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2026, 11(2): 100230.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100230
Abstract:
Global agriculture faces a dual crisis: accelerating soil degradation, which depletes soil organic carbon (SOC) and water-holding capacity (WHC), coupled with the buildup of unutilized (waste) lignocellulosic biomass (LCB). Valorizing this waste LCB into sustainable soil amendments offers a key solution to improve soil water retention and crop yields. However, a thorough review of current conversion pathways, including pyrolysis, torrefaction, solid-state fermentation (SSF), and deep eutectic solvents (DES), highlights significant technological and economic challenges. These issues include high energy requirements, low product stability, slow processing speeds, and poor economic viability. Despite these practical obstacles, meta-analyses strongly support the fundamental effectiveness of LCB-derived amendments in restoring SOC, boosting crop production, and remediating contaminants. Therefore, the main challenge has shifted from proving agronomic effectiveness to developing cost-effective production methods that enhance energy efficiency and stability. Scaling these technologies for industrial applications requires an integrated approach that combines technical optimization, economic feasibility, and data-driven management to restore degraded lands and ensure food security.
Global agriculture faces a dual crisis: accelerating soil degradation, which depletes soil organic carbon (SOC) and water-holding capacity (WHC), coupled with the buildup of unutilized (waste) lignocellulosic biomass (LCB). Valorizing this waste LCB into sustainable soil amendments offers a key solution to improve soil water retention and crop yields. However, a thorough review of current conversion pathways, including pyrolysis, torrefaction, solid-state fermentation (SSF), and deep eutectic solvents (DES), highlights significant technological and economic challenges. These issues include high energy requirements, low product stability, slow processing speeds, and poor economic viability. Despite these practical obstacles, meta-analyses strongly support the fundamental effectiveness of LCB-derived amendments in restoring SOC, boosting crop production, and remediating contaminants. Therefore, the main challenge has shifted from proving agronomic effectiveness to developing cost-effective production methods that enhance energy efficiency and stability. Scaling these technologies for industrial applications requires an integrated approach that combines technical optimization, economic feasibility, and data-driven management to restore degraded lands and ensure food security.
2026, 11(2): 100249.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100249
Abstract:
The transformation of abundant bioresources into versatile bioproducts is the cornerstone of modern bioeconomy. Microalgae are sustainable bioresources traditionally used for biofuels and food supplements. Additionally, their unique structure and physiological characteristics make them promising platforms for high-value bioproducts. While the potential of microalgae-based smart and functional materials is rapidly expanding, the direct utilization of microalgae biomass faces inherent limitations in biomedicine, including inadequate targeting specificity, suboptimal bioavailability, and limited functionality under native conditions. Therefore, the controlled assembly of microalgae with polymers, nanoparticles, and therapeutic drugs to manufacture microalgae-based composite bioproducts is critical for unlocking their potential in precise diagnosis and therapy. This review presents structural design strategies and recent applications of functionalized microalgae bioproducts in biomedical scenarios, linking functionalization strategies to performance considerations, focusing on fabricating advanced composite bioproducts from raw bioresources. Specifically, functionalized microalgae enable lesion-localization imaging, biosensing and real-time monitoring in diagnostics; promote wound healing, resist harmful substances, and address emergencies like myocardial ischemia in therapeutics; and achieve targeted drug delivery, enhanced efficacy of photodynamic, photothermal and sonodynamic therapy in theranostics. Finally, the technical and clinical translation bottlenecks of functionalized microalgae are discussed, emphasizing interdisciplinary solutions spanning bioresources to biomedicine, aiming to provide actionable insights for researchers in related fields.
The transformation of abundant bioresources into versatile bioproducts is the cornerstone of modern bioeconomy. Microalgae are sustainable bioresources traditionally used for biofuels and food supplements. Additionally, their unique structure and physiological characteristics make them promising platforms for high-value bioproducts. While the potential of microalgae-based smart and functional materials is rapidly expanding, the direct utilization of microalgae biomass faces inherent limitations in biomedicine, including inadequate targeting specificity, suboptimal bioavailability, and limited functionality under native conditions. Therefore, the controlled assembly of microalgae with polymers, nanoparticles, and therapeutic drugs to manufacture microalgae-based composite bioproducts is critical for unlocking their potential in precise diagnosis and therapy. This review presents structural design strategies and recent applications of functionalized microalgae bioproducts in biomedical scenarios, linking functionalization strategies to performance considerations, focusing on fabricating advanced composite bioproducts from raw bioresources. Specifically, functionalized microalgae enable lesion-localization imaging, biosensing and real-time monitoring in diagnostics; promote wound healing, resist harmful substances, and address emergencies like myocardial ischemia in therapeutics; and achieve targeted drug delivery, enhanced efficacy of photodynamic, photothermal and sonodynamic therapy in theranostics. Finally, the technical and clinical translation bottlenecks of functionalized microalgae are discussed, emphasizing interdisciplinary solutions spanning bioresources to biomedicine, aiming to provide actionable insights for researchers in related fields.
2026, 11(2): 100232.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100232
Abstract:
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as promising energy storage systems owing to their high safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, their practical application faces critical challenges, including the formation of Zn dendrites and the occurrence of parasitic side reactions. These phenomena not only hinder ion transport kinetics but also cause rapid capacity decay and potential battery failure. To address these limitations, we developed a sustainable double-crosslinked cellulose hydrogel electrolyte by integrating micron-sized cellulose and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). The hydrogel electrolyte, constructed from cellulose components with distinct size scales, exhibits a well-organized hierarchical porous network structure, which significantly facilitates the migration of zinc ions. Specifically, nanocellulose serves as a reinforcing filler that enhances the mechanical strength of the dual-network electrolyte, thereby inhibiting Zn dendrite growth. Additionally, abundant carboxyl polar functional groups were also introduced as high-affinity Zn2+ binding sites to mitigate side reactions. Consequently, the assembled Zn//Zn symmetric cells with this electrolyte demonstrate superior cycling stability exceeding 1100 h at current density of 0.5 mA/cm2, along with a high-capacity retention of 79.9% after 1000 cycles in the Zn//V2O5 battery. Furthermore, this cellulose hydrogel electrolyte is easily accessible and biodegradable, paving the way for the scalable production of high-performance and environmentally friendly energy storage devices.
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as promising energy storage systems owing to their high safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, their practical application faces critical challenges, including the formation of Zn dendrites and the occurrence of parasitic side reactions. These phenomena not only hinder ion transport kinetics but also cause rapid capacity decay and potential battery failure. To address these limitations, we developed a sustainable double-crosslinked cellulose hydrogel electrolyte by integrating micron-sized cellulose and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). The hydrogel electrolyte, constructed from cellulose components with distinct size scales, exhibits a well-organized hierarchical porous network structure, which significantly facilitates the migration of zinc ions. Specifically, nanocellulose serves as a reinforcing filler that enhances the mechanical strength of the dual-network electrolyte, thereby inhibiting Zn dendrite growth. Additionally, abundant carboxyl polar functional groups were also introduced as high-affinity Zn2+ binding sites to mitigate side reactions. Consequently, the assembled Zn//Zn symmetric cells with this electrolyte demonstrate superior cycling stability exceeding 1100 h at current density of 0.5 mA/cm2, along with a high-capacity retention of 79.9% after 1000 cycles in the Zn//V2O5 battery. Furthermore, this cellulose hydrogel electrolyte is easily accessible and biodegradable, paving the way for the scalable production of high-performance and environmentally friendly energy storage devices.
2026, 11(2): 100233.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100233
Abstract:
Hydroxyl functionalized additives (Ga-OHs) that can inhibit lignin re-polymerization have demonstrated significant potential in biomass resource conversion and utilization. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this inhibitory effect remain poorly understood. This study systematically compares the lignin condensation inhibition capabilities of four hydroxyl functionalized additives with distinct functional group effects: salicylic acid, mannitol, 2-naphthol, and glycolic acid. Results indicate that lignin condensation inhibition is primarily associated with hydrogen bonding interactions formed between hydroxyl functionalized additives and oxygen containing functionalities on lignin side chains, while van der Waals interactions contribute as non-specific stabilizing contacts at the early stages. Rapid electron flow in short-chain compounds molecules stabilized the lignin structure. The strong hydrogen bond interaction between mannitol and oxygen groups in lignin branches (-80.38 kJ/mol) enhanced the stability of a separated lignin in a strong acidic environment, which resulted in a high β-O-4 content (up to 47.12 per 100 aromatic units). Here, we comparatively screened hydroxyl functionalized additives with different structures under dilute acid pretreatment and linked the quantitative outcomes of lignin condensation inhibition to density functional theory (DFT) validated noncovalent interactions. This work provides insight into the separation of low condensation lignin and informs the screening of additives with lignin condensation inhibition potential.
Hydroxyl functionalized additives (Ga-OHs) that can inhibit lignin re-polymerization have demonstrated significant potential in biomass resource conversion and utilization. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this inhibitory effect remain poorly understood. This study systematically compares the lignin condensation inhibition capabilities of four hydroxyl functionalized additives with distinct functional group effects: salicylic acid, mannitol, 2-naphthol, and glycolic acid. Results indicate that lignin condensation inhibition is primarily associated with hydrogen bonding interactions formed between hydroxyl functionalized additives and oxygen containing functionalities on lignin side chains, while van der Waals interactions contribute as non-specific stabilizing contacts at the early stages. Rapid electron flow in short-chain compounds molecules stabilized the lignin structure. The strong hydrogen bond interaction between mannitol and oxygen groups in lignin branches (-80.38 kJ/mol) enhanced the stability of a separated lignin in a strong acidic environment, which resulted in a high β-O-4 content (up to 47.12 per 100 aromatic units). Here, we comparatively screened hydroxyl functionalized additives with different structures under dilute acid pretreatment and linked the quantitative outcomes of lignin condensation inhibition to density functional theory (DFT) validated noncovalent interactions. This work provides insight into the separation of low condensation lignin and informs the screening of additives with lignin condensation inhibition potential.
2026, 11(2): 100234.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100234
Abstract:
The widespread deployment of renewable energy sources worldwide, such as wind power and photovoltaics, has created an urgent need for efficient energy storage systems. Biomass-derived carbon aerogels, due to their environmentally friendly and sustainable properties, have emerged as ideal precursor materials for advanced energy storage applications, particularly in supercapacitors. This study developed a method to prepare phytate-induced phosphorus/sulfur (P/S) co-doped magnesium lignosulfonate-based carbon aerogels (LCAs). Phytate induction facilitated the formation of regular spherical structures while simultaneously optimizing surface morphology and enabling efficient and uniform doping of P and S heteroatoms. The optimized sample, LCA-2-700, the lignin-based carbon aerogel that was prepared with the magnesium lignosulfonate (LS): sodium alginate (SA): phytic acid (PA) mass ratio of 5: 5: 2 and carbonized at 700 ℃, exhibited a specific capacitance of 362 F/g at the current density of 0.5 A/g, with the assembled device achieving an energy density of 40.1 W·h/kg at a power density of 700 W/kg. After 20,000 cycles, the capacitance retention rate remained at 82.5%, demonstrating excellent electrochemical durability. The high performance was attributed to the synergistic effects of its spherical structure, high specific surface area, and P/S dual-heteroatom doping. This study provides an effective approach for synergistic structure-doping regulation of lignin-based carbon aerogels and provides a potential pathway for practical applications in high-performance supercapacitors.
The widespread deployment of renewable energy sources worldwide, such as wind power and photovoltaics, has created an urgent need for efficient energy storage systems. Biomass-derived carbon aerogels, due to their environmentally friendly and sustainable properties, have emerged as ideal precursor materials for advanced energy storage applications, particularly in supercapacitors. This study developed a method to prepare phytate-induced phosphorus/sulfur (P/S) co-doped magnesium lignosulfonate-based carbon aerogels (LCAs). Phytate induction facilitated the formation of regular spherical structures while simultaneously optimizing surface morphology and enabling efficient and uniform doping of P and S heteroatoms. The optimized sample, LCA-2-700, the lignin-based carbon aerogel that was prepared with the magnesium lignosulfonate (LS): sodium alginate (SA): phytic acid (PA) mass ratio of 5: 5: 2 and carbonized at 700 ℃, exhibited a specific capacitance of 362 F/g at the current density of 0.5 A/g, with the assembled device achieving an energy density of 40.1 W·h/kg at a power density of 700 W/kg. After 20,000 cycles, the capacitance retention rate remained at 82.5%, demonstrating excellent electrochemical durability. The high performance was attributed to the synergistic effects of its spherical structure, high specific surface area, and P/S dual-heteroatom doping. This study provides an effective approach for synergistic structure-doping regulation of lignin-based carbon aerogels and provides a potential pathway for practical applications in high-performance supercapacitors.
2026, 11(2): 100235.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100235
Abstract:
Paper derived from plant fibers is considered a highly promising alternative to non-degradable plastic packaging. However, its widespread use in packaging is limited by its poor water- and oil-proof properties. To address this challenge, this study developed a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/lignin nanoparticles (LNPs)/stearic acid (SA) (PLS) Pickering emulsion composite coating to fabricate high-performance biodegradable paper. In the emulsion system, the PVA acted as an oil-repellent in the aqueous phase, the SA served as a water-repellent in the oil phase, and the LNPs functioned as emulsifiers that effectively stabilized the emulsion. Owing to the synergistic effect among PVA, SA, and LNPs, the coated paper exhibited good water- and oil-proof properties (with a water contact angle of 111.2°, Cobb 60 value of 17.73 g/m2, and Kit rating exceeding 9/12), along with high mechanical strength (including a dry tensile strength of 7.12 kN/m and a wet tensile strength of 0.97 kN/m). While significantly enhancing performance, the PLS emulsion coating retained the environmental benefits of paper, could be easily removed to facilitate fiber recycling, and the coated paper was fully degradable in soil within 120 d. Overall, the PLS emulsion coating effectively enhanced the properties of paper without compromising its eco-friendly characteristics, demonstrating significant potential for promoting the substitution of plastic with paper.
Paper derived from plant fibers is considered a highly promising alternative to non-degradable plastic packaging. However, its widespread use in packaging is limited by its poor water- and oil-proof properties. To address this challenge, this study developed a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/lignin nanoparticles (LNPs)/stearic acid (SA) (PLS) Pickering emulsion composite coating to fabricate high-performance biodegradable paper. In the emulsion system, the PVA acted as an oil-repellent in the aqueous phase, the SA served as a water-repellent in the oil phase, and the LNPs functioned as emulsifiers that effectively stabilized the emulsion. Owing to the synergistic effect among PVA, SA, and LNPs, the coated paper exhibited good water- and oil-proof properties (with a water contact angle of 111.2°, Cobb 60 value of 17.73 g/m2, and Kit rating exceeding 9/12), along with high mechanical strength (including a dry tensile strength of 7.12 kN/m and a wet tensile strength of 0.97 kN/m). While significantly enhancing performance, the PLS emulsion coating retained the environmental benefits of paper, could be easily removed to facilitate fiber recycling, and the coated paper was fully degradable in soil within 120 d. Overall, the PLS emulsion coating effectively enhanced the properties of paper without compromising its eco-friendly characteristics, demonstrating significant potential for promoting the substitution of plastic with paper.
2026, 11(2): 100236.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100236
Abstract:
This work upcycled waste chitin-based shells into porous carbons via a chemical-free steam activation route using only N2 and water vapor, and investigated their adsorption/desorption behaviors toward the greenhouse gas n-butane. The textural and structural properties of chitin-based porous carbons (Ch-PCs) were characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The n-butane working capacity (butane activity and retentivity) was also evaluated. The Ch-PCs exhibited specific surface areas of 720-1350 m2/g and total pore volumes of 0.53-1.10 cm3/g, with micropore volumes of 0.25-0.48 cm3/g and mesopore volumes of 0.28-0.62 cm3/g. As the activation time increased, the n-butane adsorption capacity increased from 22.3% to 43.6%, while the retentivity (residual adsorption) decreased from 16.9% to 9.2%. The n-butane adsorption/desorption behaviors were strongly correlated with the pore structure of the Ch-PCs. The adsorption capacity showed a strong relationship with the pore size of 1.0-3.0 nm, whereas the retentivity was mainly associated with the pore size of 3.0-5.0 nm. These findings demonstrated that steam-activated chitin-derived carbons, prepared from waste biomass by a chemical-free activation process, could serve as promising bio-based adsorbents for efficient greenhouse gas capture and recovery.
This work upcycled waste chitin-based shells into porous carbons via a chemical-free steam activation route using only N2 and water vapor, and investigated their adsorption/desorption behaviors toward the greenhouse gas n-butane. The textural and structural properties of chitin-based porous carbons (Ch-PCs) were characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The n-butane working capacity (butane activity and retentivity) was also evaluated. The Ch-PCs exhibited specific surface areas of 720-1350 m2/g and total pore volumes of 0.53-1.10 cm3/g, with micropore volumes of 0.25-0.48 cm3/g and mesopore volumes of 0.28-0.62 cm3/g. As the activation time increased, the n-butane adsorption capacity increased from 22.3% to 43.6%, while the retentivity (residual adsorption) decreased from 16.9% to 9.2%. The n-butane adsorption/desorption behaviors were strongly correlated with the pore structure of the Ch-PCs. The adsorption capacity showed a strong relationship with the pore size of 1.0-3.0 nm, whereas the retentivity was mainly associated with the pore size of 3.0-5.0 nm. These findings demonstrated that steam-activated chitin-derived carbons, prepared from waste biomass by a chemical-free activation process, could serve as promising bio-based adsorbents for efficient greenhouse gas capture and recovery.
2026, 11(2): 100247.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100247
Abstract:
The utilization of H2O as solvent is widely favored in the field of material synthesis due to its environmentally friendly properties. However, in the synthesis process of renewable hydrophobic materials, the limited solubility of containing hydroxyl carbohydrate in H2O poses challenges to achieving effective collisions. Herein, H2O-assisted grinding facilitated the generation of active hydroxyl groups in sodium methylsilicate, thereby promoting condensation or encapsulation with diversified substrates (e.g., molecules, lignin, cellulose, fulvic acid, plants, hydroxide, metal salts, elementary substance, oxides, and metal-organic framework-5 (MOF-5)) through node-node, node-line, node-sheet connections and surface-modified strategies. The reactions were catalyzed exclusively by H2O and accompanied by the CO2 fixation. The first utilization of sodium methylsilicate enabled the successful fabrication of organic/plant/metal-based hydrophobic porous materials and silicon-modified materials from renewable and cost-effective substrates through mechanical activation. H2O-assisted grinding enabled the prepared hydrophobic porous materials with surface areas of 129-388 m2/g and yields of 66%-90%, overcoming challenges in liquid-phase methods. Notably, H2O in the untreated plant tissues can initiate the system to directly synthesize renewable hydrophobic porous materials and capture CO2 from the atmosphere to produce NaHCO3 as the byproduct. Meanwhile, the obtained hydrophobic material has been successfully applied in oil-water separation (permeability of petroleum ether >801 L/(m2·h)), medical waste adsorption (propofol separation rate >85%), pollutant degradation (Rhodamine B, Congo red, and Nile red dye removal rate of 90%-99.99%), and flood control engineering (remained well waterproof after 10 days). The work proposed a general and facile H2O-assisted grinding strategy to prepare various renewable hydrophobic materials, enabling efficient utilization of naturally abundant hydroxyl-containing renewable resources and demonstrating promising potential for environmental applications.
The utilization of H2O as solvent is widely favored in the field of material synthesis due to its environmentally friendly properties. However, in the synthesis process of renewable hydrophobic materials, the limited solubility of containing hydroxyl carbohydrate in H2O poses challenges to achieving effective collisions. Herein, H2O-assisted grinding facilitated the generation of active hydroxyl groups in sodium methylsilicate, thereby promoting condensation or encapsulation with diversified substrates (e.g., molecules, lignin, cellulose, fulvic acid, plants, hydroxide, metal salts, elementary substance, oxides, and metal-organic framework-5 (MOF-5)) through node-node, node-line, node-sheet connections and surface-modified strategies. The reactions were catalyzed exclusively by H2O and accompanied by the CO2 fixation. The first utilization of sodium methylsilicate enabled the successful fabrication of organic/plant/metal-based hydrophobic porous materials and silicon-modified materials from renewable and cost-effective substrates through mechanical activation. H2O-assisted grinding enabled the prepared hydrophobic porous materials with surface areas of 129-388 m2/g and yields of 66%-90%, overcoming challenges in liquid-phase methods. Notably, H2O in the untreated plant tissues can initiate the system to directly synthesize renewable hydrophobic porous materials and capture CO2 from the atmosphere to produce NaHCO3 as the byproduct. Meanwhile, the obtained hydrophobic material has been successfully applied in oil-water separation (permeability of petroleum ether >801 L/(m2·h)), medical waste adsorption (propofol separation rate >85%), pollutant degradation (Rhodamine B, Congo red, and Nile red dye removal rate of 90%-99.99%), and flood control engineering (remained well waterproof after 10 days). The work proposed a general and facile H2O-assisted grinding strategy to prepare various renewable hydrophobic materials, enabling efficient utilization of naturally abundant hydroxyl-containing renewable resources and demonstrating promising potential for environmental applications.
2026, 11(2): 100248.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100248
Abstract:
Ultrastrong bamboo is a lightweight, high-strength material with application potential exceeding that of natural bamboo. However, its high strength is not preserved in longer macroscopic assemblies for practical applications, which exhibit substantially inferior tensile strength (~363 MPa). To address this challenge, we designed a scalable ultrastrong bamboo strip (SUS-bamboo) featuring a structure with interfacial homogeneous fusion through a self-reinforcing strategy. This enhancement was achieved by a significant increase in the interfacial hydrogen-bond density via the synergistic effect of exposed nanofibers on the fiber surface and in situ dissolved regenerated cellulose nanofibrils. The SUS-bamboo exhibited a tensile strength of 942 MPa in macroscopic assembled form, which was 3.5 times that of the conventional assembly. The lower-cost, node-containing, scalable ultrastrong bamboo achieved a tensile strength of 553 MPa (two-layer bonded). This study provided an advanced strategy for the design and application of sustainable bamboo composites.
Ultrastrong bamboo is a lightweight, high-strength material with application potential exceeding that of natural bamboo. However, its high strength is not preserved in longer macroscopic assemblies for practical applications, which exhibit substantially inferior tensile strength (~363 MPa). To address this challenge, we designed a scalable ultrastrong bamboo strip (SUS-bamboo) featuring a structure with interfacial homogeneous fusion through a self-reinforcing strategy. This enhancement was achieved by a significant increase in the interfacial hydrogen-bond density via the synergistic effect of exposed nanofibers on the fiber surface and in situ dissolved regenerated cellulose nanofibrils. The SUS-bamboo exhibited a tensile strength of 942 MPa in macroscopic assembled form, which was 3.5 times that of the conventional assembly. The lower-cost, node-containing, scalable ultrastrong bamboo achieved a tensile strength of 553 MPa (two-layer bonded). This study provided an advanced strategy for the design and application of sustainable bamboo composites.
2026, 11(2): 100250.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100250
Abstract:
Lignin-derived phenolic compounds pose a critical bottleneck in the sustainable enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose by causing severe enzyme inhibition. While surfactants can significantly alleviate this inhibition, their structure-function relationships and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the mitigating effects of various surfactants were quantitatively characterized, revealing that hydrophobicity, hydrogen bonding ability, and electrophilicity are the key structural descriptors for their efficacy. Experimental analysis confirmed that selected surfactants significantly mitigated phenolic-induced enzyme deactivation and precipitation. Circular dichroism spectroscopy further revealed that surfactants effectively restored the secondary structure (specifically α-helix content) and stabilized the enzyme conformation against phenolic denaturation. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated that surfactants preferentially bind within the catalytic tunnel of cellulase with stronger affinities (from -20.08 to -29.71 kJ/mol) compared to phenolics, driven by hydrogen bond anchoring reinforced by extensive hydrophobic and π-π stacking interactions with key tunnel residues. Collectively, these findings support a competitive stabilization mechanism, providing new insights into the surfactant-mediated protection of cellulase, facilitating more efficient lignocellulose enzymatic hydrolysis.
Lignin-derived phenolic compounds pose a critical bottleneck in the sustainable enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose by causing severe enzyme inhibition. While surfactants can significantly alleviate this inhibition, their structure-function relationships and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the mitigating effects of various surfactants were quantitatively characterized, revealing that hydrophobicity, hydrogen bonding ability, and electrophilicity are the key structural descriptors for their efficacy. Experimental analysis confirmed that selected surfactants significantly mitigated phenolic-induced enzyme deactivation and precipitation. Circular dichroism spectroscopy further revealed that surfactants effectively restored the secondary structure (specifically α-helix content) and stabilized the enzyme conformation against phenolic denaturation. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated that surfactants preferentially bind within the catalytic tunnel of cellulase with stronger affinities (from -20.08 to -29.71 kJ/mol) compared to phenolics, driven by hydrogen bond anchoring reinforced by extensive hydrophobic and π-π stacking interactions with key tunnel residues. Collectively, these findings support a competitive stabilization mechanism, providing new insights into the surfactant-mediated protection of cellulase, facilitating more efficient lignocellulose enzymatic hydrolysis.
2021, 6(4): 292-322.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2021.03.003
2020, 5(3): 143-162.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2020.07.001
2020, 5(1): 1-15.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2020.03.001
2020, 5(4): 223-237.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2020.10.001
2019, 4(1): 11-21.
doi: 10.21967/jbb.v4i1.189
2020, 5(3): 143-162.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2020.07.001
2016, 1(3): 106-113.
doi: 10.21967/jbb.v1i3.49
2020, 5(1): 1-15.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2020.03.001
Current Issue
Year 2026 Vol. 11 No.2
Table of ContentsCN32-1890/S7
ISSN 2369-9698
J. Bioresour. Bioprod.
Quarterly
Started in 2016
Editor-in-chief
Huining Xiao, Prof.
University of New Brunswick, Canada
Jianchun Jiang, Prof.
Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Chinese Academy of Forestry, China
- 1Superhydrophobic modification of cellulose and cotton textiles: method-ologies and applications
- 2Chitosan as A Preservative for Fruits and Vegetables: A Review on Chemistry and Antimicrobial Properties
- 3An overview of bio-based polymers for packaging materials
- 4Natural Mesoporous Activated Carbon from Toxic Plant Stellera Chamaejasme Roots by Chemical Methods
- 1Chitosan as A Preservative for Fruits and Vegetables: A Review on Chemistry and Antimicrobial Properties
- 2Utilization of waste straw and husks from rice production: A review
- 3An overview of bio-based polymers for packaging materials
- 4Superhydrophobic modification of cellulose and cotton textiles: method-ologies and applications
- 1Synthesis and Application of Granular Activated Carbon from Biomass Waste Materials for Water Treatment: A Review
- 2Utilization of waste straw and husks from rice production: A review
- 3Superhydrophobic modification of cellulose and cotton textiles: method-ologies and applications
- 4Cellulose nanocomposites:Fabrication and biomedical applications
News
- Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts is now indexed by SCIE
- The Latest Review on Thermochemical Conversion of Woody Biomass for Green H2 Production and CO2 Capture
- Editors of JB&B Attend the Third National Cellulose Symposium for Journal Publicity
- 2023 JB&B Working Conference Held in Nanjing Forestry University
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