Natural hydrophobic substances in lignocellulose include resinous materials that often generate serious problems in fiber processing and product quality. Common methods to control hydrophobic substances include seasoning of wood raw materials or the application of mineral particles, talc, and others, to prevent surface deposition. Here we report on a biotechnological approach to control the deposition of hydrophobic substances by using lipoxygenase enzymes (LOX), which can catalyze the hydrolysis of triglycerides and unsaturated fatty acids in resinous materials. LOX enzymes were applied at different dosage levels and conditions to test changes in resin affinity to lipophilic surfaces. The role of soy proteins was also elucidated for their effect on physical adsorption and passivation. The results of our work confirm LOX and soy proteins act to decrease the lipophilic nature of resins. LOX was used for enzymatic treatment of TMP fiber suspensions. UV, GC-MS, QCM and other methods were used to confirm the enzyme activity on model lipids.

Soy proteins and lipoxygenases to control hydrophobic interactions in papermaking systems

247th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.