Hemicellulases in the bleaching of chemical pulps

Anna Suurnäkki, Maija Tenkanen, Johanna Buchert, Liisa Viikari

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter or book articleScientificpeer-review

123 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Hemicellulase-aided bleaching is the first full-scale biotechnical application in the pulp and paper industry which truly exploits the unique specificity and safety of biocatalysts. Hemicellulases are used to modify the structure of xylan and glucomannan in pulp fibers in order to enhance the chemical delignification. This technology can be combined with various types of kraft pulping processes and bleaching sequences. The aims of the enzymatic treatment depend on the actual mill conditions, and may be related to environmental demands, reduction of chemical costs, or maintenance or even improvement of product quality. The technology is applied on the mill scale in several countries. This review describes the principles of the enzyme-aided bleaching, the composition of the fiber substrates, the basic enzymology involved, and the present knowledge of the mechanisms of the action of enzymes, as well as the practical results and advantages obtained on the laboratory and industrial scale.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBiotechnology in the Pulp and Paper Industry
EditorsKarl-Erik L. Eriksson
Place of PublicationBerlinHeidelberg
PublisherSpringer
Pages261-287
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-540-70702-8
ISBN (Print)978-3-540-61868-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1997
MoE publication typeA3 Part of a book or another research book

Publication series

SeriesAdvances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology
Volume57
ISSN0724-6145

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Hemicellulases in the bleaching of chemical pulps'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this