Abstract: A solid support for immobilization of microorganism cells is made of a synthetic polymer such as a polyolefin, in admixture with an organic polymeric plant material such as corn fibers, oat hulls, starch, and cellulose. Preferably, the synthetic polymer is in an amount of about 50-95% wt-% and the plant material is in an amount of about 5-50 wt-%. Preferred polyolefins are polyethylene and polypropylene. The plant material may be a mixture including a plant material that functions as a nutrient to enhance growth of the microorganism on the support. The support may be produced by combining the synthetic polymer and plant material to form a composite, dough-like thermoplastic composition. The composition may be prepared in an extrusion mixer and co-extruded as an extrudate to form a shaped article.

Abstract: Biodegradation of deradeable plastic polyethylene by lignin degrading microorganisms.

Abstract: A water soluble, acid precipitable polymeric degraded lignin (APPL), having a molecular weight of at least 12,000 daltons, and comprising, by percentage of total weight, at least three times the number of phenolic hydroxyl groups and carboxylic acid groups present in native lignin. The APPL may be modified by chemical oxidation and reduction to increase its phenolic hydroxyl content and reduce the number of its antioxidant inhibitory side chains, thereby improving antioxidant properties.