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Fungal degradation of kraft lignin and lignin sulfonates prepared from synthetic 14C-lignins

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5572151
Kraft lignins (KL), bleached kraft lignins (BKL), and lignin sulfonates (LS) were prepared from synthetic (14)C-lignins labeled in the aromatic nuclei or in the propyl side chains. These and control lignins (CL) were incubated with the lignin-decomposing white-rot fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium Burds., in a defined culture medium containing cellulose as growth substrate. Decomposition was monitored by measuring the (14)CO2 evolved. Average percentages of the (ring-(14)C)- and (side chain-(14)C)-lignins, respectively, recovered as (14)CO2 at the cessation of (14)CO2 evolution were: KL, 41 and 31; BKL, 42 and 26; LS, 28 and 21; and CL, 26 and 24. Gel permeation chromatography of radiolabeled materials extracted from spent cultures showed that substantial degradation to nonvolatile products had occurred. The polymeric components in the extracts were further degraded in fresh cultures. These results indicate that industrial lignins are significantly bioalterable, and that under favorable conditions industrial lignins are substantially biodegradable. Millions of tons of kraft lignin and lignin sulfonates are produced annually, but value derived from them as commercial products is relatively low. This is despite long-term research efforts to use industrial lignins or derivatives as polymeric materials or as a source of organic chemicals. The tremendous potential for use of industrial lignins is apparent.
Research Organization:
Forest Products Lab., Madison, WI (USA)
OSTI ID:
5572151
Report Number(s):
PB-298964
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English