From Corncob By-Product to Functional Lignins: Comparative Analysis of Alkaline and Organosolv Extraction Followed by Laccase Treatment.

ABSTRACT: Corncobs, produced globally at over 200 million tons annually with 11-18% lignin content, represent an abundant and underexploited lignocellulosic resource for sustainable lignin valorization. In this study, two distinct extraction methodologies, alkaline treatment using sodium hydroxide and an organosolv process with a 50:50 ethanol/water mixture, were systematically compared for their efficiency in isolating lignin from corncobs. Both protocols achieved high yields, up to 82% for alkaline and 84% for organosolv extraction under optimized conditions. The resulting lignins displayed notable differences in chemical structure and physical properties, as revealed by spectroscopic and thermal analyses, highlighting their divergent potential for downstream applications. To evaluate the suitabil

SUBMITTER: Martin E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12467641 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature