Antifungal Agents in Wood Protection—A Review

The biodegradation of wood and wood products caused by fungi is recognized as one of the most significant problems worldwide. To extend the service life of wood products, wood is treated with preservatives, often with inorganic compounds or synthetic pesticides that have a negative impact on the environment. Therefore, the development of new, environmentally friendly wood preservatives is being carried out in research centers around the world. The search for natural, plant, or animal derivatives as well as obtaining synthetic compounds that will be safe for humans and do not pollute the environment, while at the same time present biological activity is crucial in terms of environmental protection. The review paper presents information in the literature on the substances and chemical compounds of natural origin (plant and animal derivatives) and synthetic compounds with a low environmental impact, showing antifungal properties, used in research on the ecological protection of wood. The review includes literature reports on the potential application of various antifungal agents including plant extracts, alkaloids, essential oils and their components, propolis extract, chitosan, ionic liquids, silicon compounds, and nanoparticles as well as their combinations.     

Determination of Low-Molecular-Mass Phenolic and Non-Phenolic Lignin Degradation Compounds in Wood Digestion Solutions by Capillary Electrophoresis

 Different capillary electrophoretic techniques were investigated and compared for the separation of low-molecular-mass phenolic and neutral lignin degradation compounds. Simple capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) was not suited for this problem. Switching to micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) by adding micelle-forming reagents to the carrier electrolyte enhanced the separation performance considerably. Alternatively, microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC) was investigated. This is a CE technique in which analytes interact with moving oil droplets present in a microemulsion buffer. Using the optimized carrier electrolyte systems and a 60 cm×50 μm I.D. bubble cell capillary it was possible to analyse solutions of different wood digestion procedures and to investigate differences in lignin degradation products during use of different kinds of wood (eucalyptus, beech, scotch pine and acacia). Received August 25, 1999. Revision April 13, 2000     

Characteristics and Bond Performance of Wood Adhesive Made from Natural Rubber Latex and Alkaline Pretreatment Lignin

The aim of this study was to characterize an aqueous polymer isocyanate (API) type adhesive made from natural rubber latex (NRL) and lignin as base polymers, and to evaluate bond performance of the adhesive as laminated wood adhesive. The base polymers of the adhesive were prepared by blending NRL, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and lignin isolated from black liquor of alkaline pretreatment of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) with compositions of 25/25/0, 25/20/5, 25/15/10, 25/10/15, 25/5/20, and 25/0/25 (w/w/w). The isocyanate crosslinker was added at the level of 15% of the weight of base polymer. The glass transition temperature (Tg), heat degradation, and the homogenity of the adhesive blend were analyzed. The adhesive was used for producing laminated wood (20×8 cm²). Results showed that the addition of lignin in the base polymer blends of API adhesive did not significantly affect the Tg of the adhesives. However, it affected the thermal decomposition and bond performance of the adhesives. There were more residues and less homogenous adhesive solution due to the addition of lignin in the base polyemr blends of API adhesives. The addition of lignin in the base polymer blends caused significant decrease in bond performance of the adhesive applied in glue laminated wood.     

Cold-Active Enzymes and Their Potential Industrial Applications—A Review

More than 70% of our planet is covered by extremely cold environments, nourishing a broad diversity of microbial life. Temperature is the most significant parameter that plays a key role in the distribution of microorganisms on our planet. Psychrophilic microorganisms are the most prominent inhabitants of the cold ecosystems, and they possess potential cold-active enzymes with diverse uses in the research and commercial sectors. Psychrophiles are modified to nurture, replicate, and retain their active metabolic activities in low temperatures. Their enzymes possess characteristics of maximal activity at low to adequate temperatures; this feature makes them more appealing and attractive in biotechnology. The high enzymatic activity of psychrozymes at low temperatures implies an important feature for energy saving. These enzymes have proven more advantageous than their mesophilic and thermophilic counterparts. Therefore, it is very important to explore the efficiency and utility of different psychrozymes in food processing, pharmaceuticals, brewing, bioremediation, and molecular biology. In this review, we focused on the properties of cold-active enzymes and their diverse uses in different industries and research areas. This review will provide insight into the areas and characteristics to be improved in cold-active enzymes so that potential and desired enzymes can be made available for commercial purposes.     

Recent Advances on the Development of Protein-Based Adhesives for Wood Composite Materials—A Review

The industrial market depends intensely on wood-based composites for buildings, furniture, and construction, involving significant developments in wood glues since 80% of wood-based products use adhesives. Although biobased glues have been used for many years, notably proteins, they were replaced by synthetic ones at the beginning of the 20th century, mainly due to their better moisture resistance. Currently, most wood adhesives are based on petroleum-derived products, especially formaldehyde resins commonly used in the particleboard industry due to their high adhesive performance. However, formaldehyde has been subjected to strong regulation, and projections aim for further restrictions within wood-based panels from the European market, due to its harmful emissions. From this perspective, concerns about environmental footprint and the toxicity of these formulations have prompted researchers to re-investigate the utilization of biobased materials to formulate safer alternatives. In this regard, proteins have sparked a new and growing interest in the potential development of industrial adhesives for wood due to their advantages, such as lower toxicity, renewable sourcing, and reduced environmental footprint. This work presents the recent developments in the use of proteins to formulate new wood adhesives. Herein, it includes the historical development of wood adhesives, adhesion mechanism, and the current hotspots and recent progress of potential proteinaceous feedstock resources for adhesive preparation.     

Experimental Researches on Milled Wood Lignin Pyrolysis Based on Analysis of Bio-oil

The structure of milled wood lignin(MWL), isolated via the Bjrkman procedure, was studied by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and then its pyrolytic product distribution was investigated on a pyrolysis device. MWL obtained from Manchurian Ash(MA) contained more methoxyl and free phenolic hydroxyl groups per C9 unit than MWL from Mongolian Pine(MP) due to the existence of both guaiacyl and syringyl units, which have a major influence on the pyrolysis behavior of lign...     

On the Development of Phenol-Formaldehyde Resins Using a New Type of Lignin Extracted from Pine Wood with a Levulinic-Acid Based Solvent

Resole resins have many applications, especially for foam production. However, the use of phenol, a key ingredient in resoles, has serious environmental and economic disadvantages. In this work, lignin extracted from pine wood using a “green” solvent, levulinic acid, was used to partially replace the non-sustainable phenol. The physicochemical properties of this novel resin were compared with resins composed of different types of commercial lignins. All resins were optimized to keep their free formaldehyde content below 1 wt%, by carefully adjusting the pH of the mixture. Substitution of phenol with lignin generally increases the viscosity of the resins, which is further increased with the lignin mass fraction. The addition of lignin decreases the kinetics of gelification of the resin. The type and amount of lignin also affect the thermal stability of the resins. It was possible to obtain resins with higher thermal stability than the standard phenol-formaldehyde resins without lignin. This work provides new insights regarding the development of lignin-based resoles as a very promising sustainable alternative to petrol-based resins.     

Formaldehyde‐Free Wood Adhesives from Decayed Wood

Summary: Extensive studies using mussel adhesive protein as a formaldehyde‐free, strong, and water‐resistant adhesive model revealed that a combination of a polymer with catechol moieties and a polymer with amino groups could serve as a strong and water‐resistant wood adhesive. This study demonstrated that the treatment of abundant and readily available brown‐rot‐fungus‐decayed wood with NaBH₄ followed by mixing with polyethylenimine resulted in a formaldehyde‐free, strong, and water‐resistant wood adhesive.

Lignin is demethylated by brown‐rot fungi and then reduced using NaBH₄.     

Spruce Bark-Extracted Lignin and Tannin-Based Bioresin-Adhesives: Effect of Curing Temperatures on the Thermal Properties of the Resins

In this study, formaldehyde-free bioresin adhesives were synthesised from lignin and tannin, which were obtained from softwood bark. The extraction was done via organosolv treatment and hot water extraction, respectively. A non-volatile, non-toxic aldehyde, glyoxal, was used as a substitute for formaldehyde in order to modify the chemical structure of both the lignin and tannin. The glyoxal modification reaction was confirmed by ATR–FTIR spectroscopy. Three different resin formulations were prepared using modified lignin along with the modified tannin. The thermal properties of the modified lignin, tannin, and the bioresins were assessed by DSC and TGA. When the bioresins were cured at a high temperature (200 °C) by compression moulding, they exhibited higher thermal stability as well as an enhanced degree of cross-linking compared to the low temperature-cured bioresins. The thermal properties of the resins were strongly affected by the compositions of the resins as well as the curing temperatures.     

Recent Advances and Prospects in Design of Hydrogen Permeation Barrier Materials for Energy Applications—A Review

The hydrogen infrastructure involves hydrogen production, storage and delivery for utilization with clean energy applications. Hydrogen ingress into structural materials can be detrimental due to corrosion and embrittlement. To enable safe operation in applications that need protection from hydrogen isotopes, this review article summarizes most recent advances in materials design and performance characterization of barrier coatings to prevent hydrogen isotopes’ absorption ingress and permeation. Barriers are crucial to prevent hydride formation and unwanted hydrogen effects to increase safety, materials’ lifetime and reduce cost for applications within nuclear and renewable energy. The coating may be applied on a material that requires protection from hydrogen pick-up, transport and hydride formation in hydrogen storage containers, in pipelines, spent nuclear fuel storage or in nuclear reactors. While existing, commercial coatings that have been much in use may be satisfactory for various applications, it is desirable to evaluate whether alternative coating concepts can provide a greater resistance to hydrogen isotope permeation along with other improved properties, such as mechanical strength and thermal resistance. The information presented here is focusing on recent findings within the past 5–7 years of promising hydrogen barriers including oxides, nitrides, carbon, carbide, MAX-phases and metals and their mechanical strength, hydrogen pick-up, radiation resistance and coating manufacturing techniques. A brief introduction to hydrogen permeation is provided. Knowledge gaps were identified to provide guidance for material’s research prospects.     

pyAIR—A New Software Tool for Breathomics Applications—Searching for Markers in TD-GC-HRMS Analysis

Volatile metabolites in exhaled air have promising potential as diagnostic biomarkers. However, the combination of low mass, similar chemical composition, and low concentrations introduces the challenge of sorting the data to identify markers of value. In this paper, we report the development of pyAIR, a software tool for searching for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) markers in multi-group datasets, tailored for Thermal-Desorption Gas-Chromatography High Resolution Mass-Spectrometry (TD-GC-HRMS) output. pyAIR aligns the compounds between samples by spectral similarity coupled with retention times (RT), and statistically compares the groups for compounds that differ by intensity. This workflow was successfully tested and evaluated on gaseous samples spiked with 27 model VOCs at six concentrations, divided into three groups, down to 0.3 nL/L. All analytes were correctly detected and aligned. More than 80% were found to be significant markers with a p-value < 0.05; several were classified as possibly significant markers (p-value < 0.1), while a few were removed due to background level. In all group comparisons, low rates of false markers were found. These results showed the potential of pyAIR in the field of trace-level breathomics, with the capability to differentially examine several groups, such as stages of illness.     

木质素活化及在木材胶粘剂中的应用进展

木质素是相对分子量较高的天然聚合物,由于具有苯酚结构利于制备木材胶粘剂,但是木质素本身反应活性低,一般都将其活化后再利用.而且,除了以往利用最多的造纸工业产生的木质素外,研究发现木材经过褐腐菌降解后残留主要成分是结构部分发生变化的木质素,这种可再生生物质资源以其自身的结构特点在合成胶粘剂上也有很大的优势,本文结合木质素胶粘剂应用中的问题,重点概述了活化木质素的各种方法及褐腐木质素在木材胶粘剂中的应用.     

Lignin Quantification of Papyri by TGA—Not a Good Idea

Papyri belong to the oldest writing grounds in history. Their conservation is of the highest importance in preserving our cultural heritage, which is best achieved based on an extensive knowledge of the materials’ constituents to choose a tailored conservation approach. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) has been widely employed to quantify cellulose and lignin in papyrus sheets, yielding reported lignin contents of 25% to 40%. In this work, the TGA method conventionally used for papyrus samples was repeated and compared to other lignin determination approaches (Klason-lignin and acetyl bromide-soluble lignin). TGA can lead to a large overestimation of the lignin content of commercial papyrus sheets (~27%) compared to the other methods (~5%). A similar overestimation of the lignin content was found for the pith and rind of the native papyrus plant. We concluded that the TGA method should, therefore, not be used for lignin quantification.     

Microalgae Bioactive Compounds to Topical Applications Products—A Review

Microalgae are complex photosynthetic organisms found in marine and freshwater environments that produce valuable metabolites. Microalgae-derived metabolites have gained remarkable attention in different industrial biotechnological processes and pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries due to their multiple properties, including antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-cancer, phycoimmunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. These properties are recognized as promising components for state-of-the-art cosmetics and cosmeceutical formulations. Efforts are being made to develop natural, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly products that replace synthetic products. This review summarizes some potential cosmeceutical applications of microalgae-derived biomolecules, their mechanisms of action, and extraction methods.     

Mutagenicity of Tectona grandis Wood Extracts and Their Ability to Improve Carbohydrate Yield for Kraft Cooking Eucalyptus Wood

Considering the toxicity of the impurities of synthesized anthraquinone, this study clarified new catalytic compounds for kraft cooking with improved carbohydrate yield and delignification and less mutagenicity, which are important for ensuring the safety of paper products in contact with food. The 2-methylanthraquinone contents of teak (Tectona grandis) woods were 0.18–0.21%. Acetone extracts containing 2-methylanthraquinone from Myanmar and Indonesia teak woods as additives improved lignin removal during kraft cooking of eucalyptus wood, which resulted in kappa numbers that were 2.2–6.0 points lower than the absence of additive. Myanmar extracts and 2-methylanthraquinone improved carbohydrate yield in pulps with 1.7–2.2% yield gains. Indonesia extracts contained more deoxylapachol and its isomer than 2-methylanthraquinone. The residual content of 2-methylanthraquinone in the kraft pulp was trace. Although Ames tests showed that the Indonesia and Myanmar extracts were mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium, 2-methylanthraquinone was not. The kraft pulp obtained with the additives should be safe for food-packaging applications, and the addition of 0.03% 2-methylanthraquinone to kraft cooking saves forest resources and fossil energy in industries requiring increased pulp yield.     

竹木质素的红外光谱与X射线光电子能谱分析

应用傅里叶转换红外光谱(FTIR)和X射线光电子能谱(XPS), 研究了3种提纯方法得到的竹木质素及其化学反应产物的化学结构特性. 确定竹木质素C_1s的电子结合能分别为283.52 (C—H或C—C), 284.58～285.72 (C—OR或C—OH), 286.10～286.44 (C＝O或HO—C—OR), 287.65～287.72 (O—C＝O) eV. O_1s的电子结合能分别为530.31(羟基氧原子), 531.45～531.72(醛或酮的羰基氧原子), 532.73～533.74(酯键或羧酸中的羰基氧原子) eV. 竹木质素中的结构单元之间主要是通过醚键和碳碳单键连接, 慈竹磨木木质素结构单元中醚键、碳碳单键、酯键、羰基和烯双键的比例为100∶63∶32∶40∶32 (49.3∶31.0∶16.0∶19.9∶16.0)     

Investigation of a resorcinol–formaldehyde resin by 13C-NMR spectroscopy and intrinsic viscosity measurement

Various molecular weight fractions and oligomers isolated from a novolac type resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) wood adhesive resin were studied by ¹³C-NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and intrinsic viscosity measurements. The ¹³C-NMR results indicate that methylene groups occur mostly between C₄–C′₄ and C₂–C′₄ carbons and in minor amounts between C₂–C′₂ carbons of resorcinol rings. By suppressing the nuclear Overhauser effect (nOe) and using a long delay time for ¹³C-NMR measurements, reasonable methylene/aromatic carbon ratios were obtained from the aromatic C₁ carbon patterns that have resulted from different numbers of methylene groups bonded on the aromatic ring. This analysis results indicate that the RF resin has an appreciable amount of branch structures and compare favorably with the gel permeation chromatography and intrinsic viscosity measurement results. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Biomaterials Based on Chitosan and Its Derivatives and Their Potential in Tissue Engineering and Other Biomedical Applications—A Review

In the times of dynamically developing regenerative medicine, more and more attention is focused on the use of natural polymers. This is due to their high biocompatibility and biodegradability without the production of toxic compounds, which means that they do not hurt humans and the natural environment. Chitosan and its derivatives are polymers made most often from the shells of crustaceans and are biodegradable and biocompatible. Some of them have antibacterial or metal-chelating properties. This review article presents the development of biomaterials based on chitosan and its derivatives used in regenerative medicine, such as a dressing or graft of soft tissues or bones. Various examples of preparations based on chitosan and its derivatives in the form of gels, films, and 3D structures and crosslinking products with another polymer are discussed herein. This article summarizes the latest advances in medicine with the use of biomaterials based on chitosan and its derivatives and provides perspectives on future research activities.     

Reactivity of Waterlogged Archeological Elm Wood with Organosilicon Compounds Applied as Wood Consolidants: 2D 1H–13C Solution-State NMR Studies

Some organosilicon compounds, including alkoxysilanes and siloxanes, proved effective in stabilizing the dimensions of waterlogged archaeological wood during drying, which is essential in the conservation process of ancient artifacts. However, it was difficult to determine a strong correlation between the wood stabilizing effect and the properties of organosilicon compounds, such as molecular weight and size, weight percent gain, and the presence of other potentially reactive groups. Therefore, to better understand the mechanism behind the stabilization effectiveness, the reactivity of organosilicons with wood polymers was studied using a 2D ¹H–¹³C solution-state NMR technique. The results showed an extensive modification of lignin through its demethoxylation and decarbonylation and also the absence of the native cellulose anomeric peak in siloxane-treated wood. The most substantial reactivity between wood polymers and organosilicon was observed with the (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane treatment, showing complete removal of lignin side chains, the lowest syringyl/guaiacyl ratio, depolymerization of cellulose and xylan, and reactivity with the C6 primary hydroxyls in cellulose. This may explain the outstanding stabilizing effectiveness of this silane and supports the conclusion that extensive chemical interactions are essential in this process. It also indicates the vital role of a mercapto group in wood stabilization by organosilicons. This 2D NMR technique sheds new light on the chemical mechanisms involved in organosilicon consolidation of wood and reveals what chemical characteristics are essential in developing future conservation treatments.     

Peracetic Acid Depolymerization of Biorefinery Lignin for Production of Selective Monomeric Phenolic Compounds

Lignin is the largest source of renewable material with an aromatic skeleton. However, due to the recalcitrant and heterogeneous nature of the lignin polymer, it has been a challenge to effectively depolymerize lignin and produce high‐value chemicals with high selectivity. In this study, a highly efficient lignin‐to‐monomeric phenolic compounds (MPC) conversion method based on peracetic acid (PAA) treatment was reported. PAA treatment of two biorefinery lignin samples, diluted acid pretreated corn stover lignin (DACSL) and steam exploded spruce lignin (SESPL), led to complete solubilization and production of selective hydroxylated monomeric phenolic compounds (MPC‐H) and monomeric phenolic acid compounds (MPC‐A) including 4‐hydroxy‐2‐methoxyphenol, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid. The maximized MPC yields obtained were 18 and 22 % based on the initial weight of the lignin in SESPL and DACSL, respectively. However, we found that the addition of niobium pentoxide catalyst to PAA treatment of lignin can significantly improve the MPC yields up to 47 %. The key reaction steps and main mechanisms involved in this new lignin‐to‐MPC valorization pathway were investigated and elucidated.