Assessment of process integration approach for coir biosoftening and lignin‐modifying enzyme production from agro residues

Abstract

Lignin present in the inner core of natural lignocellulosic fibers is preferably removed for use in the textile industry as it hinders fiber spinnability. This study focuses on integrating the bioprocessing of agro residues and a natural fiber source (coir) for the effective production of lignin-modifying enzymes while simultaneously softening the natural fibers. The lignin content in the raw fibers (42.17%) could be reduced by 14-31% by treating them with Phanerochaete chrysosporium for 30 days in the presence of agro waste, such as paddy straw, groundnut husk, corn husk, coir pith, sugarcane bagasse, saw dust and coconut leaf. Among the lignocellulosic wastes tested, P. chrysporium-fermented groundnut husk with coir produced the maximum yield of lignin-modifying enzymes (lignin peroxidase, 2.05 U mg −1 ; manganese peroxidase, 7.50 U mg −1 ; laccase, 0.43 U mL −1 ), while the tensile strength of the fiber was decreased by 9.9% compared with the raw fiber (110.14 MPa) on 30 days of incubation. Similarly, SB dust demonstrated good lignin-modifying enzyme activity (lignin peroxidase, −1.57 U mg −1 ; manganese peroxidase, 8.14 U mg −1 ; and laccase, 0.35 U mg −1 ) as well as the tensile strength of the coir also being increased. A reduction in flexural rigidity owing to delignification was observed and hence a minimum 16% increase in softness was achieved in the integrated process. Our study presents an efficient strategy that exploits low-cost agro residues for enzyme production and generates bio-softened coir of acceptable quality in the export and domestic markets.

Chaga mushroom: a super-fungus with countless facets and untapped potential

“…Chaga enzymes have also shown potential in the textile and detergent industries. As bio-catalysts, they can be utilized in the processing of natural fibers like cotton and hemp ( Pavithra et al, 2023 ; Asemoloye et al, 2021 reported that by effectively removing lignin and impurities from these fibers, the ligninolytic peroxidase enzyme contributed to the production of cleaner and higher-quality textiles. In the detergent industry, Chaga enzymes were found to enhance the efficiency of laundry detergents by aiding in stain removal and facilitating the degradation of organic matter ( Asemoloye et al, 2021 ).…”

In situ impregnation of cobalt‐doped tungstophosphoric acid on MOF‐801 toward enhanced catalytic activity for esterification

“…and short‐chain alcohols with the aid of acid/base catalysts 4,5 . However, the use of alkaline catalysts is suitable only for high‐quality oils with low FFAs and low water content; otherwise, the saponification occurs, resulting in low conversion 6 . Whereas the use of homogeneous acid catalysts for FFAs and low‐quality feedstock is a good idea for producing biodiesel, it is virtually non‐reusability, equipment corrosion, and the generation of more wastewater 7 .…”