ARS | Publication request: Enzymatic Conversion of Aromatic Compounds Obtained from Crop Residues

Submitted to: Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 8, 2008
Publication Date: May 18, 2008
Citation: Holser, R.A., O`Kuru, R.H. 2008. Enzymatic Conversion of Aromatic Compounds Obtained from Crop Residues. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society.

Technical Abstract: Biomass obtained from crop residues and the related processing wastes typically contain minor amounts of aromatic compounds such as ferulic and p-coumaric acids. These compounds occur as esters and ethers associated with plant cell wall structures and as components of lignin. These compounds exhibit bioactivity and could be used for antimicrobial or antioxidant applications. Additionally, it has been shown that the yield of ethanol increases when biomass is delignified. This suggests that the availability of these compounds will increase with the production of biofuels from biomass. This investigation examined the development of new products incorporating ferulic and p-coumaric acids to impart bioactivity. These compounds were esterified to a variety of substrates including cellulosics and a series of PEG’s using commercial esterases. Potential applications include surgical gauzes and controlled release therapeutics.