Impact of cellulase on the surface microstructure of Jingzhu

¹ School of Bioengineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, Shandong, 250353, China
² State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, Shandong, 250353, China

^* Corresponding author's e-mail: tianzhj@qlu.edu.cn

Abstract

Jingzhu (JZ) is a newly cultivated subshrub-like herbaceous plant with a dense cuticle and complex cell walls covering its outer surface (which can affect the efficiency of chemical impregnation in pulping and papermaking processes). Cellulase hydrolyzes cellulose to glucose and it is an effective way to break the surface permeability barrier. In the present research, we characterized the effects of different cellulase doses on the enzymatic products and microstructures of JZ. Based on the ion chromatography and UV spectrophotometry results, an increase in cellulase dosage promoted the solubilization of lignin and five monosaccharides. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) indicated cellulase promoted exfoliation of the stratum corneum on the JZ surface, decreasing surface silicon content. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated cellulase hydrolyzes more vigorously at higher dosages within a certain range. These results demonstrated that using cellulase before pulping could disrupt the external structure of the raw materials, providing favorable conditions for the penetration of chemicals. This study provides a theoretical reference for the pulp and paper industry to develop new non-wood raw materials for pulp and paper.