Microbial Upgrading of Lignin Depolymerization: Enhancing Efficiency with Lignin-First Catalysis.

Chemical depolymerization of lignin is a non-selective process that often generates a wide distribution of product compounds, denoted herein as lignin breakdown products (LBPs). To address this limitation, we developed a hybrid lignin conversion process that employs a lignin-first catalytic approach on biomass and subsequent microbial upgrading. A Pd/C catalyst was used for reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) of poplar biomass, and Rhodococcus opacus PD630 (R.

Methanol as a Potential Hydrogen Source for Reduction Reactions Enabled by a Commercial Pt/C Catalyst.

Catalytic reduction reactions using methanol as a transfer hydrogenating agent is gaining significant attention because this simple alcohol is inexpensive and produced on a bulk scale. Herein, we report the catalytic utilization of methanol as a hydrogen source for the reduction of different functional organic compounds such as nitroarenes, olefins, and carbonyl compounds. The key to the success of this transformation is the use of a commercially available Pt/C catalyst, which enabled the transfer hydrogenation of a series of simple and functionalized nitroarenes-to-anilines, alkenes-to-alkanes, and aldehydes-to-alcohols using methanol as both the solvent and hydrogen donor.

Lignin Residue-Derived Carbon-Supported Nanoscale Iron Catalyst for the Selective Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes and Aromatic Aldehydes.

Heterogeneous iron-based catalysts governing selectivity for the reduction of nitroarenes and aldehydes have received tremendous attention in the arena of catalysis, but relatively less success has been achieved. Herein, we report a green strategy for the facile synthesis of a lignin residue-derived carbon-supported magnetic iron (γ-FeO/LRC-700) nanocatalyst. This active nanocatalyst exhibits excellent activity and selectivity for the hydrogenation of nitroarenes to anilines, including pharmaceuticals (e.

Jute sticks biomass delignification through laccase-mediator system for enhanced saccharification and sustainable release of fermentable sugar.

Jute sticks obtained after the extraction of jute fiber are an excellent biomass feedstock with a significant amount of carbohydrates that makes it an attractive resource for sustainable energy generation. However, the high lignin content in the jute stick hinders the cellulosic component of the cell wall from enzymatic hydrolysis.This work demonstrates the lignin degradation of jute stick biomass by Trametes maxima laccase in the presence of mediator Hydroxybenzotriazole and improvement in its subsequent saccharification.

Exploring the flexibility of cellulase cocktail obtained from mutant UV-8 of Talaromyces verruculosus IIPC 324 in depolymerising multiple agro-industrial lignocellulosic feedstocks.

Effective management and the valorization of agro-industrial lignocellulosic feedstocks can only be realized if a versatile cellulase cocktail is developed that can release glucose at affordable cost irrespective of biomass type. In the present study the flexibility of using cellulase cocktail obtained from mutant UV-8 of Talaromyces verruculosus IIPC 324 in depolymerizing multiple agro-industrial lignocellulosic feedstocks was explored. Five different dilute acid pretreated biomasses were evaluated and cellulase loading was done at 25 mg protein/g cellulose content.

Commercial Pd/C-Catalyzed -Methylation of Nitroarenes and Amines Using Methanol as Both C1 and H Source.

Herein, we report commercially available carbon-supported-palladium (Pd/C)-catalyzed -methylation of nitroarenes and amines using MeOH as both a C1 and a H source. This transformation proceeds with high atom-economy and in an environmentally friendly way via borrowing hydrogen mechanism. A total of >30 structurally diverse -methylamines, including bioactive compounds, were selectively synthesized with isolated yields of up to 95%.

Dissolving Lignin in Water through Enzymatic Sulfation with Aryl Sulfotransferase.

We introduce the concept of using site-specific sulfation of various lignins for increasing their aqueous solubility and thereby their processability. Using p-nitrophenylsulfate as a sulfate source and an aryl sulfotransferase enzyme as catalyst, lignins are easily sulfated at ambient conditions. We demonstrate the specific sulfation of phenolic hydroxyl groups on five different lignins: Indulin AT (Kraft softwood), Protobind 1000 (mixed wheat straw/Sarkanda grass soda) and three organosolv lignins.

Lignin Depolymerisation and Lignocellulose Fractionation by Solvated Electrons in Liquid Ammonia.

We explored the depolymerisation of several lignins in liquid ammonia at relatively high temperatures and pressures (120 °C and 88 bar). Five different lignins were tested: Indulin AT kraft, Protobind 1000 soda, wheat straw organosolv, poplar organosolv and elephant grass-milled wood lignin (EG MWL). In pure liquid ammonia, all lignins underwent slow incorporation of nitrogen into their structure, resulting in higher molecular weight and polydispersity index.