Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into one or more of a de-lignified cellulose stream, a sugar stream, small-chain alcohol streams and four structurally distinct classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process comprises a first processing module configured for digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for recovering small-chain alcohols and optionally a first class of lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for recovering from the liquid fraction at least one of a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives or mixtures thereof, and waste stream comprising a fourth class of lignin derivatives. The fourth processing module may optionally recover the fourth class of lignin derivatives.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method where lactic acid, its water solution, lactide, lactic acid oligomer, polylactic acid or mixture thereof is used for the degradation of cellulose based biomass, such as natural structure of wood, and transformation into plasticized or partly liquefied state so that the cellulose fibers and other components of the biomass can be separated, recovered, modified chemically or recycled by further treatments.

Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into at least fuel-grade ethanol and four classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process comprises a first processing module configured for physico-chemically digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for producing at least a fuel-grade ethanol and a first class of novel lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for separating a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives from the liquid fraction and further processing the liquid fraction to produce a distillate and a stillage, a fourth processing module configured for separating a fourth class of lignin derivatives from the stillage and further processing the stillage to produce a sugar syrup.

Abstract: A carbon-based solid acid which has high activity and high thermal stability and is useful as an acid catalyst for various reactions such as hydration of olefins. The carbon-based solid acid for use as a catalyst is obtained by carbonization and sulfonation of an organic substance, which has a reduction rate of 10 mol % or less of acid content as measured by immersing the solid acid in hot water at 120° C. for 2 hours, is used as the acid catalyst. The organic substance to be used as the raw material for preparing the solid acid is preferably a saccharide having ?1-4 glycosidic bond (e.g. cellulose) or lignin. Amylose is also suitable as the raw material. Examples of the reaction for which the solid catalyst can be used include hydration of olefins, etherification of olefins, and acid/alcohol esterification.

Abstract: Lignin polymers having distinctive properties, including a generally high molecular weight and generally homogeneous size distribution, as well as preservation of native reactive side groups, are isolated by solvent extraction of plant materials. Methods for isolation of lignin polymers, and for use of the isolated lignin polymers are disclosed. Compositions containing lignin isolated from plant materials, such as carbon fiber composites, resins, adhesive binders and coatings, polyurethane-based foams, rubbers and elastomers, plastics, films, paints, nutritional supplements, food and beverage additives are disclosed. Xylose and xylose derivatives, furfural, fermentable sugars, cellulose and hemi-cellulose products may be used directly or further processed. The lignin polymers and other plant-derived products disclosed herein may be produced in abundance at low cost, and may be used as substitutes for feedstocks originating from fossil fuel or petrochemical sources in the manufacture of various products.

Abstract: Process for obtaining lignan from plant material by extraction with an extraction solvent and separation of the liquid fraction from the plant material. The separated liquid fraction containing the lignan product is subjected to further processing to remove cyanogenic sugars and other impurities. The resulting lignan containing product may be formulated for the treatment of various conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, lupus, and atherosclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the modification of lignin biosynthesis in plants and, more particularly, to enzymes involved in the lignin biosynthetic pathway and nucleic acids encoding such enzymes.

Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into at least fuel-grade ethanol and four classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process comprises a first processing module configured for physico-chemically digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for producing at least a fuel-grade ethanol and a first class of novel lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for separating a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives from the liquid fraction and further processing the liquid fraction to produce a distillate and a stillage, a fourth processing module configured for separating a fourth class of lignin derivatives from the stillage and further processing the stillage to produce a sugar syrup.

Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into at least fuel-grade ethanol and four classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process comprises a first processing module configured for physico-chemically digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for producing at least a fuel-grade ethanol and a first class of novel lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for separating a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives from the liquid fraction and further processing the liquid fraction to produce a distillate and a stillage, a fourth processing module configured for separating a fourth class of lignin derivatives from the stillage and further processing the stillage to produce a sugar syrup.

Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into at least fuel-grade ethanol and four classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process comprises a first processing module configured for physico-chemically digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for producing at least a fuel-grade ethanol and a first class of novel lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for separating a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives from the liquid fraction and further processing the liquid fraction to produce a distillate and a stillage, a fourth processing module configured for separating a fourth class of lignin derivatives from the stillage and further processing the stillage to produce a sugar syrup.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for preparing pelleted lignocellulosic ion exchange materials for use in a variety of industrial and municipal water treatment applications. The method involves milling, sifting, binding, extruding, cutting, and baking steps. The resultant pellet is suitable for use in ion exchange columns and can be regenerated.

Abstract: An absorbent composite includes a water-insoluble fibrous matrix, a superabsorbent polymer composition that has an initial absorbent capacity of at least about 5 grams of saline per gram of superabsorbent polymer composition; and a first triggering mechanism having a first release time of between about 5 and 60 minutes, where the superabsorbent polymer composition has a second absorbent capacity that is at least about 25% greater than the first absorbent capacity as measured by the mCRC Test.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material based on (a) a cellulose- or lignocellulose-containing material and (b) a composite as a binder, the composite resulting from the reaction of at least the components (i) a glycidyloxypropylalkoxysilane, (ii) an aqueous silica sol having a solids content of >20% by weight, (iii) an organic acid as a hydrolysis catalyst and (iv) n-propyl zirconate, butyl titanate or titanium acetylacetonate as a crosslinking agent. The present invention furthermore relates to a process for the production of said composite materials and the use of a composite (b) as a binder for the production of wood-based materials.

Abstract: A method for controlling the sodium and sulphur balance of a pulp mill while separating lignin from black liquor, and also a lignin product or an intermediate lignin product obtainable by the method. The present invention also provides use of a lignin product or an intermediate lignin product for the production of fuel (solid, gaseous or liquid) or materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (1) like (CAD1L) polypeptides. CAD1L polypeptides are produced in a plant in the same organs and the same developmental stages and processes of CAD1 and are likely to be involved in the same developmental processes as CAD enzymes. CAD1L-like sequences are also disclosed. They can be used for modification of, for example, lignification, cellulose, degradation, plant cell walls or plant defence response.

Abstract: The present invention provides lignin-pesticide complexes, methods for making lignin-pesticide complexes, and methods for treating or controlling insect infestations on animals by administering such complexes. Advantageously, the lignin-pesticide complexes of the present invention can be used in feed-through products to control insect infestation on livestock or pets. Various insects such as face flies, house flies, stable flies, and horn flies can be controlled and treated using the feed-through products of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having oxaloacetate hydrolase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having oxaloacetate hydrolase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Process for obtaining lignan from plant material by extraction with an extraction solvent and separation of the liquid fraction from the plant material. The separated liquid fraction containing the lignan product is subjected to further processing to remove cyanogenic sugars and other impurities. The resulting lignan containing product may be formulated for the treatment of various conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, lupus, and atherosclerosis.

Abstract: A process for extracting secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG) from de-fatted flaxseed is described. The process comprises contacting defatted flaxseed with an extraction solvent of acetone and water, extracting the de-fatted flaxseed with the extraction solvent to extract SDG-containing compounds, removal of solvents, followed by alkaline hydrolysis of the extract to liberate free SDG or its salts.

Abstract: Household cleaning and/or laundry detergent compositions comprising a lignin-derived material, and lignin-derived materials themselves are provided.

Abstract: A method is described for treating hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis or for reducing total cholesterol while raising high-density lipoportoein cholesterol. It involves administering to a patient a substantially pure complex derived from flaxseed and containing secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), cinnamic acid glucosides and hydroxymethyl glutaric acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition and method for controlling odors, the composition containing an activated lignin-derived complex containing a histosol compound, and optionally containing a hydrolytic enzyme, or at least one microorganism capable of providing the hydrolytic enzyme, or a combination of hydrolytic enzyme and at least one microorganism capable of providing the enzyme. The composition can be applied to holding tanks, portable toilets, pulp and paper mills, and other loci giving rise to noxious odors, in particular, to hydrogen sulfide emission.

Abstract: A process for extracting secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG) from de-fatted flaxseed is described. The process comprises contacting defatted flaxseed with an extraction solvent of acetone and water, extracting the de-fatted flaxseed with the extraction solvent to extract SDG-containing compounds, removal of solvents, followed by alkaline hydrolysis of the extract to liberate free SDG or its salts.

Abstract: A multi-function process is described for the separation of cellulose fibers from the other constituents of lignocellulosic biomass such as found in trees, grasses, agricultural waste, and waste paper with application in the preparation of feedstocks for use in the manufacture of paper, plastics, ethanol, and other chemicals. This process minimizes waste disposal problems since it uses only steam, water, and oxygen at elevated temperature in the range of 180° C. to 240° C. for 1 to 10 minutes plus a small amount of chemical reagents to maintain pH in the range 8 to 13. An energy recuperation function is important to the economic viability of the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting the natural juice of ligneous plant material, a device for carrying out said method and the use of said method in the production of dried ligneous plant material. The method for extracting the natural juice of ligneous plant material comprises the following: a pressurization step in which a sealed enclosure containing the plant material is pressurized, whereby the pressure thereof is greater than that of the atmosphere; a stage in which saturating water vapor is created or injected; a stage in which the plant material is heated to the core by means of electromagnetic waves; a step in which the liquid exudates from said plant material are gravitationally recovered.

Abstract: An improved non-dispersing set retarder additive for foamed cements, cement compositions containing the additive, and methods of cementing in a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided. The set retarder additive includes a blend of a sulfonated lignin, preferably a lignosulfonate, with an alkali lignin, preferably a kraft lignin, having an organic sulfur content of 0-3.5% by weight in a ratio of about 6:4 to 8:2. The methods are basically comprised of the steps of preparing a foamed cement composition comprised of hydraulic cement, a non-dispersing set retarder, sufficient water to form a slurry, sufficient gas to foam the slurry and a foaming and foam stabilizing surfactant present in an amount sufficient to facilitate the formation of the foam and stabilize the foamed cement composition.

Abstract: Asphalt emulsions containing emulsifiers comprising alkali metal or ammonium salts of solidified pyrolytic wood tar oil. Resinous compositions useful as asphalt emulsifiers comprising: (a) solidified pyrolytic wood tar oil and salts thereof, and (b) rosins and salts thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to bio-oil compositions, derived from fast pyrolysis of wood feedstocks, that exhibit properties of a preservative. The bio-oil may be used alone, in formulations with either a waterbased, or an oilbased, or a combination of a water based and an oil based preservatives. This invention also includes a method of preparing a wood preservative composition comprising, processing treated wood containing a preservative using a fast pyrolysis reactor, and obtaining the bio-oil fraction. The application of wood products with the bio-oil of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of decomposable soluble products from a slurry of solids in which the slurry is convey axially through the reactor and excess liquid is removed radially through the walls of the reactor. The primary example is the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass to form sugars, usually using an acid catalyst. In one variation of the process liquid and possibly steam are added through the inner wall of the reactor to provide additional flow in the radial direction and to control the temperature. Pressures are maintained such that the product stream is thermally quenched due to partial flashing as it leaves the reactor.

Abstract: A multi-function process is described for the separation of cellulose fibers from the other constituents of lignocellulosic biomass such as found in trees, grasses, agricultural waste, and waste paper with application in the preparation of feedstocks for use in the manufacture of paper, plastics, ethanol, and other chemicals. This process minimizes waste disposal problems since it uses only steam, water, and oxygen at elevated temperature in the range of 180° C. to 240° C. for 1 to 10 minutes plus a small amount of chemical reagents to maintain pH in the range 8 to 13. An energy recuperation function is important to the economic viability of the process.

Abstract: This method will produce depolymerized lignins substantially free from sodium compounds. Black liquor supplied from a pulping process is utilized for providing a mixture of depolymerized lignins dispersed and dissolved in absolution containing sodium hydroxide. The mixture is then separated to form depolymerized lignins and a solution containing sodium hydroxide. Following separation, the depolymerized lignins are then extracted with water to produce an extractate containing water soluble sodium compounds. The extracted depolymerized lignins, containing sodium compounds, are then reacted with an acid to form sodium salts. The solution containing sodium salts is then separated from the extracted depolymerized lignins to produce substantially sodium free depolymerized lignins. The separated solution containing sodium hydroxide is combined with the extractate and the combination, subsequent to removal of water, is made available to reuse for recycle to depolymerize, disperse and dissolve additional lignins.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intermediate product for manufacturing polymers of lignin derivatives from the pulp industry, made by treating the lignin derivatives with phenol oxidizing enzymes in the presence of oxidation agents, characterized in that the lignin derivatives are (a) subjected to enzyme treatment for more than 3 hours in the presence of air, or (b) subjected to enzyme treatment for more than 10 minutes while air or oxygen is being passed through them, or (c) oxidized by treatment with chemical oxidation agents. The intermediate product is used in manufacturing polymers of lignin derivatives from the pulp industry, fiber-reinforced thermosetting composite materials from plant fibers, waterproof papers and cardboards, and thermosetting plastics from lignin derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new process for modification of lignins, particularly from sulfite waste liquor, and preparation of lignin phenol-formaldehyde resin, i.e. thermosetting resins for which some or all of the phenol is replaced by the modified lignin. The lignin is modified in two steps. In the first step, a graft-copolymerization is performed with different kinds of unsaturated monomers containing carbonyl groups, and in particularly aldehyde groups, and also amido, carbonylic, carboxylic, nitrilic, hydroxylic, acetic, amino, and other functional groups. In the second step, the graft-copolymer is treated with formaldehyde, phenol, phenol-formaldehyde, or a mixture thereof, at elevated temperatures. The obtained modified lignin product is used to produce lignin phenol-formaldehyde resins.

Abstract: An anticancer drug of which the main ingredient is bamboo powder. In particular, the bamboo powder is of lower no-branch culm portions of three-year-old and older bamboos, or is of bamboos cut down during the period of three months before the season of bamboo shoots; and pumpkin seed powder, garlic powder, powdered cheese, wheat flour, and water are added to the bamboo powder to make a mixture thereof, and the mixture is allowed to mature.

Abstract: An adhesive binder for bonding together lignocellulosic particles, fibers and flakes of vegetable origin to form particle boards, fiber boards, flake boards and similar wood-based products, comprising a solublized fraction obtained by enzymatic treatment of fibrous, lignocellulosic raw materials. The present binder can be obtained by treating fibrous lignocellulosic raw material with a hydrolytic enzyme in an aqueous medium, recovering the solubilized material of the enzymatic treatment, forming an aqueous suspension containing said material and an oxidase, and oxidizing said material in the presence of said oxidase by introducing oxygen-containing gas into the supension. This method thus produces an increased amount of a water-soluble fraction containing carbohydrates, extractives and lignin useful as an adhesive binder.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intermediate product for manufacturing polymers of lignin derivatives from the pulp industry, made by treating the lignin derivatives with phenol oxidizing enzymes in the presence of oxidation agents, characterized in that the lignin derivatives are (a) subjected to enzyme treatment for more than 3 hours in the presence of air, or (b) subjected to enzyme treatment for more than 10 minutes while air or oxygen is being passed through them, or (c) oxidized by treatment with chemical oxidation agents. The intermediate product is used in manufacturing polymers of lignin derivatives from the pulp industry, fiber-reinforced thermosetting composite materials from plant fibers, waterproof papers and cardboards, and thermosetting plastics from lignin derivatives.

Abstract: A substanially pure chemically bound complex is derived from flax containing secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, cinnamic acid glycosides and hydroxy methyl glutaric acid. The complex is obtained by preparing an aqueous aliphatic alcoholic extract from flax and subjecting this aqueous extract to ultrafiltration whereby low molecular weight species remain with a filtrate and higher molecular weight species comprising the separated complex are retained.

Abstract: The invention proposes a process which enables separation of aromatic polymers which can be precipitated by acidification, as can be found especially in waste water from cellulose production, from an alkaline solution in a reliable manner and in pure form. To achieve good separation capacity, especially by filtration, it is proposed that the polymers be precipitated by reducing the pH at a relatively low temperature, typically between 15 and 60° C., and the dispersion be subsequently reheated until it passes into filterable form, typically between 50 and 95° C. The product separated in this way for example by filtration can be washed and can be dried at a high temperature, especially up to 110° C., without becoming black.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a coated article comprising: (a) preparing a solution of lignin; (b) mixing the lignin solution with a phenol oxidizing enzyme; (c) incubating the mixture from said step (b) under conditions and for a time sufficient to form a solution of a desired viscosity; (d) contacting or spreading the mixture from the step (c) on an article to be coated; and (e) allowing the coating to set onto the article by subjecting the article to conditions and for a time sufficient to form a coating on the surface of the article.

Abstract: A process for depolymerizing and/or chemically modifying lignin or lignin-like compounds in which a solution of copper and peroxide acts on lignin and/or lignin-like substance at a temperature of less than 100° C., characterized in that the solution is an aqueous solution containing copper or a copper complex, a coordination compound and peroxide and wherein the concentration of the copper or copper complex is between 0.001% and 5%, and wherein the concentration of the coordination compound is lower than 20% and wherein the concentration of peroxide is between 0.01% and 20%.

Abstract: A composition that includes the reaction product of a lignin derivative and a reactant selected from the group consisting of alkylating agents, acylating agents, and combinations thereof, where the reaction product has a measurable cohesive strength, and a plasticizer in an amount sufficient to cause the composition to exhibit plastic deformation in response to an applied tensile stress.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating a pesticide with an ultraviolet protectant comprises the steps of forming a slurry of a pesticide and a lignin-containing material, and spraying a stream of acid and the slurry into contact with one another to precipitate the lignin-containing material onto the pesticide and form a protective coating on the pesticide. The pesticide is preferably a biopesticide, and the lignin-containing material is preferably kraft lignin. The method is easily adapted to industrial processes currently used for pesticide production by simply changing the spray drier from a single nozzle system to a dual spray nozzle and then adding the acid stream to the dual nozzle.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polymerized alkali lignin material which comprises reacting an alkaline solution of alkali lignin obtained from an alkaline pulping process at a temperature between about 20.degree. C. to 90.degree. C. with between 5% to 80% by weight based on said alkali lignin of sodium persulfate at a pH of between about 7 to 12 for a sufficient time to form a polymerized alkali lignin. Optionally, the alkaline solution of alkali lignin may be oxidized for a period time sufficient to activate the alkali lignin prior to reacting the solution with sodium persulfate.

Abstract: A polyphenolic-derivative chelating agent derived from lignin, lignin-derived, or lignin-containing materials. The chelating agent is derived by treating the starting material at acidic conditions, followed by oxidative degradation of the acid-treated starting material. The chelating agent has a functional group composition including about 24-29% COOH, about 2.0-3.0% OH(phenolic), and about 17-19% NO.sub.2, by weight, and an average molecular weight of at least about 400.

Abstract: A process for the production of low molecular weight phenolic compounds from lignins through the pyrolysis of the lignins in the presence of a strong base. In a preferred embodiment, potassium hydroxide is present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, the pyrolysis temperature is from about 400.degree. C. to about 600.degree. C. at atmospheric pressure, and the time period for substantial completion of the reaction is from about 1-3 minutes. Examples of low molecular weight phenolic compounds produced include methoxyphenols, non-methoxylated phenols, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A thermochemical process is provided for the use of pulp and paper sludge as a source of lignin through extraction and recovery. Pulp and paper sludge contains common components of plant materials as well as minerals employed in papermaking. Sludge is mixed in an alkaline solution (NaOH 0.4% to 4% by weight, preferably 0.5% to 2%, and most preferably 1% NaOH by weight). The solution is heated in an autoclave at a temperature of 150.degree.-250.degree. C. (preferably 180.degree.-220.degree. C., and most preferably 200.degree. C.) for a short time, e.g., from about half an hour to an hour. The extracted lignin, present in the alkaline solution, is precipitated by lowering the pH of the solution to a value of 3-5 with the use of, for example, an inorganic or organic acid. The precipitated solid lignin is then recovered and dried.

Abstract: The separation of black liquor, containing lignin, from tall oil is enhanced by the addition of a separation aid. The separation aid is an alkylphenol-formaldehyde resin alkoxylate, a poly (proplyene oxide) ethoxylate, an alkanol amine condensate, or combination thereof.

Abstract: A process is described for extracting lignans from flaxseed which comprises contacting a substantially oil-free flaxseed meal with an aliphatic alcohol solvent, e.g. a mixture of methanol or ethanol with water, to extract lignans into the alcohol solvent and separating residual solids from the lignan-rich alcohol solvent. The lignan-rich alcohol solvent is concentrated by removing solvent therefrom and the lignan concentrate obtained is subjected to a base-catalyzed hydrolysis to liberate lignans therefrom in a non-complexed form. Thereafter, the hydrolyzed concentrate is subjected to either a liquid/liquid partition, e.g. by an ethyl acetate/water system, or anion exchange to further enrich the lignans and the lignan-enriched solution thus obtained is subjected to chromatographic separation to isolate lignans at a purity of greater than 90 percent. The lignan, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, was found in amounts of up to 20 mg per gram of defatted flaxseed.

Abstract: Resinous compositions comprising lignin and polymerized rosin. Use of salts of the resinous compositions as concrete air-entraining agents and asphalt emulsifiers.