Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
hemicellulose
Fig. 10.11
Chemical materials from hemicelluloses
Marsh gas
hemicellulose
cellulose
Hydrogen
Ethanol
Gasoline alcohol
Fig. 10.12
Energy productions from hemicellulose
③
Feed industry
Production of single-cell protein (SCP) through hemicellulose fermentation is the
main application of hemicellulose in the fermentation industry. This is especially
suitable for the processing of paper waste.
(4) Lignin industrial system
Lignin is a natural organic polymer that widely exists in seed plants. It is also the
enhancing system in the plant skeleton. The amount of lignin is more than that of
hemicellulose but less than that of cellulose. About 50 billion tons of lignin can
be generated on Earth through photosynthesis in plants per year. Over the past few
years, with the resource crisis and the growing awareness of the human environment,
how to effectively utilize the natural renewable resources has been strategically
mentioned by many countries. Considering efficient management of water pollution
and high-value utilization of solid waste, plus considering the saving of polymer
materials and other nonrenewable resources, the utilization of lignin has a significant
economic value and far-reaching social influence [
23
].
①
Fragrance industry.
Vanillin was synthesized from lignin more than 100 years
ago. The production process is mainly via the glyoxylic acid and guaiacol route.
Vanillin can be used as flavoring for chocolate, ice cream, cookies, and drinks.
