Abstract: Provided herein are photodynamic compositions that can contain a natural polymer scaffold and a photosensitizer, where the photosensitizer can be covalently or non-covalently attached to the natural polymer scaffold. Also provided herein are structures and objects that can contain the photodynamic compositions. Further provided herein are methods of making and using the photodynamic compositions. Finally provided herein are printing ink formulations.

Abstract: Provided herein are photodynamic compositions that can contain a natural polymer scaffold and a photosensitizer, where the photosensitizer can be covalently or non-covalently attached to the natural polymer scaffold. Also provided herein are structures and objects that can contain the photodynamic compositions. Further provided herein are methods of making and using the photodynamic compositions. Finally provided herein are printing ink formulations.

Abstract: Provided herein are photodynamic compositions that can contain a natural polymer scaffold and a photosensitizer, where the photosensitizer can be covalently or non-covalently attached to the natural polymer scaffold. Also provided herein are structures and objects that can contain the photodynamic compositions. Further provided herein are methods of making and using the photodynamic compositions.

Abstract: Provided herein are photodynamic compositions that can contain a natural polymer scaffold and a photosensitizer, where the photosensitizer can be covalently or non-covalently attached to the natural polymer scaffold. Also provided herein are structures and objects that can contain the photodynamic compositions. Further provided herein are methods of making and using the photodynamic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for converting lignocellulosic material into biofuel. In particular embodiments, the method comprises pre-treating lignocellulosic material by dissolving the material in ionic liquids. The pretreated lignocellulosic material can be isolated, such as by precipitation with a regenerating solvent (e.g., water), and be used directly in the formation of biofuel, including undergoing hydrolysis to form sugar and fermentation to form fuel, such as bioethanol. The ionic liquid can be recycled for further use, such as by evaporation of the water introduced during precipitation, and the recycling provides a route to a hemicellulose rich fraction and an ionic liquid of consistent quality and wood dissolution characteristics. The recovered hemicelluloses are of significant utilization potential toward commodity and specialty applications.

Abstract: Methods for the thermolysis of lignocellulosic materials, such as wood, cellulose, lignin, and lignocellulose are provided. Some methods comprise combining the lignocellulosic material with an ionic liquid and subjecting the mixture of the lignocellulosic material and the ionic media to thermolysis conditions to form a recoverable product, such as a commodity chemical.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for converting lignocellulosic material into biofuel. In particular embodiments, the method comprises pre-treating lignocellulosic material by dissolving the material in ionic liquids. The pretreated lignocellulosic material can be isolated, such as by precipitation with a regenerating solvent (e.g., water), and be used directly in the formation of biofuel, including undergoing hydrolysis to form sugar and fermentation to form fuel, such as bioethanol. The ionic liquid can be recycled for further use, such as by evaporation of the water introduced during precipitation, and the recycling provides a route to a hemicellulose rich fraction and an ionic liquid of consistent quality and wood dissolution characteristics. The recovered hemicelluloses are of significant utilization potential toward commodity and specialty applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides wood derivatives and composite materials prepared by first solvating a lignocellulosic material using an ionic liquid. The solvated lignocellulosic material can be derivatized to incorporate functional groups, particularly groups that facilitate later combination with polymer materials, including non-polymer polymers. The polymeric materials can be combined with the derivatized lignocellulosic material in solution, or the derivatized lignocellulosic material can be isolated and later combined with the polymeric material in a melt. The invention encompasses a variety of wood derivatives, composites, and nanocomposites useful for preparing multiple types of products, including membranes, fibers, and formed parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the thermolysis of lignocellulosic materials, such as wood, cellulose, lignin, and lignocellulose. In specific embodiments, the methods comprise combining the lignocellulosic material with an ionic liquid and subjecting the mixture of the lignocellulosic material and the ionic media to pyrolytic conditions to form a recoverable product, such as a commodity chemical.