Abstract
The University of Central Florida invention consists of processes and methods for economically, safely, and reliably producing oxidized reaction products from lignin. This includes products such as vanillin (a flavoring typically in sweet foods), syringaldehyde (an antimicrobial), syringic acid (an immunomodulator with antimicrobial, anti-cancer and anti-DNA oxidation properties), and vanillic acid, which also acts as an immunomodulatory.
Known as a waste product of the pulping industry and a major by-product of biomass-to-ethanol conversion, lignin offers a continuous, renewable resource. The UCF approach enables rapid lignin depolymerization from biomass with little or no preparation. In comparison, other processes for depolymerizing lignin are either slow (fungal) or generate large amounts of unwanted chemicals.
Technical Details
The UCF invention is a method for depolymerizing lignin to produce chemicals such as vanillin, syringaldehyde, syringic acid and vanillic acid. It involves a non-aqueous/non-solvent-based and solvent-free process via a solid-solid mechanocatalytic oxidative reaction. In one example, the process includes a step of mechanocatalytically reacting an oxidation catalyst with lignin or a lignin-containing material. It also includes an oxidation catalyst with a solid metal oxide such as manganese oxide, cerium oxide, copper oxide, silver oxide, and combinations of these.
A significant advantage of the invention is that it can be performed at ambient temperature without the need for added heat, cooling, or modifying pressure. Moreover, the agitating step allows more of the lignin-containing material to come into contact with catalytic sites on the oxidation catalyst. In one embodiment, the agitating step may occur at a controlled temperature of between -5 to about 146 degrees Celsius.
Partnering Opportunity
UCF seeks experienced technology partners to license and scale-up commercially relevant processes (lab scale 500g). Feedstocks with lignin source processed to date include hardwoods, softwoods and agricultural residue. UCF researchers are available to engage in sponsored research to test new feedstock material or improve selected processes at lab scale.
Stage of Development
Prototype available.
Benefit
ScalableLess wasteCan be applied using ambient temperatureMarket Application
Specialty chemicalsFlavoring and scentsFeedstock for drugs, polymers, and other consumer chemicalsPublications
Mechanocatalysis
for biomass-derived chemicals and fuels, Green Chemistry, 12 (2010) 468-474
Brochure
