SDG implementation dictates the utilization of renewable natural resources. Woody biomass is a useful renewable organic resource. Plant cell wall is mostly made of polysaccarides, cellulose and hemicellulose, and lignin, which are linked together in a highly complex structure and comprise the bulk of trees’ biomass. Despite high potential of lignin, it is mostly discarded or burnt as a byproduct in the pulp and paper industry. Therefore, among the structural biomass compounds only the polysaccharides are used for various applications. The present invention is a novel method of biopolymer isolation including high quality lignin.
The inventors developed a sequential separation method to extract undamaged lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose from plant biomass. By exposing plant biomass tosequential hydrothermal and glycerol-based organosolv processes, followed by a mild organic acid-based extraction step, not only cellulose and hemicellulose are recovered, but high purity lignin with a preserved aromatic structure is obtained (Fig.1, Chotirotsukon et al. 2021)
Figure 1.Workflow of biopolymers extraction from sugarcane bagasse.
The lignin extraction process requires low energy input, no use of strong acid/base and metal catalyst. The organic solvent can be recycled and reused. The extraction process does not lead to water pollution and provides high purity soluble colorless lignin. The majority of original biomass cellulose and hemicellulose are also recovered and can be used for various applications.
The researchers are working on multiple applications for the extracted lignin as a next-generation material. These include usingself-assembling lignin capsules for drug delivery, UV-A and UV-B absorbing lignin-derived compounds for sunscreens (Fig.2, Mikame et al. 2021), and lignin–carbohydrate complexes as antiviral agents (Li et al. 2021).
Figure 2.Microwave-assisted alkaline cupric oxide oxidation of lignin produces compounds that absorb UV-A and UV-B radiation.
Potential Applications
Sunscreens
Drug delivery
Antivirals
Publication(s)
Choti Rotsukon C, Raita M, Yamada M, Nishimura H, Watanabe T, Laosiripojana Net al. Sequential fractionation of sugarcane bagasse using liquid hot water and formic acid-catalyzed glycerol-based organosolv with solvent recycling.Bioenergy Res 2021;14: 135–152.
Mikame K, Ohashi Y, Naito Y, Nishimura H, Katahira M, Sugawara Set al. Natural Organic Ultraviolet Absorbers from Lignin.ACS Sustainable Chem Eng 2021;9: 16651–16658.
Li R, Ouda R, Kimura C, Narita R, Nishimura H, Fujita Tet al. Conversion of Beech Wood into Antiviral Lignin–Carbohydrate Complexes by Microwave Acidolysis.ACS Sustainable Chem Eng 2021;9: 9248–9256.
Intellectual property status
Granted Patent
Patent number : WO/2022/118583
Where : Japan, USA, EU
Current development status
Laboratory prototypes
Desired business relationship
Joint ventures
Technology development
New technology applications
Kyoto University was founded in 1897, the second university to be established in Japan. Kyoto University is among 10 National Designated Universities in Japan. It boasts 18 graduate schools, 10 faculties, 12 research institutes, and 26 centers and other establishments. Research conducted at Kyoto University spans the full spectrum of fields from social to natural science.
The outstanding research conducted at Kyoto University gives birth to useful technologies that could greatly benefit society. SACI (Society-Academia Collaboration for Innovation Office) was established at Kyoto University to bridge the gap between researchers and industry. We facilitate joint research, technology transfer, creation of university startups, and provide entrepreneurial education. We are building a strong network of global industry partners to make sure basic research reaches the market.
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