Overview and Toxicity Assessment of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Natural Ingredients from Plants.

In different food technology unit operations, toxicity can be increased due to unwanted side reactions and is typically associated with the increased thermal energy that facilitates the latter. Authorities in food technology have not provided clear guidelines on using ultrasound (US), but they also have not prohibited its use in food processing. In this study, the source materials and ultrasound-assisted reactions reported in the literature were reviewed to investigate potential side reactions in ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE).

Characterization of Cellulase-Treated Fibers and Resulting Cellulose Nanocrystals Generated through Acid Hydrolysis.

Integrating enzymatic treatment and acid hydrolysis potentially improves the economics of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) production and demonstrates a sustainable cellulosic ethanol co-generation strategy. In this study, the effect of enzymatic treatment on filter paper and wood pulp fibers, and CNCs generated via subsequent acid hydrolysis were assessed. Characterization was performed using a pulp quality monitoring system, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis.

Erratum: Demesa, A.G.; et al. Valorization of Lignin by Partial Wet Oxidation Using Sustainable Heteropoly Acid Catalysts. 2017, , 1625.

The authors would like to make the following correction to their published paper [1]. [..

Valorization of Lignin by Partial Wet Oxidation Using Sustainable Heteropoly Acid Catalysts.

The production of carboxylic acids by partial wet oxidation of alkali lignin at elevated temperatures and pressures was studied experimentally. Two different heteropoly acids, phosphotungstic acid (H₃PWO) and phosphomolybdic acid (H₃PMoO), were used to catalyze the oxidation of lignin under hydrothermal conditions. Factors influencing the total yield of carboxylic acids formed during the partial oxidation of lignin were investigated.