Mediterranean lignocellulosic biomass delignification and lignin valorization into high-added value components

The present study approaches the extraction of lignin samples from several lignocellulosic renewable feedstocks, including raw materials from Greece. The valorization of these lignins samples into high-added value components will also be explored using chemical catalytic routes and “green chemistry” methodology.
The present study is a collaboration of Biomass Group of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece and Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, in the frame of UBIOCHEM COST ACTION C0903, performed at the Laboratories of Biological and Industrial Chemistry Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege with samples preparation at AUTh. The lignin extraction from lignocellulosic biomass takes place via chemical, thermal and mechanical routes, including acid or basic processes, steam cracking, steam explosion. Statistical approaches (i.e. response surface methodology) are used for the optimization of processing parameters. Physico-chemical characterization of lignin materials is considered using specific techniques developed by the research team of Agro-Bio-Tech Institute, including qualitative and quantitative mono- and bidimensionnal NMR spectroscopy, MALLS, FT-IR, TGA and chemical methods. The characterization of the lignocellulosic materials before and after pretreatment protocol is investigated regarding the determination of extractives, ash, total lignin contents, and structural carbohydrates as well as proteins contents. Chemical catalytic routes and “green chemistry” methodology is conducted in order to valorize lignin.