Effect of Microwave Irradiation on Xylanase Production from Wheat Bran and Biobleaching of Eucalyptus Kraft Pulp

Microwave irradiation (MWI) was used as pretreatment of wheat bran and eucalyptus kraft pulp to examine its effect on xylanase production by Bacillus halodurans FNP 135 using solid state fermentation and biobleaching with xylanase, respectively. Irradiation of wheat bran under optimized conditions (600?W, 6?min, and 20?% consistency) resulted in 56.8, and 31.7?% increase in xylanase yield and water absorbance of wheat bran and 17.3?% reduction in reducing sugars content. Optimized MWI of kraft pulp at 850?W, 2?min, and 20?% consistency led to 0.9?% increase in brightness, 10?% decrease in kappa number, 7.7?% increase in water absorbance, 4.6?% decrease in tear factor, 0.9?% increase in burst factor, and 7.5?% increase in viscosity. Also, MWI enhanced xylanase-mediated biobleaching by increasing brightness (1.1?%) and decreasing kappa number (14.3?%) and leading to a total of about 20?% reduction in chlorine consumption. MWI is an economical, efficient, and environment-friendly pretreatment of wheat bran and pulp for enhanced enzyme yield and rapid heating, respectively.     

A Survey of Present Levels of Radiocesium in Swedish Pulp Mill Liquors and the Implications for Wood Radiocesium Transfer Factors: Using Kraft Mill Liquors as an Indicator of Wood Radiocesium Contamination

A survey was initiated to depict and compare the present activity levels in pulp mill liquors from various mill locations. The ¹³⁷Cs levels in pulp mill liquors were compared with the mill location and the deposition pattern of the Chernobyl fallout and nuclear weapons fallout. The large input of wood (about 2500 m³ per day) to an average Nordic Kraft mill and the relatively long-term retention time for radiocesium in the Kraft mill recovery cycle enables representative sampling of substances directly related to the activity concentration in wood.     

Pulp Enhancement of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFBs) via Biobleaching by Using Xylano-Pectinolytic Enzymes of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ADI2

The present work reports the biobleaching effect on OPEFB pulp upon utilisation of extracellular xylano-pectinolytic enzymes simultaneously yielded from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ADI2. The impacts of different doses, retention times, pH, and temperatures required for the pulp biobleaching process were delineated accordingly. Here, the OPEFB pulp was subjected to pre-treatment with xylano-pectinolytic enzymes generated from the same alkalo-thermotolerant isolate that yielded those of higher quality. Remarkable enhanced outcomes were observed across varying pulp attributes: for example, enzyme-treated pulp treated to chemical bleaching sequence generated improved brightness of 11.25%. This resulted in 11.25% of less chlorine or chemical consumption required for obtaining pulp with optical attributes identical to those generated via typical chemical bleaching processes. Ultimately, the reduced consumption of chlorine would minimise the organochlorine compounds found in an effluent, resulting in a lowered environmental effect of paper-making processes overall as a consequence. This will undoubtedly facilitate such environmentally-friendly technology incorporation in the paper pulp industry of today.     

CP/MAS ~(13)C NMR技术对木浆纤维微观结构的研究

利用交叉极化结合魔角旋转技术~(13)C核磁共振法(CP/MAS ~(13)C NMR)对桉木浆纤维的微观结构进行研究,为进一步研究木质纤维素材料开发过程中反应障碍特征奠定基础.通过对NMR光谱C1区(δ 102～108)进行洛仑兹拟合,得到桉木浆纤维中纤维素Iα的相对含量为26.92%,纤维素Iβ的相对含量为52.04%,主要以纤维素Iβ晶体形式为主.通过计算纤维素C4结晶区(δ 86～92)和非结晶区(δ 80～86)的相对含量得到桉木浆的纤维素结晶度为47%.通过洛仑兹和高斯函数的混合模型对NMR光谱C4区(δ 80～92)进行拟合得到基原纤尺寸和微原纤横向尺寸分别为4.0与17.9 nm,并通过计算不同形态的结晶纤维素的相对含量得到纤维素结晶度为51%,证实了在微原纤内部次晶纤维素的存在.     

Potential of Lignosulphonate of Eucalyptus Lignin from Pulp Plant as Dispersant in Gypsum Paste

Eucalyptus lignin was isolated from kraft black liquor through acidification by using H2SO4. To effectively utilize black liquor waste from pulp plant, lignin was converted into sulphonated hydroxymethylated phenolized sulphuric acid lignin compound (SHP-SAL), which is soluble in water. SHP-SAL was obtained through the sequence of (1) phenolation of sulphuric acid lignin (SAL) into phenolized sulphuric acid lignin (P-SAL), (2) hydroxymethylation of P-SAL into hydroxymethylated phenolized sulphuric acid lignin (HP-SAL), and (3) sulphonation of HP-SAL into SHP-SAL. The derived lignin of SHP-SAL characterized by infrared spectrometry showed a significant absorption at 630 cm^-1, which indicates the presence of S−O bond, and absorption at 1118 and 1059 cm^-1, which are characteristics of C−O bonds in lignosulphonates. Assessment of SHP-SAL as a dispersant in gypsum paste was done according to C230-90 ASTM standard. The synthesized SHP-SAL has approximately 60% higher dispersability than those of commercial sodium lignosulphonate (comm. SLS) and commercial calcium lignosulphonate (comm. CLS). It is equal to the dispersability of sulphonated naphthalene formaldehyde (SNF), one of the high-performing sulphonate compounds.     

Synthesis and Structure of Alkali Bis(phosphinimino)methanides

The reaction of CH₂(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂ with n‐butyllithium or potassium hydride in THF leads, after the recrystallization from toluene or n‐heptane/diglyme, to the corresponding alkali derivatives [Li(THF)][CH(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂] ( 1 ), K[CH(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂] ( 2 ), and [K(digylme)][CH(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂] ( 3 ). Upon coordination to the metal center the ligand forms a six membered metallacycle in which both phosphinimine nitrogen atoms bind to the metal atom.     

Thermo and pH Dual-Responsive Micelles of N-phthaloylchitosan-g-Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and Poly(acrylic acid-co-tert-butyl acrylate) for Drug Delivery

A novel amphiphilic copolymer N-phthaloylchitosan graft poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and poly(acrylic acid-co-tert-butyl acrylate) (PHCS-g-PNIPAAm&P(AA-co-tBA)) was synthesized. The graft copolymer could form micelles in aqueous medium, and the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the copolymer was 7.5 × 10^{? 3}mg/mL. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the micelles was measured to be 30°C. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image showed that the micelles exhibited a regular spherical shape, and the mean diameter of the micelles was 94.1 ± 0.8 nm as determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The potential usefulness of the micelles as drug delivery systems was investigated using anti-inflammation drug prednisone acetate as the model. The drug loading capacity of the micelles was measured to be 22.86 wt%, and the DLS results showed that the mean diameter of the drug-loaded micelles was 133.3 ± 2.4 nm. In vitro drug release studies indicated that the micelles exhibited thermo and pH dual-responsive release profiles.     

还原和温度双重敏感P(NIPAM-AA)纳米凝胶的合成及载药性能

以N-异丙基丙烯酰胺(NIPAM)和丙烯酸(AA)为单体,N,N'-双丙烯酰胱胺(BAC)为交联剂,采用自由基沉淀聚合方法制备了一系列温度和还原敏感聚N-异丙基丙烯酰胺-丙烯酸(PNA)纳米凝胶.利用红外光谱、拉曼光谱、动态光散射、紫外-可见光谱和扫描电子显微镜等方法表征了纳米凝胶的结构、粒径、Zeta电位和形貌等,研究了PNA纳米凝胶对阿霉素盐酸盐(DOX)的负载和释放行为.结果表明,BAC的浓度对PNA纳米凝胶的温敏性和还原敏感性及载药率和药物缓释性能有较大影响.当BAC的浓度为0.32和1.6mmol/L时,PNA纳米凝胶具有很好的载药率,但BAC的浓度为0.32 mmol/L时,纳米凝胶交联密度较低,低温时DOX也能轻易扩散出来,释放4 h时,25和37℃的释放率分别为56%和58%,温度控制释放不明显.当BAC的浓度为1.6 mmol/L时,释放4 h时,25和37℃及模拟细胞还原微环境下[37℃,二硫苏糖醇(DTT)浓度为4 mmol/L]的释放率分别为56%,61%和77%,可见PNA纳米凝胶有一定的温度和还原敏感性,能很好地控制药物释放,适合作为药物载体.     

Extractive Recovery of Gold(I) from Cyanide-containing Aqueous Alkali with Guanidine Derivatives

Extractive recovery of gold(I) from cyanide-containing aqueous alkali with guanidine dialkyl and diaryl derivatives was studied.     

Valorization of Kraft Pulp and Paper Mill Slaker Grits and Biomass Fly Ash as Fillers in a Commercial Screed Mortar Formulation

Slaker grits (SG) and biomass fly ash (BFA), two waste streams generated in the pulp and paper industry, are commonly disposed of in landfills, a practice with a high economic and environmental burden. In this work, their individual valorization as fillers in a commercial screed mortar formulation was evaluated in order to achieve a more sustainable management practice. The waste streams were characterized in terms of true density, particle size and morphology, and chemical and mineralogical composition. The influence of their incorporation amount (5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 wt.% of the total solids) and pre-treatment (sieving and grinding) on the fresh (workability) and hardened state (density, water absorption by capillarity, and flexural and compressive strength) properties of the mortars were assessed. The results show that the addition of 10.0 wt.% of the SG after milling and sieving (<75 µm) and 7.5 wt.% of BFA in the as-received condition, or up to 10.0 wt.% after grinding and sieving (<63 µm), allowed for the production of mortar samples with properties within the recommended specifications and that were resistant to 25 consecutive freeze-thaw cycles. This waste valorization route could represent an economic benefit of up to 8.85 €/t_mortar and 2.87 €/t_mortar for mortar, and pulp and paper companies, respectively.     

温度与pH快速响应性P(NIPAM-co-AAc)水凝胶的制备及其性能

以氯化钠水溶液作为反应介质,成功制备了温度与pH快速响应性聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺-co-丙烯酸)[P(NIPAM-co-AAc)]水凝胶,研究了氯化钠水溶液的浓度对凝胶性能的影响.通过红外光谱(FT-IR)、扫描电镜(SEM)、测溶胀比对凝胶性能进行了表征.结果表明:凝胶具有相同的化学组成与结构,但具有不同的微观形态;随着反应介质中氯化钠浓度的增加,凝胶在20℃蒸馏水中的平衡溶胀比增大,并表现出较强的温度与pH敏感性以及较快的去溶胀速率.     

Stable Mixed‐Valent Radicals from Platinum(II) Complexes of a Bis(dioxolene) Ligand

Three diplatinum(II) complexes [{PtL}₂(μ‐thea)] (H₄thea=2,3,6,7‐tetrahydroxy‐9,10‐dimethyl‐9,10‐dihydro‐9,10‐ethanoanthracene) have been prepared, with diphosphine or bipyridyl “L” co‐ligands. One‐electron oxidation of these complexes gave radical cations containing a mixed‐valent [thea]^3? ligand with discrete catecholate and semiquinonate centers separated by quaternary methylene spacers. The electronic character of these radicals is near the Robin–Day class II/III border determined by UV/Vis/NIR and EPR spectroscopies. Crystal‐structure determinations and a DFT calculation imply that oxidation of the thea^4? ligand may lead to an increased through‐space interaction between the dioxolene π systems.     

Sorptive Recovery of Gold(I) from Cyanide-containing Aqueous Alkali with Resins Containing Guanidinium Sorption Sites

A technique was developed for desorption of gold(I) from a strongly basic resin containing guanidinium sorption sites with aqueous-organic alkalis.     

Purification and Characterization of a Novel Heparin Degrading Enzyme from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus flavus</Emphasis> (MTCC-8654)

A heparinase-producing fungus was isolated, and the strain was taxonomically characterized as Aspergillus flavus by morphophysiological and 26S rRNA gene homology studies. The culture produced intracellular heparinase enzyme, which was purified 40.5-fold by DEAE-Sephadex A-50, CM-Sephadex C-50, and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. Specific activity of the purified enzyme was found to be 44.6 IU/μg protein and the molecular weight of native as well as reduced heparinase was 24 kDa, showing a monomeric unit structure. Peptide mass spectrum showed poor homogeneity with the database in the peptide bank. The enzyme activity was maximum at 30 °C in the presence of 300 mM NaCl at pH 7.0. In the presence of Co²⁺, Mn²⁺ ions, and reducing agents (β-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol), enzyme activity was enhanced and inhibited by iodoacetic acid. These observations suggested that free sulfohydryl groups of cysteine residues were necessary for catalytic activity of the enzyme. The enzyme was also inhibited by histidine modifier, DEPC, which suggests that along with cysteine, histidine may be present at its active site. The enzyme showed a high affinity for heparin as a substrate with K _m and V _max as 2.2 × 10⁻⁵ M and 30.8 mM min⁻¹, respectively. The affinity of the enzyme for different glycosaminoglycans studied varied, with high substrate specificity toward heparin and heparin-derived polysaccharides. Depolymerization of heparin and fractionation of the oligosaccharides yielded heparin disaccharides as main product.     

碱土金属双掺杂的Ce_(0.9)Ca_(0.1-x)Sr_xO_(1.9)中温固体电解质的性能与应用

以固相反应方法合成了碱土 (Ca ,Sr)双掺杂的氧化铈基固溶体材料Ce0 .9Ca0 .1 -xSrxO1 .9(x =0 ,0 0 4,0 0 5 ,0 0 6 ,0 1)。结构研究表明 :碱土双掺杂的CeO2 呈立方萤石结构。利用阻抗谱研究了材料的离子导电性 ,发现碱土双掺杂有利于提高材料离子导电率 ,掺杂两种碱土金属离子的等效半径接近临界离子半径时导电率最高。将此系列材料作为电解质进行了燃料电池试验 ,发现电池的输出功率高于YSZ电解质及碱土单掺杂氧化铈 ,且电池输出开路电压亦高于单掺杂的情况。     

Synthesis of the Stable Ordered Conjugated Polymer Poly(dibromodiacetylene) from an Explosive Monomer

Dibromobutadiyne is an extremely unstable compound that explodes at room temperature, even under inert atmosphere. This instability has limited the studies of dibromobutadiyne almost entirely to spectroscopic characterization. Here we report an approach to control the reactivity of dibromobutadiyne, via topochemical reaction in cocrystals, leading to the ordered polymer poly(dibromodiacetylene), PBDA. At low temperatures (?15 to ?18 °C), dibromobutadiyne can form cocrystals with oxalamide host molecules containing either pyridyl or nitrile side groups, in which halogen bonds align the dibromobutadiyne monomers for topochemical polymerization. The cocrystals with the bis(nitrile) oxalamide host undergo complete ordered polymerization to PBDA, demonstrated by solid‐state MAS‐NMR, Raman, and optical absorption spectroscopy. Once formed, the polymer can be separated from the host; unlike the monomer, PBDA is stable at room temperature.