Bioinspired composites from cross-linked galactoglucomannan and microfibrillated cellulose: Thermal, mechanical and oxygen barrier properties.

In this study, new wood-inspired films were developed from microfibrillated cellulose and galactoglucomannan-lignin networks isolated from chemothermomechanical pulping side streams and cross-linked using laccase enzymes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that cross-linked galactoglucomannan-lignin networks have been used for the potential development of composite films inspired by woody-cell wall formation. Their capability as polymeric matrices was assessed based on thermal, structural, mechanical and oxygen permeability analyses. The addition of different amounts of microfibrillated cellulose as a reinforcing agent and glycerol as a plasticizer on the film performances was evaluated. In general, an increase in microfibrillated cellulose resulted in a film with better thermal, mechanical and oxygen barrier performance. However, the presence of glycerol decreased the thermal stability, stiffness and oxygen barrier properties of the films but improved their elongation. Therefore, depending on the application, the film properties can be tailored by adjusting the amounts of reinforcing agent and plasticizer in the film formulation.

On the formation of lignin polysaccharide networks in Norway spruce.

In this study we were mirroring suggested in vivo phenomena of lignin-hemicellulose complex formation in vitro, by cross-linking Norway spruce (Picea abies) galactoglucomannans, xylans and lignin moieties to high molecular weight complexes by laccase treatment. We were able to observe the oxidation and cross-linking of non-condensed guaiacyl-type phenolic moieties attached to both of the hemicelluloses by (31)P NMR and size-exclusion chromatography. We suggest that hemicelluloses-lignin complexes form covalently linked structural units during the early stages of lignification via radical enzymatic cross-linking catalyzed by laccase. This work shows that the hemicellulose molecules in wood are covalently linked to two or more lignin units thereby making them suited for forming network structures.

Enzyme catalyzed cross-linking of spruce galactoglucomannan improves its applicability in barrier films.

Hemicelluloses are one of the main constituents of plant cell walls and thereby one of the most abundant biopolymers on earth. They can be obtained as by-products from different wood based processes, most importantly from the mechanical pulping. Hemicelluloses have interesting properties in e.g. barrier film applications. However, their relatively low molecular weight after isolation and co-extraction with lignin has limited their use. In this work, we present a novel technique for increasing the molecular weight of different wood hemicelluloses from mechanical pulping process waters as well as from pre-hydrolysis extracts. This is achieved by enzyme-catalyzed cross-linking of aromatic moieties bound to the hemicelluloses. The cross-linking treatment resulted in significantly improved mechanical properties in barrier films made with spruce galactoglucomannan. To our knowledge, this is the first time that wood hemicelluloses have been cross-linked by utilizing the bound aromatic moieties and creates new possibilities for utilizing this raw material source.