Applications of enzymatic technologies to the production of high-quality dissolving pulp: A review

Shuo Yang; Bo Yang; Chao Duan; Darcy Alexandra Fuller; Xinqi Wang; Susmita Paul Chowdhury; Jaroslav Stavik; Hongjie Zhang; Yonghao Ni

doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2019.02.132

Applications of enzymatic technologies to the production of high-quality dissolving pulp: A review

Bioresour Technol. 2019 Jun:281:440-448. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.02.132. Epub 2019 Mar 9.

Authors

Shuo Yang¹, Bo Yang², Chao Duan³, Darcy Alexandra Fuller², Xinqi Wang⁴, Susmita Paul Chowdhury², Jaroslav Stavik⁵, Hongjie Zhang⁶, Yonghao Ni⁷

Affiliations

¹ Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, College of Paper Making Science and Technology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China; Limerick Pulp & Paper Centre & Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
² Limerick Pulp & Paper Centre & Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
³ College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Papermaking Technology and Specialty Paper Development, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China.
⁴ Limerick Pulp & Paper Centre & Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada; College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Papermaking Technology and Specialty Paper Development, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China.
⁵ Schweighofer Fiber GmbH, Salzachtalstraße 88, Postfach 62, 5400 Hallein, Austria.
⁶ Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, College of Paper Making Science and Technology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
⁷ Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, College of Paper Making Science and Technology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China; Limerick Pulp & Paper Centre & Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada. Electronic address: yonghao@unb.ca.

PMID: 30876797
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.02.132

Abstract

Recently, the worldwide production of dissolving pulp has grown rapidly. Enzymatic technologies play an important role in producing high-quality dissolving pulp, due to their green, mild conditions, high specificity and efficiency. In this review, the relevant publications regarding enzyme applications for dissolving pulp are summarized. Cellulase and xylanase are two major enzymes used for this purpose. Cellulase can improve the quality of dissolving pulp, such as improving the reactivity/accessibility, controlling the intrinsic viscosity and adjusting the molecular weight. Xylanase is mainly used to increase the purity of the dissolving pulp and improve the pulp brightness. Furthermore, in order to increase the enzymatic treatment efficiency, the enzymatic technology can be combined with other techniques, including mechanical refining, fiber fractionations, alkali treatment and use of additives. The advantages, disadvantages and practical implications are analyzed. Also, the potential of other enzymes (such as laccase, mannanase) are discussed.

Keywords: Cellulase; Combined treatment; Dissolving pulp; Hemicellulose removal; Reactivity; Xylanase.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cellulase / metabolism
Cellulose / metabolism*
Endo-1,4-beta Xylanases / metabolism
Viscosity
Wood / chemistry*

Substances

Cellulose
Cellulase
Endo-1,4-beta Xylanases