Functional Materials from Plant Biomass Obtained by Simultaneous Enzymatic Saccharification and Communition

Abstract

In this review, we show novel methods for utilizing plant biomass, polysaccharides, and lignin. Firstly, the simultaneous enzymatic saccharification and comminution (SESC) of plant materials is described as an extraction method for polysaccharides and lignin that does not require toxic reagents or organic solvents. Secondly, we demonstrate the utilization of saccharides and lignin extracted by SESC, such as for sugar and ethanol synthesis, and as antioxidant, spin trap reagent, heatproof filler, shape memory polymer, and UV protection film. Thirdly, a possibility of SESC in relative to previous utilization technique of plant biomass was presented.