Abstract: The white rot fungus Scytinostroma galactinum strain F361 and mutants thereof are particularly effective in selectively grading the lignin component of lignin-containing materials, particularly processed wood pulps including chemical pulps, and also particularly effective in degrading lignin degradation products such as chlorinated degraded lignin by-products as found, for example, in E-1 effluents, and also in degrading chlorine-containing aromatic compounds generally as found in aqueous waste streams containing the same.

Abstract: The white rot fungus Scytinostroma galactinum strain F361 and mutants thereof are particularly effective in selectively grading the lignin component of lignin-containing materials, particularly processed wood pulps including chemical pulps, and also particularly effective in degrading lignin degradation products such as chlorinated degraded lignin by-products as found, for example, in E-1 effluents, and also in degrading chlorine-containing aromatic compounds generally as found in aqueous waste streams containing the same.

Abstract: Fungi which grow white/colorless and reduce pitch are used to protect structural wood before or after cutting from logs against color staining by staining fungi.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for deinking and uncoating printed paper which comprises using a monocomponent cellulase during recycling.

Abstract: A method of removing color from wood pulp is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of preparing a wood pulp, treating the wood pulp with the xylanase wherein the xylanase is capable of releasing chromophores from the pulp and extracting the wood pulp to remove chromophores. Also disclosed are substantially purified preparations of xylanase enzymes from bacterial isolates. The xylanase is preferrably isolated xyl 3 obtained from Streptomyces roseiscleroticus NRRL B-11019, wherein xyl 3 has a molecular weight of approximately 21 kD as determined by SDS-gel electrophoresis and a pH optima of pH 5.0-7.0.

Abstract: An isolated arabinofuranosidase from Bacillus stearothermophilus NRRL B-18659, Bacillus stearothermophilus NRRL B-18660 and Bacillus stearothermophilus NRRL B-18661 is disclosed. The arabinofuranosidase has a maximum activity at about pH 6.0 and at about 65.degree. C., maintains at least about 50% of its maximum activity at 70.degree. C. and pH 7.0 after 80 minutes, and has an isoelectric point of about 4.4. The arabinfuranosidase can be used in a method of hydrolyzing xylan present in wood pulp at temperatures of at least about 60.degree. C. and a pH of at least about 7.0. The arabinofuranosidase is used along with at least two xylanases and a xylosidase isolated from the above Bacillus stearothermophilus strains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making paper from bleached or alkaline treated pulp by dewatering pulp containing bleached or alkaline treated vegetable fibers from wood or non-wood species. It was found that such bleached or alkaline treated pulps contain a substantial amount of harmful pectins. By incorporating pectinase in the bleached or alkaline treated pulp such harmful pectins in the aqueous phase of the pulp are degraded and thus rendered harmless to papermaking processes.

Abstract: Ascospores of wood-penetrating, pitch-grading fungi of the class of Ascomycotina and Deuteromycotina, e.g. Ophiostromas, may be screened to provide fungi combining the properties of good growth on non-sterile wood substrates and minimized or even enhanced brightness effects for use in pitch reduction of wood substrates, e.g. logs and wood chips. A new and improved method of isolating such ascospores involving effective suspension in an oil consumable by the fungus, e.g. a vegetable oil, and then treatment of the oil with a dispersing agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: The fungi Schizophyllum commune, Trichaptum biforme and Phanerochaete gigantea are useful in reducing the pitch content of pulps and pulpwoods used in making cellulosic products.

Abstract: The fungus Phlebia tremellosa is useful in reducing the pitch content of pulps and pulpwoods used in making cellulosic products.

Abstract: A method of making a wood pulp is disclosed. Wood is first chipped into wood chips. The wood chips are treated with an amount of sulfite salt sufficient to inhibit indigenous microorganism growth. The treated wood chips are introduced into a bioreactor and inoculated with a culture of white-rot fungus. The wood chips are incubated under conditions favoring the propagation of white-rot fungus and then mechanically pulped.

Abstract: Five xylanases are purified from the microorganism, Microtetraspora flexuosa,preferably strain ATCC 35864. Each biochemically unique xylanase is thermostable and has optimal activity in alkaline conditions. These enzymes are excellent candidates for enhancing the delignification and bleaching of pulp. Furthermore, treating the pulp with the above enzymes prior to bleaching may reduce the amount of chlorine containing and/or peroxide chemicals required in the bleaching process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation exhibiting enzymatic activity, which preparation has the capability of delignifying wood pulp at a temperature of at least 65.degree. C. and a pH of at least 9. Further, the invention relates to a method of producing said preparation by aerobically fermentating a selected Bacillus stearothermophilus strain. Furthermore, the invention relates to two isolated Bacillus stearothermophilus strains and mutants and variants thereof. The invention also relates to applications of the preparation of the invention, namely to a process comprising treatment of wood pulp with a preparation according to the invention, and a wood pulp and a fluff pulp treated with a preparation according to the invention, and also a paper, a board and a fluff made from a wood pulp treated with a preparation according to the invention.

Abstract: The liquid waste after pulp bleaching can be treated by using a microorganism having lignin degradation activity and having been pre-cultured in a culture medium supplemented with the liquid waste after pulp bleaching and/or lignin related substances, the cultured products thereof and/or the treated products thereof.The scarcely degradable colored ingredients and/or chlorinated phenols contained in the liquid waste after pulp bleaching can be decomposed and removed, whereby the efficient treatment of the liquid waste after pulp bleaching can be achieved.

Abstract: The white rot fungus Scytinostroma galactinum strain F361 and mutants thereof are particularly effective in selectively grading the lignin component of lignin-containing materials, particularly processed wood pulps including chemical pulps, and also particularly effective in degrading lignin degradation products such as chlorinated degraded lignin by-products as found, for example, in E-1 effluents, and also in degrading chlorine-containing aromatic compounds generally as found in aqueous waste streams containing the same.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the recovery of organic substances dissolved or brought into a colloid form during the manufacture of a mechanical pulp where said mechanical pulp has not been subject to previous alkaline bleaching or other previous process carried out under alkaline conditions. The method is characterized in the deacetylation of the galactoglucomannans having been brought into dissolved or colloidal form during the pulping process, and subsequent deposition of said deacetylated glucomannans onto a solid phase, such as pulp fibers or organic or inorganic additives. The deacetylation is performed either by alkali or enzymatically. The method diminishes the organic substance loading on recycling waters and effluents, and improves the yield and strength properties of the pulp.

Abstract: A process for removing color from a pulp and paper wastewater which comprises the following steps: (A) treating the wastewater with an enzyme which is capable of oxidizing at least a portion of the color forming components of the wastewater; and (B) treating the wastewater subsequent to the enzyme treatment of step (A) with a tannin-degrading microorganism capable of degrading at least a portion of the oxidized color forming components.

Abstract: Bleaching pulp with an enzyme system, containing thermostatic xylanose activity, obtained from a strain of Thermomonospora fusca and more specifically from a new strain with the designation KW3 and deposition number DSM 6013.

Abstract: A xylanase obtained from Rhodothermus marinus, the method of obtaining it and a process for its use are disclosed. The xylanase has an optimum temperature of from 85.degree. to 100.degree. C., a relative activity of more than 50% in the interval of from pH 5 tp pH 8 after incubation for 5 minutes at 65.degree. C., a relative temperature stability at 80.degree. C. of more than 80% after incubation at pH 7 for 3 hours, a pH optimum of about 6 and an isoelectric point in the range of from 3 to 7. The xylanase can be obtained from the strains ATCC 43812, ATCC 43813 or a mutant thereof. The process for obtaining the xylanase involves cultivation of a xylanase-producing strain of Rhodothermus marinus in a suitable nutrient medium containing carbon and nitrogen sources and inorganic salts followed by recovery of the xylanase. Also disclosed is a process for the treatment of lignocellulosic pulp with the xylanase.

Abstract: A method for the delignification of wood pulps by use of protease enzymes. Useful proteases include bromelain, pepsin and papain. The proteases are used to delignify the wood by degrading the wood protein, extensin.

Abstract: A method of deinking printed waste paper for recycle which comprises converting a printed waste paper to a fibrous pulp in an aqueous medium to form a fibrous pulp slurry; contacting the slurry with a soybean peroxidase and a peroxide to deink the pulp; separating the deinked pulp from the aqueous medium; and recovering the deinked pulp.

Abstract: Good deinking of waste paper can be obtained at high consistency by first pulping at high pH, then lowering the pH, adding alkaline cellulase and letting the cellulase act during continued pulping and/or maceration. The improved deinking results in higher whiteness and better cleanliness (fewer ink particles) in paper made from the treated pulp after separation of ink particles. This cellulase treatment results in better operation of certain equipment such as thickeners and in better drainage of the pulp during paper making.

Abstract: Resin can be hydrolyzed enzymatically during the peroxy bleaching (e.g. with hydrogen peroxide) commonly used in pulp manufacture and the use of lipase in the manufacture of CTMP-fluff will afford several significant advantages, such as a pronounced reduction in fats, low time-consumption, since the process can be carried out in less than one calendar day, no losses in brightness or yield, or only marginal brightness and yield losses, and low handling costs. The enzyme treatment during bleaching necessitates little or no change of commonly used bleaching conditions. As a further advantage, the peroxy bleaching is mostly made at alkaline pH, whereby the liberated fatty acids remain ionized and can thus easily be removed from the pulp during subsequent washing.

Abstract: Resin can be hydrolyzed enzymatically during the reductive bleaching (e.g. with sodium dithionite) commonly used in pulp manufacture. The enzyme treatment necessitates little or no change of commonly used bleaching conditions.

Abstract: A method for treating fibrous sheet materials such as paper or paperboard containing polyamide resin as a wet strength agent which comprises reacting the fibrous materials with an enzyme to hydrolyze the resin and thereby improve repulping of the fibrous materials.

Abstract: An enzyme preparation containing cellulases and/or hemicellulases is reacted on a homogeneous aqueous suspension of paper pulp having a Schopper-Riegler (SR) degree determined in accordance with standard NFQ 50 003 of at least equal to 25. A paper pulp based on recycled fibers is treated.

Abstract: Enzyme preparations enriched in hemicellulase-, pectin-, and/or lignin-degrading enzymes are described which are also partially or completely deficient in cellulase degrading activity. Such preparations may be utilized in an crude, unpurified form and are especially useful in the production of pulp and paper.

Abstract: A process for the production of lignolytical enzymes using Phanerochaete chrysosporium which includes placing a culture of the pocket rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium into a closed fermentation vessel which has no stirring mechanism. Pellets of Phanerochaete chrysosporium are produced in the vessel by rotating and slewing the vessel, and enzyme is then harvested. An apparatus for carrying out the process includes a cardanic mount for freely rotatably and slewably suspending the vessel.

Abstract: A method of controlling pitch deposits in a pulp and papermaking process comprising adding lipase and a cationic polymer to a cellulosic slurry in amounts effective for diminishing pitch deposits from the cellulosic slurry in a pulp and/or paper mill. The method may include adding lipase and a cationic polymer to a cellulosic slurry in amounts effective for both reducing the triglyceride content of a cellulosic slurry by hydrolysis and diminishing the concentration of fatty acids released by the hydrolysis in the aqueous phase of a cellulosic slurry. The triglyceride hydrolysate content of the aqueous phase of a cellulosic slurry, formed by the action of lipase on triglyceride within the cellulosic slurry, is reduced when the amount of lipase and the amount of a cationic polymer is maintained for a time period sufficient to hydrolyze at least some of the triglyceride in the cellulosic slurry and reduce the triglyceride hydrolysate in the aqueous phase of the cellulosic slurry.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus capable of removing and/or transforming lignin or its degradation products present in material containing lignocellulose. In the present process, a redox potential is set between 200 and 500 mV by the addition to an acid aqueous solution, which contains lignitic raw materials, of oxidizing agents and/or reducing agents and/or salts and/or phenolic compounds. The lignin degrading reaction and its attendant simultaneous bleaching effect is initiated by the addition of enzymes, microorganisms, animal or plant cells. Continuous stirring allows the reaction to be maintained for several hours at a value that fluctuates about a constant redox potential value, and a constant temperature.

Abstract: A process for the production and use of a xylanase enzyme, having a high specific activity, of use in the treatment and/or biobleaching of chemical pulps is described. The enzyme provides for a more commercially feasible process for the treatment of pulps, and lignocellulosic materials in general, which process provides improved results in delignification and brightening over conventional bleaching process, together with reduced bleaching chemical consumption and environmental impact.

Abstract: Process for bleaching lignocellulosic material comprising an oxygen bleaching treatment and an enzymatic treatment with a substantially cellulase-free xylanase, which process is compatible with, and can be incorporated into, conventional bleaching sequences. The process provides a delignified and bleached pulp using lower amounts of chlorine-containing compounds, and the opportunity of eliminating the use of elemental chlorine, thereby reducing the polluting effluent from a pulp mill employing the process. Also, a greater extent of delignification can be achieved while retaining acceptable pulp strength properties. The oxygen bleaching treatment and the enzynmatic treatment are done in series.

Abstract: The method for avoiding pitch troubles includes the treatment with an acylglycerol lipase. The method of the present invention overcomes the pitch troubles in a process for the production of mechanical pulp and/or mechanical pulp-containing paper.

Abstract: Method for producing lignin-peroxydase from the fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The method comprises a first step of culture wherein the phospholipids and the emulsified fatty acids are added to the culture medium; a second step during which veratrylic alcohol is added to the culture medium, the culture medium being partially renewed for the second culture step and totally renewed for the third and fourth culture steps, by varying the content of constituents in said medium. Application to the production of lignin-peroxydase with important yields.

Abstract: According to this invention, pulps can be produced in high yields while saving energy by previously fiberizing wood chips used as the original material and then treating with a microorganism having a high lignin-degrading activity and a low fiber-degrading activity upon the wood.In addition, new lignin-degrading enzymes produced by a microorganism used in this invention were identified.

Abstract: A process for treating paper pulp using an enzyme composition. An enzyme composition containing cellulases or hemicellulases selected from among those derived from the fungus Humicola insolens and from the bacterium Cellulomonas is made to act upon an aqueous suspesnion of the pulp possessing a given Schopper-Riegler level (SR) according to Standard NFQ 50 003. This procedure is particularly useful for treating a recycled fiber-based paper pulp having a pH of at least 5.

Abstract: According to this invention, pulps can be produced in high yields while saving energy by previously fiberizing wood chips used as the original material and then treating with a microorganism having a high lignin-degrading activity and a low fiber-degrading activity upon the wood.In addition, new lignin-degrading enzymes produced by a microorganism used in this invention were identified.

Abstract: A method of using biological processes as a pretreatment step in combined biological and mechanical paper pulping process is described. The process uses a species of fungus, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora, which has not previously been used for this purpose. It has been found that even with a non-optimized system, and with the stationary holding of the wood chips during fungal incubation, that significant savings in energy usage in the pulping process can be achieved compared to conventional mechanical pulping while simultaneously achieving increased strength characteristics in the paper.

Abstract: An enzyme preparation containing cellulases and/or hemicellulases is reacted on a homogeneous aqueous suspension of paper pulp having a Schopper-Riegler (SR) degree determined in accordance with standard NFQ 50 003 of at least equal to 25. A paper pulp based on recycled fibers is treated.

Abstract: The invention relates to new microorganisms of the Phanerochaete chrysosporium strain, which are useful especially for the production of lignin-degrading enzyme.These new microorganisms are deposited under nos. C.N.C.M.-I-398 and C.N.C.M.-I-399.

Abstract: There is provided a process for bleaching kraft hardwood pulp wherein the bleaching is done utilizing the fungus Coriolus versicolor wherein the pulp is treated with the fungus at a temperature and for a time sufficient for the bleaching to occur. The pulp may subsequently be sterilized after bleaching.

Abstract: Cellulose strands are produced by causing a growing medium containing Acetobacter xylinum to flow along a straight-line path over a growing surface. Cellulose fibrils produced by the bacteria arrange themselves in strands on the growing surface. These strands can be converted into threads and/or yarns. The cellulose fibrils produced by Acetobacter xylinum can also be converted to microcrystalline cellulose.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel process for decolorization of E1 effluent. Specifically, novel enzymes, designated rLDM.TM., and other ligninolytic enzymes present in the extracellular growth medium from a fermentation of Phanerochaete chrysosporium, are used to decolorize the effluent.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel enzymatic process for bleaching kraft pulp. Specifically, novel enzymes, designated rLDM.TM., and other ligninolytic enzymes present in the extracellular growth medium from a fermentation of Phanerochaete chrysosporium, are used to bleach kraft pulp to a desired lighter color.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel process for enhancing the strength properties and brightness stability of mechanical pulps. The process uses novel enzymes called rLDM.TM. and other ligninolytic enzymes present in the extracellular growth medium of a fermentation of Phanerochaete chrysosporium.

Abstract: Novel lignin-degrading enzymes designated rLDM.TM.1, rLDM.TM.2, rLDM.TM.3, rLDM.TM.4, rLDM.TM.5, and rLDM.TM.6 are isolated and purified to the essentially pure form, wherein each rLDM.TM. is substantially free of other rLDM.TM. and native proteins, from the extracellular medium of a novel mutant microbe. The novel mutant, designated SC26, produces large amounts of the rLDM.TM., thus facilitating the isolation and purification of them. These rLDM.TM. are useful in pulping processes to degrade and/or modify lignin.

Abstract: A method is described for the enzymatic saccharification of a cellulosic substrate to glucose which utilizes fermentation of the substrate with the cellulase enzyme complex-producing, thermophilic microorganism Microbispora bispora Rutgers P&W and its mutants. The resistance of M. bispora Rutgers P&W cellulase to end-product inhibition enables conversion efficiency superior to that of known cellulase producing microorganisms. Continued enzyme activity at elevated temperatures allows broader applicability of enzyme-catalyzed saccharification than heretofore attained. The microorganism in its purified form incubated on cellulase, and its cellulolytic mutants, are also disclosed.

Abstract: This is a method for degumming decorticated plant bast fiber, such as ramie, flax, or hemp bast fiber, to remove pectin-containing material and coloring gums therefrom. The decorticated plant bast fiber is desirably washed with a washing solution containing a surface active agent to penetrate the plant bast fiber and remove water soluble material and other debris therefrom. The washed plant bast fiber is then rinsed. The washed and rinsed plant bast fiber is treated with an aqueous acidic treatment solution of fungal pectinase for a period of time of between 10 and 30 minutes to remove the pectin from the plant fiber. The acidic treatment solution is maintained at an elevated temperature in the range of between 60.degree. C. and 70.degree. C. and has a pH between about 2.0 and 3.5. Thereafter, the plant bast fiber with the pectin removed therefrom, is removed from the acidic treatment solution and a sufficient amount of NaOH is added thereto to increase the pH of the treatment solution to about 11.0.

Abstract: A method for degumming decorticated plant bast fiber, such as ramie flax, or hemp bast fiber, to remove pectin-containing material therefrom. The decorticated plant bast fiber is washed with a washing solution containing a surface active agent to penetrate the plant bast fiber to remove water soluble material therefrom. The washed plant bast fiber is then rinsed. The washed and rinsed plant bast fiber is treated with an aqueous, acidic treatment solution of fungal pectinase for a period of time between about 10 to 20 minutes to degum the plant fiber. The treatment solution is maintained at an elevated temperature in the range between about 60.degree. C. and 65.degree. C. and has a pH between about 2.0 and 3.5.

Abstract: A method for degumming decorticated plant bast fiber such as ramie bast fiber, to remove pectin-containing material therefrom. The decorticated plant bast fiber is washed with a washing solution containing a surface active agent to penetrate the plant bast fiber to remove water soluble material therefrom. The washed plant bast fiber is then rinsed. The washed and rinsed plant bast fiber is treated with an aqueous, acidic treatment solution of fungal pectinase for a period of time up to about one hour to degum the plant fiber. The treatment solution is maintained at an elevated temperature and has a pH between about 2.0 and about 4.5.