Page 178 - CW E-Magazine (22-4-2025)

Special Report

100-gm/liter. Techno-economic analysis
is presented which considers, apart from
other parameters, M loss and selling
price. (Chem. Eng. Res. Des., 2024;
DOI:10.1016/j.cherd.2024.10.027).

Lignin (L) – Polylactide
reverse emulsions for water-
and UV-resistant composite
fi lms

S. Yu et al have used lignin’s surface
activity to stabilise reverse (water-in-
oil) emulsion through interactions with
an organic, continuous phase containing
polylactide (PLA). These could be used Lignin (L)-based functional research on L depolymerisation using
for biobased coatings on hydrophilic hydrogels (HS) three traditional methods – hydrolysis,
substrates like glass or paper. These pyrolysis, and hydrogenolysis. In the case
are more effective in UV-A region. [This column has covered many papers of L hydrolysis properties and mechanism
This is a novel and a facile approach. based on L, which possesses numer- under various conditions are covered.
(ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng., 2023; ous functional hydrophilic and active Pyrolysis mechanism, products, and
DOI:10.1021/acssuschemeng.3C01472). groups.] pyrolysis methods, namely catalytic,
Y-C. Wu et al have come out with valo- microwave and molten salt, are discussed.
A simple regeneration process rising of L to give eco-friendly bulk A comprehensive summary of hydrogeno-
using a CO -switchable- materials, HS. These authors have given lysis is presented in terms of both solvent
2
polarity solvent for cellulose a perspective with a comprehensive selection and catalytic system. Challenges
hydrogels (CH) overview of the fabrication strategies are given for future L value-added-prod-
and emerging applications of HS which ucts. (Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 2024; DOI:
A. Matsui et al have worked on valoris- include water treatment, smart responsive 10.1021/acs.iecr.4C02617).
ing cellulose (C) as CH with the hope materials, wound dressings, and wearable
that C will see new applications. CO flexible supercapacitors/electronics. Valorisation of pineapple
2
was used to change solubility in a proper Future advances are reported. (ACS Sus- waste for extraction and
solvent. This was investigated for effect tainable Chem. Eng., 2024;DOI:10.1021/ purifi cation of Bromelain (B)
of transformation of the anion chemical acssuschemeng.4C06064). enzyme
structure on C solubility by fl owing CO [This column has covered many papers
2
gas into N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium Recent advances in on waste to wealth of products coming
hydroxide solution solution ([C4mpyr] depolymerisation and high- from agriculture, horticulture and even
[OH]/H O. Here C solubility could be value utilization of lignin (L) fl uoriculture.]
2
modulated, thus establishing a simple
and safe C regeneration process. CHs Ji et al have referred to L as possessing Y. Gharge et al have worked on B, which
were made by this strategy. Modifi ca- a high molecular weight, and structural is a potential proteolytic enzyme present
tions were also done with cross-linkers. changes during separation often diminish in various part of pineapple and has a
(ChemSusChem, 2024; DOI: 10.1002/ its potential for producing value-added wide range of application. This study is
cssc.202401848). chemicals. This review covers recent focused on extraction, isolation and puri-
fi cation of B from pineapple peels waste
as a feedstock. 7% protein is present in
this waste stream. Several commercially
available buffers were explored and
sodium phosphate buffer gave the high-
est B activity of 0.75 CDU per mL and
protein concentration of 0.168-mg/ml.

178 Chemical Weekly April 22, 2025

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