometry in combination with a targeted derivatisation can be used for profiling molecular compositions containing hydroxyl groups in bio-oils.

Laccase from Dichostereum sordulentum was entrapped in hydrogels formed using lignocellulosic residues from bioethanol production and ionic liquids. The active hydrogel was efficient in ethinylestradiol removal.

This work enhances the understanding of the effect of autohydrolysis and ionosolv treatments combination on fractionation yields and lignin properties.

An alternative ammonoxidation protocol was developed. With this new approach in “solid-state” mode, one single solid reagent is sufficient to equip lignin with different N-functionalities.

Enset plant residual fibers can be a good candidate for concurrent valorization aimed at dissolving grade pulp and biogas.

Spent coffee grounds can be bioconverted via Man26A to prebiotic mannooligosaccharides; this is an example of biocatalysis in the biorefinery.

2,2,5,5-Tetramethyloxolane (TMO) and 2,5-diethyl-2,5-dimethyloxolane (DEDMO) were utilized as sustainable solvents for β-diketone extraction and its molecular self-assembly into nano-structured tubules for hydrophobic coatings.

High reducible distorted bimetallic sites with medium size in Ni₅Co₅-AC promoted the production of cyclohexanol by hydrogenation of anisole and subsequent cleavage of C₆H₁₁O–CH₃ bond.

An organosolv method was developed for the fractionation of fibers of a halophyte plant in a biorefinery approach. Salicornia dolichostachya was used as raw material allowing the production of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin fractions.

Herein, a preassembled chitosan-cyclodextrin was used as a versatile coating onto delignified wood as an alternative for the removal of microcystin-LR. The addition of β-cyclodextrin proved to allow the nanowood scaffold to adsorb up to 0.12 mg g⁻¹.