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Lignocellulosic Biomass III
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Lignocellulosic Biomass III

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Macromolecular Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 September 2025 | Viewed by 13943

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Alejandro Rodríguez Pascual

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Córdoba, Building Marie-Curie, Campus of Rabanales, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
Interests: biorefinery; cellulose; lignin; lignocellulosic residues; nanocellulose; biobased; biomaterials; paper; papermaking; packaging; biocomposites; environmental remediation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Eduardo Espinosa Víctor

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Córdoba, Building Marie-Curie, Campus of Rabanales, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
Interests: biorefinery; bio-based materials; packaging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Carlos Orestes Martin Medina

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
1. Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, N-2317 Hamar, Norway
2. Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 90 187 Umeå, Sweden
Interests: lignocellulosic materials; pretreatment; enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose; biorefineries; biochemical conversion of lignocellulose; cellulosic ethanol; biofuels
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The emergence of concepts and production models such as the bioeconomy and circular economy mark the path along which society must redirect its course to achieve real sustainable development.

Implementation and continuous development of the bio- and circular economy in most sectors of industry and society can ensure an improved quality of life, both now and for future generations. In maintaining this paradigm, the scientific community plays a very important role in generating the basic knowledge that gives rise to technology and allows developments in the laboratory to be transferred to society.

The integral valorization of lignocellulosic biomass is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. The transformation of lignocellulosic biomass for the production of materials, energy, platform molecules, and chemicals through sustainable, scalable, and economically viable processes is a current challenge for the scientific community and other relevant stakeholders.

Following the success of the SI (Special Issue) "Lignocellulosic Biomass" and "Lignocellulosic Biomass II", we are pleased to launch the third new SI titled "Lignocellulosic Biomass III". Similarly, the aim of this third Special Issue is to compile the latest advances in the characterization, transformation, and application of lignocellulosic biomass and its by-products. The continuous progress and the high degree of innovation in this area in recent times make it necessary to periodically review these advances in order to serve as a reference for researchers interested in this area.

Prof. Dr. Alejandro Rodríguez Pascual
Dr. Eduardo Espinosa Víctor
Prof. Dr. Carlos Orestes Martin Medina
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biocomposites
  • bioeconomy
  • bioenergy
  • biofuels
  • plant biomass
  • biopolymers
  • biorefinery
  • cellulose
  • wood chemistry
  • circular economy
  • lignocellulose conversion
  • hemicelluloses
  • lignin
  • nanocellulose
  • natural compounds
  • lignocellulose pretreatment
  • carbohydrates
  • biomass valorization

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 4134 KiB  
Article
The Fungi–Bacteria Interaction Mechanism of Microbial Consortium During Efficient Lignin Degradation Based on Metabolomics Analysis
by Wen Zhang, Yilei Wen, Zhequan Wang, Chenyang Diao and Zhiwei Liu
Molecules 2025, 30(3), 508; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30030508 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 875
Abstract
Microbial consortium degradation technology can improve the degradation efficiency and adaptability through fungi–bacteria synergism, but the mechanism of the fungi–bacteria interaction is still unclear, making it difficult to optimize the degradation process. The microbial consortium J-6, with high lignin degradation efficiency and strong [...] Read more.
Microbial consortium degradation technology can improve the degradation efficiency and adaptability through fungi–bacteria synergism, but the mechanism of the fungi–bacteria interaction is still unclear, making it difficult to optimize the degradation process. The microbial consortium J-6, with high lignin degradation efficiency and strong environmental adaptability, was obtained in our previous research. In this study, the fungi–bacteria interacting mechanism of the microbial consortium J-6 was inferred based on metabolomics technology. The results showed that the positive interaction between fungi and bacteria could improve the efficiency of lignin degradation. The metabolites released by fungi, especially betanidin and ergosterol, had an impact on bacterial metabolism, promoted the degradation of macromolecules, and significantly increased the lignin degradation efficiency. Metabolites released by bacteria, especially L-phenylalanine and taurine, played a key role in fungal metabolism, leading to more complete degradation. The interaction mechanism of chemical currencies exchange between fungi and bacteria during lignin degradation obtained in this study can provide theoretical guidance for microbial consortium degradation technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Biomass III)
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17 pages, 7845 KiB  
Article
Production of Long-Fiber Pulp from Enset Plant Residues by Soda Pulping
by Hanna Berhanu Lemma, Friedrich Steffen, Abubeker Yimam Ali and Bodo Saake
Molecules 2024, 29(20), 4874; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29204874 - 14 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1051
Abstract
This paper evaluates the modification of fiber morphology and the strength property development of paper from Enset fiber as a function of soda pulping conditions and refining energy. Soda pulping was conducted at pulping temperatures between 160 and 180 °C. The NaOH charge [...] Read more.
This paper evaluates the modification of fiber morphology and the strength property development of paper from Enset fiber as a function of soda pulping conditions and refining energy. Soda pulping was conducted at pulping temperatures between 160 and 180 °C. The NaOH charge was 16, 20, and 24% based on the initial raw material. The beating of pulp was conducted using a Jokro mill. The refining of pulp was conducted in a laboratory refiner at different refining intensities. The mild Jokro mill beating was not effective on Enset fiber pulp. On the other hand, the laboratory refiner effectively refined the pulp. The fiber morphology was altered in the way of improving the paper formation and strength. The beating degree of the pulp was increased to about 49 °SR. The tensile index was enhanced to around 80 Nm/g using a refining energy input of 250 kwh/t. From the results, it can be concluded that Enset fiber pulp is suitable for packaging papers due to its high strength level. On the other hand, Enset fiber can be a potential raw material for specialty papers like filter paper and tea bags because of its high porosity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Biomass III)
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26 pages, 8642 KiB  
Article
Study of the Effect of Cedar Sawdust Content on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Cement Boards
by Anas El Hamri, Yassine Mouhib, Atmane Ourmiche, Mohammed Chigr and Nour-Eddine El Mansouri
Molecules 2024, 29(18), 4399; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29184399 - 16 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1922
Abstract
The growing demand for sustainable building materials, amid escalating costs, has spurred interest in alternative solutions such as wood cement composites. This study explores the feasibility of producing wood cement boards (WCBs) using locally sourced cedar sawdust as a reinforcing agent. Boards with [...] Read more.
The growing demand for sustainable building materials, amid escalating costs, has spurred interest in alternative solutions such as wood cement composites. This study explores the feasibility of producing wood cement boards (WCBs) using locally sourced cedar sawdust as a reinforcing agent. Boards with a thickness of 10 mm and a target density of 1200 kg/m3 were manufactured under pressures ranging from 2 to 6 MPa for 24 h. Cedar sawdust, used as raw and untreated material, was incorporated into the mixture as a partial substitute for cement in varying proportions, ranging from 10% to 25% (by weight). The WCBs were cured for 28 days under ambient conditions. Physical properties including density, water absorption (WA), and thickness swelling (TS) were assessed, along with mechanical properties through flexural tests. The results showed that increasing cedar sawdust content decreased both density and mechanical performance while increasing WA and TS. Microstructural analysis (SEM and EDS) revealed significant porosity at higher sawdust contents, while lower contents had better matrix–reinforcement cohesion. Additionally, substantial levels of calcium and silicon were detected on the sawdust surface, indicating stabilized cement hydration products. These findings, supported by thermal (TGA and DSC) and FTIR analyses, clearly demonstrate that cement boards with 10% cedar sawdust exhibit favorable properties for non-structural applications, such as wall and partition cladding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Biomass III)
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27 pages, 9433 KiB  
Article
Pyrolysis and Physicochemical, Thermokinetic and Thermodynamic Analyses of Ceiba aesculifolia (Kunth) Britt and Baker Waste to Evaluate Its Bioenergy Potential
by José Juan Alvarado Flores, Luis Fernando Pintor Ibarra, Fernando Daniel Mendez Zetina, José Guadalupe Rutiaga Quiñones, Jorge Víctor Alcaraz Vera and María Liliana Ávalos Rodríguez
Molecules 2024, 29(18), 4388; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29184388 - 15 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1570
Abstract
Ceiba aesculifolia is an important species in Mexico that generates significant amounts of biomass waste during its exploitation, which can be utilized to produce energy. This study presents the characterization of this waste based on chemical (proximal and elemental) and thermal analyses (TGA-DTG) [...] Read more.
Ceiba aesculifolia is an important species in Mexico that generates significant amounts of biomass waste during its exploitation, which can be utilized to produce energy. This study presents the characterization of this waste based on chemical (proximal and elemental) and thermal analyses (TGA-DTG) at different heating rates (β = 10–30 °C/min (283–303 K/min)) in the presence of nitrogen and in a temperature range of 25–900 °C. Kinetic parameters were calculated and analyzed as well. Activation energy (Ea) and the pre-exponential factor (A) were determined using the Friedman (132.03 kJ/mol, 8.11E + 10 s −1), FWO (121.65 kJ/mol, 4.30E + 09), KAS (118.14 kJ/mol, 2.41E + 09), and Kissinger (155.85 kJ/mol, 3.47E + 11) kinetic methods. Variation in the reaction order, n (0.3937–0.6141), was obtained by Avrami’s theory. We also calculated the thermodynamic parameters (ΔH, ΔG, ΔS) for each kinetic method applied. The results for Ea, A, n, ΔH, ΔG, and ΔS show that this biomass waste is apt for use in pyrolysis. Moreover, the moisture (<10%), ash (<2%), volatile material (>80%), and HHV (>19%) contents of C. aesculifolia allowed us to predict acceptable performance in generating energy and fuels. Finally, infrared spectroscopy analysis (FT-IR) allowed us to identify important functional groups, including one that belongs to the family of the aliphatic hydrocarbons. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Biomass III)
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14 pages, 1489 KiB  
Article
Chemical and Energetic Characterization of the Wood of Prosopis laevigata: Chemical and Thermogravimetric Methods
by Luis Fernando Pintor-Ibarra, José Juan Alvarado-Flores, José Guadalupe Rutiaga-Quiñones, Jorge Víctor Alcaraz-Vera, María Liliana Ávalos-Rodríguez and Oswaldo Moreno-Anguiano
Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2587; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112587 - 31 May 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1262
Abstract
Diverse methodologies exist to determine the chemical composition, proximate analysis, and calorific value of biomass. Researchers select and apply a specific methodology according to the lignocellulosic material they study and the budgetary resources available. In this project, we determined the primary chemical constitution [...] Read more.
Diverse methodologies exist to determine the chemical composition, proximate analysis, and calorific value of biomass. Researchers select and apply a specific methodology according to the lignocellulosic material they study and the budgetary resources available. In this project, we determined the primary chemical constitution and proximate analysis of Prosopis laevigata (Humb. & Bonpl.) Jonhst wood using a traditional chemical method and a novel procedure based on the deconvolution of the DTG signal produced by TGA. The highest calorific value was verified using a calorimetric pump based on mathematical models. We also conducted elemental analysis and a microanalysis of ash, and applied Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis (FT-IR). The means of the results obtained by the chemical method and TGA-DTG, respectively, were: hemicelluloses 7.36%–(8.72%), cellulose 48.28%–(46.08%), lignin 30.57%–(32.44%), extractables 13.53%–(12.72%), moisture 2.03%–(4.96%), ash 1.77%–(1.90%), volatile matter 75.16%–(74.14%), and fixed carbon 23.05%–(18.93%). The procedure with the calorimetric pump generated a calorific value above 20.16 MJ/kg. The range generated by the various models was 18.23–21.07 MJ/kg. The results of the elemental analysis were: carbon 46.4%, hydrogen 6.79%, oxygen 46.43%, nitrogen 0.3%, and sulfur 0.5%. The microanalysis of ash identified 18 elements. The most abundant ones were potassium ˃ calcium ˃ sodium. Based on the infrared spectrum (FT-IR) of Prosopis laevigata wood, we detected the following functional groups: OH, C-H, C=O, CH2, CH3, C-O-C, C-OH, and C4-OH. Our conclusion is that the TGA-DTG method made it possible to obtain results in less time with no need for the numerous reagents that chemical procedures require. The calorific value of P. laevigata wood is higher than the standards. Finally, according to our results, proximate analysis provides the best model for calculating calorific value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Biomass III)
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14 pages, 2601 KiB  
Article
Açai Seeds (Euterpe oleracea Mart) Are Agroindustrial Waste with High Potential to Produce Low-Cost Substrates after Acid Hydrolysis
by Willen Silva Igreja, Luiza Helena da Silva Martins, Rafaela Rodrigues de Almeida, Johnatt Allan Rocha de Oliveira, Alessandra Santos Lopes and Renan Campos Chisté
Molecules 2023, 28(18), 6661; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28186661 - 16 Sep 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1586
Abstract
Açai seeds have been discarded improperly around the Amazonia region, but they can be seen as promising low-cost substrates for fermentation processes. The structural carbohydrates and physicochemical characterization of açai seeds from the Amazonia were assessed followed by the determination of the optimal [...] Read more.
Açai seeds have been discarded improperly around the Amazonia region, but they can be seen as promising low-cost substrates for fermentation processes. The structural carbohydrates and physicochemical characterization of açai seeds from the Amazonia were assessed followed by the determination of the optimal hydrolysis conditions using H3PO4 (phosphoric acid) and H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) to obtain a liquor with high contents of simple carbohydrates and low levels of potential microbial inhibitors usually generated during acid hydrolysis of carbohydrates. A central composite rotational design was carried out varying the concentrations of diluted acid (0–5%, w/v), solids (0.1–25%, w/v), and hydrolysis time (9.5–110 min). Acid hydrolysis with H2SO4 was more effective in producing reducing sugars (15.9–103.1 g/L) than H3PO4 (2.9–33.9 g/L) during optimization. The optimal hydrolysis conditions with H2SO4 were 3.5% of acid (w/v), 25% of solids during 70 min at 121 °C, which provided a liquor with 55 g/L of reducing sugars and low levels of microbial inhibitors: acetic acid (1.8 g/L), hydroxymethyl furfural (338 mg/L), and furfural (10 mg/L). Thus, açai seeds were characterized as promising agroindustrial waste with high potential to be used as a low-cost substrate in biotechnological processes, comprising relevant environmental and bioeconomic aspects for the development of the Amazonia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Biomass III)
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25 pages, 7725 KiB  
Article
Mathematical Modelling and Optimization for Facile Synthesis of Structured Activated Carbon (ACs) from Adansonia kilima (Baobab) Wood Chips Integrating Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis for the Elimination of Lead (II) Cations from Wastewater Effluents
by Santhana Sellamuthu, Zaira Zaman Chowdhury, Khalisanni Khalid, Shahjalal Mohd. Shibly, Md Mahfujur Rahman, Masud Rana, Irfan Anjum Badruddin, H. M. T. Khaleed, Sarfaraz Kamangar, Mohd. Rafie Bin Johan, Mohamed Hussein, Ajita Mitra and Abu Nasser Faisal
Molecules 2023, 28(18), 6640; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28186640 - 15 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1575
Abstract
In this research, activated carbon (AC) was synthesized from ligno-cellulosic residues of Adansonia kilima (Baobab) wood chips (AKTW) using two-step semi-carbonization and subsequent pyrolysis using microwave-induced heating (MWP) in the presence of a mild activating agent of K2CO3. The [...] Read more.
In this research, activated carbon (AC) was synthesized from ligno-cellulosic residues of Adansonia kilima (Baobab) wood chips (AKTW) using two-step semi-carbonization and subsequent pyrolysis using microwave-induced heating (MWP) in the presence of a mild activating agent of K2CO3. The influence of process input variables of microwave power (x1), residence time (y1), and amount of K2CO3 (z1) were analysed to yield superior quality carbon having maximum removal efficiencies (R1) for lead (II) cations from waste effluents, fixed carbon percentages (R2), and carbon yield percentages (R3). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to develop relevant mathematical models, with an appropriate statistical assessment of errors. Level factorial response surface methodology (RSM) relying on the Box–Behnken design (BBD) was implemented for the experimental design. The surface area and porous texture of the samples were determined using Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) adsorption/desorption curves based on the N2 isotherm. Surface morphological structure was observed using field emission scanning electron microscopic (FESEM) analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was carried out to observe the thermal stability of the sample. Change in the carbon content of the samples was determined using ultimate analysis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to observe the crystalline and amorphous texture of the samples. The retention of a higher proportion of fixed carbon (80.01%) ensures that the synthesized adsorbent (AKTWAC) will have a greater adsorption capacity while avoiding unwanted catalytic activity for our synthesized final sample. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Biomass III)
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Review

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19 pages, 1753 KiB  
Review
The Future of Graphene: Preparation from Biomass Waste and Sports Applications
by Yueting Wu, Yanlong Li and Xiangyang Zhang
Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1825; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081825 - 17 Apr 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3101
Abstract
At present, the main raw material for producing graphene is graphite ore. However, researchers actively seek alternative resources due to their high cost and environmental problems. Biomass waste has attracted much attention due to its carbon-rich structure and renewability, emerging as a potential [...] Read more.
At present, the main raw material for producing graphene is graphite ore. However, researchers actively seek alternative resources due to their high cost and environmental problems. Biomass waste has attracted much attention due to its carbon-rich structure and renewability, emerging as a potential raw material for graphene production to be used in sports equipment. However, further progress is required on the quality of graphene produced from waste biomass. This paper, therefore, summarizes the properties, structures, and production processes of graphene and its derivatives, as well as the inherent advantages of biomass waste-derived graphene. Finally, this paper reviews graphene’s importance and application prospects in sports since this wonder material has made sports equipment available with high-strength and lightweight quality. Moreover, its outstanding thermal and electrical conductivity is exploited to prepare wearable sensors to collect more accurate sports data, thus helping to improve athletes’ training levels and competitive performance. Although the large-scale production of biomass waste-derived graphene has yet to be realized, it is expected that its application will expand to various other fields due to the associated low cost and environmental friendliness of the preparation technique. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Biomass III)
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