Aerial Phytomass Production and Growth Performances of Five Common Tall Species in Andean Grasslands at Harvesting and Application of Natural Fertilizers

The objective of the research was to evaluate: aerial cover, canopy height and aerial phytomass production in five of the most common tall species in the area, in order to articulate it to a plant fiber production project. For the evaluation, 5 plots of 900 m2 were fenced, including 50 subplots of 32 m2, which were fertilized with cattle manure and phosphate rock. Monthly measurements were made from October 2020 to June 2021. At the end of the control, significant differences were observed for P = .01. Between plots they ranged from 1533�8 to 2909�2 cm2 in canopy cover (CC), from 36.9�89 to 38.3�31 cm in canopy height (CH) and 44�11 to 129�11 g DM/plant in Aerial Phytomass Production (AFP). Between species, they ranged from 2067�6 to 2975�0 cm2 in CC, from 33.2�86 to 40.3�24 cm in CH, and from 49.4�.52 to 162.4�49g DM/plant in AFP. By fertilization effect the AFP varied as follows: those fertilized with phosphate rock reached 109.5�72 g DM/plant (14.7%), with cattle manure 88.8�72 g DM/plant (-5.3%), and finally the control plants with 93.5�.03 g DM/plant, which means. A high canonical correlation was also observed between biological variables (canopy cover, canopy height, and dry matter production) and climatic variables (maximum temperature, minimum T. in 癈, and rainfall in liters/m2). It was shown that tussock species respond quickly to cutting and natural fertilization has beneficial effects on biological indicators, despite the altitudinal difference between the plots and the particular species.

Comparative physiological and histological investigations on resistant and susceptible pomegranate genotypes infected with Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Punicae

Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae (Xap) is a bacterial pathogen wreaking havoc in pomegranate cultivation. It causes bacterial blight disease dwindling yield and making fruit unfit for consumption. Physiological and histological investigations during host-pathogen interaction are prerequisite to assess the onset of defense mechanism in plants. Therefore, we tried to compare the pomegranate resistant (IC 318734) and highly susceptible (Ruby) genotypes challenged with Xap. The bacterial suspension containing Xap cells of 0.3 OD600 (~106 to 107CFU mL?1) was used for challenge inoculation. Uniformly grown resistant and highly susceptible plants were selected, the surface of leaves was pricked and spray-inoculated with bacterial suspension using native strain IIHR1 (NCBI Gen Bank ID: KT 222897). Simultaneously, the control plants were also sprayed with only distilled water and observed. A total of three replications with five plants per replication were maintained and evaluated under completely randomized design. Physiological investigations were recorded using Portable photosynthesis system (LCpro+, ADC BioScientific limited, UK) for one cycle of disease progression viz., 0, 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 days after bacterial spray inoculation (DAI). Significant changes in gas exchange parameters were witnessed on pathogen inoculation. Higher reduction in mean percent change of photosynthetic and transpiration rate, instantaneous water use efficiency, internal CO2 content, stomatal conductance and relative water content were noticed in highly susceptible genotype than resistant one. On contrary, an increased percent mean change of intrinsic water use efficiency, carboxylation capacity and lignin was documented in resistant genotype. Relative injury caused due to bacterial infection was found high in highly susceptible genotype than resistant one. Histological investigations in highly susceptible and resistant genotype were studied on 20th day of Xap inoculation using Scanning Electron Microscopy. Highly susceptible genotype exhibited maximum deformed cells, tissues and other visible abnormalities upon Xap inoculation. Thus, this study forms a basis for effective disease management and breeding programmes in pomegranate.

Changes in chemical composition of cover crops residue during decomposition / Mudanças na composição química dos resíduos culturais de plantas de cobertura durante a decomposição

Crop residues decomposition are controlled by chemical tissue components. This study evaluated changes on plant tissue components, separated by the Van Soest partitioning method, during cover crop decomposition. The Van Soest soluble fraction was the first to be released from the crop residues, followed by cellulose and hemicellulose. Lignin was the crop residue component that suffered the least degradation, and for certain crop residue types, lignin degradation was not detected. The degradation of the main components of crop residues (soluble fraction, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) is determined by the chemical and structural composition of each fraction.

A decomposição de resíduos culturais é controlada pela composição química do tecido vegetal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações que ocorrem nos componentes do tecido vegetal, separados pelo fracionamento de Van Soest, durante a decomposição de plantas de cobertura. A fração solúvel foi a primeira a ser liberada dos resíduos culturais, seguida pela celulose e hemicelulose. A lignina foi o componente dos resíduos culturais de menor degradação, sendo que em alguns resíduos culturais não foi possível detectar a degradação deste componente. A degradação dos principais componentes dos resíduos culturais (fração solúvel, celulose, hemicelulose e lignina) é determinada pela composição química e estrutural de cada uma destas frações.

Meta-analytical study of the effect of fibers in neutral detergent and acidic detergent in the diet of finishing pigs / Estudo meta-analítico do efeito das fibras em detergente neutro e detergente ácido na dieta de suínos em terminação

ABSTRACT: Performance and carcass traits of finishing pigs fed diets containing different levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were evaluated through meta-analysis. The database was constructed using information from 24 papers, 113 treatments, and 2507 animals. Correlation and variance analyze were performed. The weight gain of the pigs showed a negative correlation (P < 0.01) with the dietary NDF content and with NDF consumption. The feed conversion ratio showed a positive correlation (P < 0.01) with the inclusion of ADF in the test ingredient and with the consumption of NDF and ADF. The backfat thickness showed a negative correlation (P < 0.05) with the NDF content in the diets. The analysis of variance showed that the performance of finishing pigs was not influenced (P > 0.05) by the inclusion of ingredients with high NDF content. Likewise, the inclusion of ingredients with high ADF content did not alter (P > 0.05) feed intake and feed conversion ratio. However, the use of ingredients with a high ADF content reduced (P < 0.05) by 4% the weight gain of the pigs. The use of ingredients with high concentrations of NDF and ADF negatively affect the weight gain and feed conversion of finishing pigs; however, the ADF-related fraction has a positive relationship with the reduction of the backfat thickness.

RESUMO: O desempenho e as características de carcaça de suínos em terminação alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes níveis de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) foram avaliados por meio de meta-análise. O banco de dados foi construído com informações de 24 artigos, 113 tratamentos e 2.507 animais. Análises de correlação e variância foram realizadas. O ganho de peso dos suínos apresentou correlação negativa (P < 0,01) com o teor de FDN da dieta e com o consumo de FDN. A taxa de conversão alimentar apresentou correlação positiva (P < 0,01) com a inclusão de FDA presente nos ingredientes testados e com o consumo de FDN e FDA. A espessura do toucinho apresentou correlação negativa (P < 0,05) com o teor de FDN das dietas. A análise de variância mostrou que o desempenho dos suínos em terminação não foi influenciado (P > 0,05) pela inclusão de ingredientes com alto teor de FDN. Da mesma forma, a inclusão de ingredientes com alto teor de FDA não alterou (P > 0,05) o consumo de ração e a conversão alimentar. Porém, o uso de ingredientes com alto teor de FDA reduziu (P < 0,05) em 4% o ganho de peso dos suínos. O uso de ingredientes com altas concentrações de FDN e FDA afetam negativamente o ganho de peso e conversão alimentar de suínos em terminação, porém fração relacionada a FDA tem relação positiva com a redução da espessura de toucinho.

Advances in lignin valorization from a biorefinery concept / 生物工程学报

Lignin valorization for fuels and value-added products is essential to enhance the profitability and sustainability of biorefineries. Due to the complex and heterogeneous structure of lignin, technical barriers hinder the implementation of economic lignin utilization. Here, we summarize the major challenges facing lignin valorization processes. Different pretreatment methods, especially emerging combinatorial pretreatment approaches for isolating and tailoring lignin are introduced. To overcome the heterogeneity of lignin structure and improve lignin processability, advances in fractionation approaches including organosolv extraction, membrane technology, and gradient precipitation are analyzed and presented. Furthermore, progress in lignin valorization by thermochemical and biological conversion coupling with pretreatment and fractionation are systematically reviewed. Finally, we discuss advanced strategies and perspectives for future research involving biomass pretreatment, lignin fractionation and conversion processes.

Fiber composition and digestibility of fodder in different ryegrass fields submitted to different harvesting management systems / [Composição da fibra e digestibilidade da forragem de diferentes cultivares de azevém submetidos a diferentes sistemas de manejo de colheita]

This essay aims to evaluate the composition of fiber in neutral detergent, digestibility of plant components, as well as ruminal disappearance rate of fodder dry matter from five ryegrass fields submitted to different cut systems for the production of haylage. The experimental design was the randomized blocks one, at a 5 x 3 factorial scheme, with five cultivars (cv.) of ryegrass Lolium multiflorum (cv. Barjumbo, cv. BarHQ, cv. Ribeye, cv. Potro and cv. Willians) associated with three harvesting management systems: 1- single harvesting system at a pre-floral stage; 2 - double harvesting system, with a cut at vegetative stage and another at pre-floral stage; and 3 - triple harvesting system, with a cut at vegetative stage, a cut at full vegetative stage and a cut at pre-floral stage, with three repetitions each. Similarities were noticed on the results of fodder digestibility of different fields, however, cv. Potro presented a higher ruminal disappearance rate after 48 hours, with 69.27%. Generally, the harvesting management system with the increase of ryegrass cut frequency determined increments on the percentage of lignin and the reduction in the concentration of total nutrients and dry matter digestibility of the resulting hylage.(AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a composição da fibra em detergente neutro, digestibilidade dos componentes da planta, bem como a taxa de desaparecimento ruminal da matéria seca da forragem de cinco cultivares de azevém submetidos a diferentes sistemas de cortes para produção de silagem pré-secada. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso,, em um fatorial 5 x 3, sendo cinco cultivares de azevém Lolium multiflorum (cv. Barjumbo, cv. BarHQ, cv. Ribeye, cv. Potro e cv. Willians) associados a três sistemas de manejo de colheita: 1 - sistema com única colheita no estádio de pré-florescimento; 2 - sistema com uma colheita no estádio vegetativo e outra no estádio de pré-florescimento; e 3 - sistema com uma colheita no estádio vegetativo, uma no estádio pleno vegetativo e outra no estádio de pré-florescimento, com três repetições cada. Notou-se similaridade entre os resultados de digestibilidade da forragem entre os cultivares, porém o cv. Potro apresentou a maior taxa de desaparecimento ruminal após 48 horas, com 69,27%. De maneira geral, o sistema de manejo de colheita mostrou que o aumento do número de cortes do azevém determinou incrementos nos teores de lignina e redução na concentração de nutrientes digestíveis totais e da digestibilidade da matéria seca nas silagens pré-secadas resultantes.(AU)

Studies on delignification in jute (Corchorus spp L.) fibre with promising lignin degrading bacterial isolates

Aim: To investigate the reduction of lignin content in jute (Corchorus spp. L.) with promising lignin degrading bacterial isolates.Methodology: Promising lignin degrading bacterial isolates were screened on the basis of potency index, MnP (manganese peroxidase) and LiP (lignin peroxidase) activities. Very efficient ligninolytic isolates were used for laboratory scale delignification trial and the resultant fibre was tested for lignin content, fibre strength and fineness. The efficient isolates were identified up to species level with Biolog Inc. based on the metabolic fingerprinting of the isolates. Results: Out of 95 ligninolytic bactetial isolates, twenty isolates having potency index >1.10 on the basis of Azure-B dye degradation test were selected for enzyme assays. Five promising isolates (L3, L9, L10, L26 and L30) were selected for delignification trial on the basis of high MnP (126 – 482 U l-1 min-1), and LiP (558.7 – 615.6 U l-1 min-1) activities. The isolate L9 performed best among the five isolates and could reduce lignin content from 11.33 to 8.84% i.e. a reduction of 21.97% from the control. All the five isolates were identified as Bacillus spp. Interpretation: Delignification of jute by using lignin degrading bacteria without any environmental hazard may be considered as an alternate method of chemical delignification for minimization of environmental pollution

Expression and function analysis of transcription factor PcMYB1 from Polygonum cuspidatum / 中草药

Objective: To identify the transcriptional activity and expression profile of PcMYB1, encoding a new R2R3-MYB transcription factor from Polygonum cuspidatum, and evaluate the biological functions of PcMYB1 in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana. Methods: The yeast one-hybrid system assay was conducted to test the transcriptional activity of PcMYB1. The tissue-specific expression profiles of PcMYB1 and the gene expression of P. cuspidatum leaves in response to UV-C irradiation were analyzed by RT-PCR analysis. To assess the biological functions of PcMYB1, the gene was expressed in A. thaliana under the control of CaMV 35S promoter. To obtain information about the lignin composition, cross-sections of the basal part of the inflorescence stem of wild-type and transgenic A. thaliana plants were treated with Wiesner staining, and the lignin content was measured by acetyl bromide method. RT-PCR analysis was used to determine expression levels of the genes encoding the enzymes of lignin biosynthesis. Results: After expression of reporter and effector constructed in yeast, β-galactosidase assays showed that the transcriptional activation activity of VP16 domain was reduced markedly when fused to PcMYB1 protein, indicating that PcMYB1 has transcriptional repression activities. Expression pattern analysis showed that PcMYB1 was widely expressed in all tissues examined, but predominantly in leaves. PcMYB1 showed a peak of transcription at 6 h post UV-C treatment. The transgenic lines with reduction in height was 24.07% shorter than the wild-type plants. Wiesner staining of lignin in stem cross-sections revealed the typical intense red stain of secondary cell walls in wild-type plants, but less intense staining was detected in transgenic plants, and lignin accumulation was significantly decreased (about 14.81%) in transgenic plants stems. The expression of genes involved in the lignin biosynthetic pathway, including AtC4H, AtC3H, AtF5H, AtCOMT, and AtCAD, were down-regulated in transgenic lines compared to wild-type plants. Conclusion: Taken together, this study provided the evidence for the biological functions of PcMYB1 as a negative regulator of lignin pathway.

Transcriptome analysis reveals key enzyme genes involved in lignin biosynthesis pathway in Arctium lappa / 中草药

Objective: To obtain the functional genes in Arctium lappa and analyze the key enzyme genes involved in biosynthesis pathway of lignin. Methods: The transcriptome dataset of roots of A. lappa was obtained by using the BGISEQ-500 sequencing platform. Unigenes were de novo assembled and annotated according to the existing nucleic acids and protein databases. The key enzyme genes involved in lignin biosynthesis pathway were analyzed and the three-dimensional model of phenylalanine ammonialyase (AlPAL) was generated by the SWISS-MODEL and PyMol. Results: A total of 54 215 Unigenes were obtained by de novo assembly, and 42 003 Unigenes were annotated in at least one public database. A total of 1 668 Unigenes were identified to be plant transcription factors (TFs), which belong to 54 TF families, and 423 Unigenes were found to be involved in the biosynthesis pathway of lignin. Structure model indicated that AlPAL was a homotypic tetramer, and each monomer was consisted of three domains, including 4-methyl-imidazole-5-ketone (MIO) domain, core domain and shield domain. The MIO domain contained three conserved amino acids (ASG), which formed the catalytic activity center of the enzyme. Conclusion: This study was the first de novo transcriptome assembly of A. lappa, which will lay the foundation for the identification of functional genes, secondary metabolic pathway and the study of regulation mechanism of biosynthesis pathway of lignin in A. lappa in the future.

Bacterial pretreatment of paddy straw for enhancing biogas production

Aim: Increasing the digestibility of paddy straw and biogas production by pretreating it with bacterial culture, Delftia sp. PP4_S3. Methodology: The chopped (3-5 cm) and soaked paddy straw in different sets (each with 250 g PS) were pretreated with bacterial culture i.e., Delftia sp. PP4_S3 suspension for different durations and was further utilized for biogas production. Results: Biogas yield was highest (180 l kg-1 PS) in paddy straw treated with Delftia sp. PP4_S3 for 3 days showing an increase of 66.1% from untreated paddy straw. Chemical analysis approximately showed that maximum reduction of lignin (45.7%) and silica (17.7%) occurred in 5 days of pretreatment. Interpretation: Treatment of paddy straw with Delftia sp. PP4_S3 enhance the digestibility of paddy straw by lowering the lignin and silica content. These observations showed that Delftia sp. PP4_S3 is a good lignocellulosic degrader and can be efficiently used for enhancing biogas production

Assessment of wasteland derived biomass for bioethanol production

Background: The bioethanol produced from biomass is a promising alternative fuel. The lignocellulose from marginal areas or wasteland could be a promising raw material for bioethanol production because it is present in large quantities, is cheap, renewable and has favorable environmental properties. Despite these advantages, lignocellulosic biomass is much more difficult to process than cereal grains, due to the need for intensive pretreatment and relatively large amounts of cellulases for efficient hydrolysis. Therefore, there is a need to develop an efficient and cost-effective method for the degradation and fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol. Results: The usefulness of lignocellulosic biomass from wasteland for the production of bioethanol using pretreatment with the aid of ionic liquids of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride was evaluated in this study. The pretreatment process, enzymatic hydrolysis and alcoholic fermentation lasted a total of 10 d. The largest amounts of bioethanol were obtained from biomass originating from agricultural wasteland, in which the dominant plant was fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) and from the field where the common broom (Cytisus scoparius) was the dominant. Conclusions: The plants such as fireweed, common broom, hay and goldenrod may be useful for the production of liquid biofuels and it would be necessary in the further stage of research to establish and optimize the conditions for the technology of ethyl alcohol producing from these plant species. Enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass from agricultural wastelands results in a large increase in fermentable sugars, comparable to the enzymatic hydrolysis of rye, wheat, rice or maize straw.

Improvement of ethanol production from birch and spruce pretreated with 1-H-3-methylmorpholinium chloride

Background: Pretreatment is the critically important step for the production of ethanol from lignocelluloses. In this study, hardwood birch (Betula pendula) and softwood spruce (Norway spruce) woods were pretreated with a newly synthesized morpholinium ionic liquid, 1-H-3-methylmorpholinium chloride ([HMMorph][Cl]), followed by enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation to ethanol. Results: [HMMorph][Cl] was synthesized using inexpensive raw materials, i.e., hydrochloric acid and N-methyl morpholine, following a simple process. The influence of pretreatment time (2, 3, 5, and 8 h) and temperature (120 and 140°C) in terms of hydrolysis efficiency was investigated. Glucose yields from enzymatic hydrolysis were improved from 13.7% to 45.7% and 12.9% to 51.8% after pretreatment of birch and spruce woods, respectively, under optimum pretreatment conditions (i.e., at 140°C for 3 h) as compared to those from pristine woods. Moreover, the yields of ethanol production from birch and spruce were increased to 34.8% and 44.2%, respectively, while the yields were negligible for untreated woods. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the ability of [HMMorph][Cl] as an inexpensive agent to pretreat both softwood and hardwood.

Evaluation of Lysinibacillus SP, isolated from coptotermes curvignathus gut, for the delignification of oil palm residues / Avaliação de Lysinibacillus SP, isolado a partir do intestino de Coptotermes curvignathus, para a deslignificação de resíduos de óleo de palma (Dendê)

The application of ligninolytic bacteria and enzymes is a green pre-treatment alternative in the production of paper and biofuel from oil palm residues. In this study we investigated the ability of Lysinibacillus pakistanensis isolated from termite gut in degrading the lignin component of oil palm residues. The residues were biotreated with the bacterial strain in an aerated submerged fermentation system for 7 days at 30 , pH 7 and compared with untreated control. Enzyme activities were determined using specific substrates. Peak lignin peroxidase (377.6 U/L), manganese peroxidase (218.19 U/L), and laccase (405.4 U/L) activity were recorded after 4,4, and 5 days of incubation respectively, using oil palm leaf as substrates. Lignin loss of 4.5%, 5.7% and 6.6% in oil palm leaf, oil palm trunk and empty fruit bunch respectively was achieved after treatment with the microorganism. SEM images revealed structural changes in the cell wall of the residues. Pre-treatment with this bacterial strain has promising prospects of improving the efficiency of the pulping process in an environmentally safe manner.

A aplicação de bactérias e enzimas ligninolíticas é uma alternativa verde de pré-tratamento na produção de papel e biocombustível a partir de resíduos de óleo de palma. Neste estudo, investigamos a capacidade de Lysinibacillus pakistanensis isolado do intestino de cupins na degradação do componente de lignina dos resíduos de dendê. Os resíduos foram biotratados com a estirpe bacteriana num sistema de fermentação submersa arejado durante 7 dias a 30ºC, pH 7 e comparados com controle não tratado. As atividades enzimáticas foram determinadas usando substratos específicos. Pico de lignina peroxidase (377,6 U/L), peroxidase de manganês (218,19 U/L) e atividade de lacase (405,4 U/L) foram registradas após 4,4 e 5 dias de incubação, respectivamente, utilizando como substratos a folha da palmeira de dendê. A perda de lignina de 4,5%, 5,7% e 6,6% na folha da palmeira, no tronco do dendezeiro e cacho de frutas vazio, respectivamente, foi alcançada após o tratamento com o microorganismo. Imagens de MEV revelaram alterações estruturais na parede celular dos resíduos. O pré-tratamento com esta cepa bacteriana tem perspectivas promissoras de melhorar a eficiência do processo de polpação de maneira ambientalmente segura.

Painéis de partículas elaborados do mesocarpo do dendê como alternativa ao MDF utilizado na construção civil / Particles panels prepared from dendê mesocarp as an alternative to MDF used in civil construction

RESUMO A escassez dos recursos florestais integrada à necessidade de aquisição de produtos mais ecológicos demanda o uso de outros tipos de biomassa, além da madeira no setor construtivo. Diante disso, o mesocarpo do dendê - resíduo oriundo da agroindústria e com grande potencial de utilização para desenvolvimento de novos materiais - surge como alternativa na elaboração de painéis lignocelulósicos em substituição ao MDF (medium density fiberboard) convencionalmente utilizado. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho demonstrou a viabilidade da produção e a integridade estrutural desse tipo de painel na fabricação de elementos construtivos a serem empregados na construção civil, mediante estudo comparativo entre suas propriedades com as de painéis de MDF. A metodologia consistiu na realização de ensaios de caracterização dos painéis, por meio da determinação de suas propriedades físicas (absorção de água, inchamento e densidade) e mecânicas (resistência à flexão e módulo de elasticidade), além da morfologia dos painéis produzidos, mediante a técnica de microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), análise química (por meio do espectro de infravermelho com transformada de Fourier) e térmica, por meio de curvas termogravimétricas e derivada. Dos resultados obtidos, tem-se que a produção desses painéis sem aglutinantes, obtidos pela incorporação do mesocarpo de dendê, agrega valor à cadeia produtiva do dendê, além de surgir como alternativa aos desafios inerentes à produção tradicional dos painéis de madeira e, consequentemente, como opção de elemento construtivo a ser integrado à construção civil.

ABSTRACT The lack of forest resources integrated with the need of purchasing more environmentally friendly products requires the use of other types of biomass besides wood in the construction sector. Therefore, the dendê mesocarp - waste arising from the agro-industry and with great use potential in developing new materials - is an alternative in the preparation of lignocellulosic panels to replace MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), that is conventionally used. Thus, this work demonstrated the feasibility of the production and the structural integrity of this type of panel in the manufacture of building blocks to be used in civil construction through a comparative study of their properties with the MDF panels. The methodology consists in performing characterization tests in panels through determining their physical (water absorption, swelling and density) and mechanical (flexion resistance and modulus of elasticity) properties, besides analysing the morphology of the panels produced by the Scanning Electron Microscopy (MEV) technique, performing a chemical (via infrared spectrum Fourier transform) and thermal analysis through derived thermogravimetric curves. The results obtained suggest that the production of these panels without a binder, obtained by the incorporation of dendê mesocarp, adds value to the production chain of dendê, in addition to emerge as an alternative to the challenges inherent to the traditional production of wood panels and, consequently, is considered as an option of a constructive element to be integrated with the construction.

Extração e caracterização da lignina proveniente do pré-tratamento de biomassa para produção de etanol de 2a geração / Extraction and characterization of lignin from the pre-treatment of biomass for 2 nd generation ethanol production

RESUMO A biomassa destaca-se como um dos poucos recursos disponíveis com potencial de desenvolvimento de biorrefinarias para a inclusão de rotas alternativas sustentáveis na produção de energia e produtos químicos. A lignina é um subproduto do pré-tratamento da biomassa na produção de etanol de segunda geração, basicamente composta de cadeias de carbono e que pode ter alto valor agregado. Contudo, tem sido tradicionalmente utilizada para geração de energia por queima direta. Sendo assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a influência do pH na precipitação do licor negro, variando o pH de 1 a 7, bem como caracterizar os componentes da sua estrutura química para possíveis usos futuros. Após a obtenção da massa precipitada, procedeu-se às análises espectrofotométricas no infravermelho e no ultravioleta, além da quantificação de fenóis totais, nas frações sólidas e líquidas das ligninas provenientes dos diferentes pH. Os resultados demonstram que as maiores concentrações de lignina foram obtidas nos menores valores de pH. As análises instrumentais indicaram diferenças nos componentes de cada lignina, sugerindo que sua composição química é influenciada pela alteração do pH. Ainda, a concentração total de fenóis no sobrenadante das amostras foi menor em pH mais baixos, confirmando que há maiores concentrações desses na fração sólida das ligninas.

ABSTRACT Biomass appears to be one of the few resources available with the potential of developing bio refineries for the inclusion of sustainable alternative routes in the production of energy and chemicals. Lignin is a 2nd generation by-product of biomass pre-treatment on ethanol production, and consists of carbon chains, which can have a high added value. However, lignin is being considered just for energy generation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of pH in the precipitation of black liquor through its acidification of in different pH values (1-7), and to characterize the components of its chemical structure for possible future use. After determining the precipitated mass, a spectrophotometric analysis was carried out on infrared and ultraviolet, along with the quantification of total phenolic compounds in the solid and liquid fractions of lignin derived from different pH ranges. The results showed that the higher lignin concentrations were obtained at lower pH values. The instrumental analysis indicated significant differences in each lignin's components, suggesting that its chemical composition is influenced by pH change. To conclude, the total concentration of phenolic compounds in the supernatant of the samples was lower at lower pH ranges, indicating that there are higher concentrations of these in lignin's solid fraction.

Forage potential of Urochloa genotypes by using leaf anatomy / Avaliação do potencial forrageiro de genótipos de Urochloa por meio da anatomia foliar

ABSTRACT: The digestibility potential of leaves from forages depends on the amount of nutrition in their tissues, with low lignin deposition in the cell wall, mainly parenchyma and phloem. This research evaluated the leaf structure of different Urochloa genotypes and discussed its potential for evaluating digestibility. The cultivars U. brizantha, U. decumbens, U. ruziziensis and three clones of U. ruziziensis (1, 95 and 97), which are under development in breeding programs, were evaluated. Plants were grown under the recommended culture conditions for the Urochloa species. Plants were cut 60 days after sowing, and leaves were collected at 15 days of regrowth. Leaves were fixed in FAA 70 and further stored in 70% ethanol until being submitted to the usual microtechniques for the preparation of microscopy slides. The area of the tissues from the interveinal and midrib regions was measured using ImageJ software, and their proportions were calculated. In the interveinal region, the proportion of chlorophyll parenchyma was greater for U. decumbens and the Clone 1 genotypes. Urochloa brizantha and clones 95 and 97 showed a higher proportion of the vascular bundle compared to U. ruziziensis, U. decumbens and Clone 1. The proportion of the ground parenchyma in the midrib was greater in U. brizantha, Clone 95 and Clone 97. Thus, it can be concluded that the Clone 1 genotypes (from U. ruziziensis) showed leaf tissues (parenchyma and phloem) with higher digestibility potential; in addition, U. brizantha and U. decumbens showed a high percentage of xylem and sclerenchyma, which reduces their quality as forage.

RESUMO: O potencial de digestibilidade das folhas de forrageiras depende da quantidade de seus tecidos com baixa deposição de lignina nas paredes celulares, principalmente o parênquima e floema. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a estrutura foliar de diferentes genótipos de Urochloa e seu potencial de digestibilidade foliar. Foram avaliadas as cultivares U. brizantha, U. decumbens, U. ruziziensis e três clones de U. ruziziensis (1, 95 e 97). As plantas foram cultivadas em campo com condições de manejo recomendadas para a espécie, sendo cortadas aos 60 dias e as folhas coletadas aos 15 dias de rebrota. As folhas foram fixadas em FAA 70, armazenadas em etanol 70% e posteriormente submetidas à microtécnica usual para preparação de lâminas semipermanentes. Foram analisadas as regiões internervural e da nervura mediana com o auxílio do software Image J sendo mensurada a área de cada tecido da folha e depois calculada a sua proporção em relação à área total das secções. Na região internervural, a proporção de parênquima foi maior em U. decumbens e no Clone 1. Ainda nesta região, Urochloa brizantha e os Clones 95 e 97 apresentaram maiores médias para a proporção de feixes vasculares. Na nervura mediana, a proporção do parênquima foi maior em U. brizantha, Clone 95 e Clone 97. De maneira geral, o Clone 1 (proveniente de U. ruziziensis) apresentou parênquima e floema em maiores proporções, enquanto genótipos de U. brizantha e U. decumbens demonstram altas quantidades de xilema e esclerênquima que reduzem o seu potencial de digestibilidade.

Chemical Substantial Basis of Shengmai Injection(Ⅰ): Qualitative Analysis of Chemical Components / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE： To conduct a comprehensive and systematic qualitative investigation on chemical components in Shengmai injection. METHODS： Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) with pre-column derivatization, rapid resolution liquid chromatography-ion trap-tandem mass spectroscopy (RRLC-IT-MSn) and ion exchange chromatography (IEC) with post-column derivatization were applied in identification of saccharides, saponins, lignins and amino acids in the sample. Furthermore, preliminary investigation on test of macromolecules was performed using size exclusion chromatography-evaporative light scattering detection (SEC-ELSD). RESULTS： Fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde, 19 saponins, 14 lignins and 16 amino acids were found in Shengmai injection. CONCLUSION： The proposed methods are simple and accurate. The main chemical substantial basis of Shengmai injection is clarified, laying a foundation for further assay of chemical components.

Nutritional evaluation of millet at different seeding rates and cutting heights / Avaliação nutricional do milheto submetido a diferentes taxas de semeadura e alturas de corte

This study evaluated the effect of different seeding rates and cutting heights on production and composition of millet. Two randomized block design experiments were performed. In the first trial, 32 parcels (1.2 × 1.2 m) were used for evaluation of seeding rate of 24, 35, 50 and 60 kg/ha. Three cuts were carried out to evaluate plant height, fresh and dry mass yield, dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) concentration and in situ DM and NDF digestibility. In the second trial, 20 parcels (1.2 × 3.0 m) were used to evaluate 20, 30, 40 and 50 cm of cutting heights for two growing cycles, performing the evaluations previously listed. Seeding rate linearly increased plant height, fresh and dry mass production, and tended to linearly decrease dry matter in situ digestibility, without effects on forage composition. Cutting height had no effect on crude protein (CP) concentration, but linearly increased plant height, dry mass production, DM content and tended to decrease NDF in situ digestibility and ADL content. Thus, the use of the highest evaluated seeding rates (60 kg/ha) and cutting height (50 cm) increased forage production; however, the use of the lowest residual height increased forage quality.(AU)

Os efeitos de diferentes taxas de semeadura e altura de corte na produção e composição bromatológica do milheto foram avaliados em dois experimentos executados em delineamento em blocos casualizados. No primeiro experimento, foram utilizadas 32 parcelas (1,2 x 1,2 m) e avaliadas as taxas de semeadura de 24, 35, 50 e 60 kg/ha. Três cortes foram realizados para avaliar a altura das plantas, a produção de massa fresca e seca, os teores de matéria seca (MS), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), proteína bruta (PB) e lignina, assim como a digestibilidade in situ da matéria seca e FDN. No segundo experimento, 20 parcelas (1,2 x 3,0 m) foram usadas para avaliar o efeito das alturas de corte de 20, 30, 40 e 50 cm, sobre as variáveis previamente citadas. De acordo com o aumento da taxa de semeadura, houve aumento linear da altura das plantas e da produção de massa seca e fresca e tendência de redução linear da digestibilidade in situ da matéria seca, sem afetar a composição da forragem. A altura de corte não afetou a concentração de proteína bruta, mas aumentou linearmente a altura das plantas, a produção de massa seca e o teor de matéria seca e tendeu a reduzir a digestibilidade in situ da FDN e a concentração de lignina. Assim, o emprego de maiores taxas de semeadura (60 kg/ha) e de altura de corte (50 cm) aumentam a produção de forragem, enquanto que menores alturas de corte aumentam a qualidade da forragem.(AU)

Optimization of RT-PCR reactions in studies with genes of lignin biosynthetic route in Saccharum spontaneum

ABSTRACT Saccharum spontaneum has been used for the development of energy cane a crop aimed to be used for the production of second-generation ethanol, or lignocellulosic ethanol. Lignin is a main challenge in the conversion of cell wall sugars into ethanol. In our studies to isolate the genes the lignin biosynthesis in S. spontaneum we have had great difficulty in RT-PCR reactions. Thus, we evaluated the effectiveness of different additives in the amplification of these genes. While COMT and CCoAOMT genes did not need any additives for other genes there was no amplification (HCT, F5H, 4CL and CCR) or the yield was very low (CAD and C4H). The application of supplementary cDNA was enough to overcome the non-specificity and low yield for C4H and C3H, while the addition of 0.04% BSA + 2% formamide was effective to amplify 4CL, CCR, F5H and CCR. HCT was amplified only by addition of 0.04% BSA + 2% formamide + 0.1 M trehalose and amplification of PAL was possible with addition of 2% of DMSO. Besides optimization of expression assays, the results show that additives can act independently or synergistically.

Chemcial constituents of Eclipta prostrata / 中国中药杂志

A total of twenty-two compounds were isolated from the 95% EtOH extract of Eclipta prostrata by various purification steps, and their structures were established as ecliptalignin A (1)，ecliptasaponin Ⅰ (2), ecliptasaponin Ⅱ (3), echinocystic acid (4), 3-oxo-16α-hydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid (5), acacetin-7--rutinoside (6), luteoloside (7), apigenin (8), luteolin (9), acacetin (10), skullcapflavone Ⅱ (11), kaempferol (12), kaempferide (13), quercetin (14), 4',7-dihydroxyl-3',6'-dimethoxylisoflavone-7--glucoside (15), ecliptal (16), 5-hydroxymethyl-(2,2',5',2″)-terthienyl tiglate (17), psoralen (18), isopsoralen (19), wedelolactone (20), crinumaquine (21), and 2,3,9,12-tetramethoxyprotoberberine (22) mainly based on the spectroscopic techniques, of which 1 was a new lignin analogue, and 5, 6, 10-13, 15, 18, 19, 21 and 22 were isolated form this plant for the first time.