Wood particles have been functionalized by fungal laccase combined with HMBA (4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzylamine) or HMBU (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylurea). The expectation was crosslinking with resins in subsequent glueing processes, which should improve strength properties of particle boards. Srebotnik and his team employed a multifactorial experimental design for board production from treated wood particles and urea/formaldehyde resin. Variance analysis of relevant parameters and their interactions demonstrated a highly significant difference between boards treated with laccase/HMBU versus untreated wood particles and a possible reduction of 20% of the glue in particle boards
The partner of the project are the "Competence Centre for Wood Composites and Wood Chemistry" (<link http: www.kplus-wood.at>www.kplus-wood.at) and the company "Fritz Egger" (<link http: www.egger.at>www.egger.at).
For further inquiries, please contact:
Professor Ewald Srebotnik
Institute of Chemical Engineering, Gene Technology and Applied Biochemistry
Vienna University of Technology
Getreidemarkt 9/E 166, A-1060 Vienna
Telephone: +43/1/58801 – 17242, -17245
Email: <link>ewald.srebotnik@tuwien.ac.at
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Mechanisms and applications of ligninolytic enzymes
Created by Daniela Hallegger
Enzymatic functionalization is an attractive tool to provide a reactive interface for further processing of lignocellulosic materials, such as wood particles and fibers. A research group (Professor Ewald Srebotnik) from the Vienna University of Technology is investigating the potential of so-called laccase/mediator systems for applications in wood processing and in the degradation of xenobiotics.
Professor Ewald Srebotnik
Professor Ewald Srebotnik