Value addition to jute: assessing the effect of artificial reduction of lignin on jute diversification

Abstract

In the backdrop of an abundance of lignin in jute, the main focus of the present study was to conduct a quality assessment of four delignified jute lines (in which four lignin biosynthetic genes were individually downregulated) across advanced generations for industrial applications. To this end, the transgenic lines were advanced to 7 th (COMT and C4H lines) and 5 th (C3H and F5H lines) transformed generations. The results exhibit approximately 16–25% reduction in acid-insoluble lignin for the whole stem and 13–14% reduction in fiber lignin content for all four transgenic lines compared to the control. The altered lignin composition led to a 3–6% increase in the cellulose content and a small improvement in the enzymatic release of glucose. Lignin reduction led to an exposure of the underlying fibrils in transgenic lines as observed through a scanning electron microscope whereas, it was undiscernible in the control fiber. Furthermore, an analysis of the mechanical properties appears almost similar to that of the control with no morphological deformities. Jute fibers from the transgenic lines offer tremendous cost-effective implications from an economic perspective.

Retting of Bast Fiber Crops Like Hemp and Flax—A Review for Classification of Procedures

“…Small bundles of bast fibers bound by this recalcitrant lignin still exist after retting. The lignin content in the resulting fibers has been shown to affect the physical and mechanical properties of cellulosic fibers [55,56]. Of course, this can only be finally assessed from the perspective of the corresponding field of application for the fibers.…”

Manufacturing and compatibilization of binary blends of superheated steam treated jute and poly (lactic acid) biocomposites by melt-blending technique

“…For a higher cellulose content, the stiffness property of jute is higher, which helps to improve deflection under extreme load and transfer stress to the fibers [ 11 ]. In addition, jute fiber exhibits numerous properties including non-abrasive, low density, least processing damage, biodegradable, greater aspect ratio, combustible, and insulation [ 8 , 9 , 11 , 14 ]. Jute fiber also faces some challenges, such as poor strength, having a strong preference for water absorption, thermal degradation, etc.…”