Abstract:
The present invention relates to novel polypeptides, or fragments of polypeptides, genes encoding them and means for producing said polypeptides.In detail the invention relates to polypeptides having esterase, suberinase and/orcutinase activity at low pH. This invention relates also to compositions containing the polypeptides and methods of using the polypeptides.
Abstract:
The present invention concerns a process for producing fibre composites. In particular, the invention provides a novel way of producing biodegradable composites comprising a hydrophobic polymer material and a reinforcing component of fibres derived from plant materials. Composite material produced by means of the present invention has improved strength properties and enhanced adhesion between the bifunctional fibre and the natural or synthetic polymer.
Abstract:
The present invention concerns a method for enzymatic treatment of lignocellulosic materials which contain xylan-polymers, such as cellulose kraft pulps. According to a method of the present kind, at least a part of the hexenuronic acid groups present in the material is selectively removed in order to remove metal ions from the pulp, to change the surface charge thereof, to improve the brightness stability of the pulp and to render the material more suitable for enzymatic treatment.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method for modifying polyamide. The method comprises that polyamide is contacted with an enzyme preparation comprising an effective amount of protease enzyme in aqueous environment under conditions suitable for the function of the enzyme. The enzyme is preferably selected from the group of aspartic proteases, cysteine proteases and metallo-proteases.
Abstract:
The present invention concerns a process for modifying a lignocellulosic fibre material. In particular, the present invention gives new properties to the fibrous matrix of the material. This is achieved by producing fibrous products with modified properties by activating the fibres of the matrix with an oxidizing agent and attaching compounds to the activated fibre in order to incorporate desired, pre-selected properties into the fibre matrix. The invention makes possible to produce novel kinds of fibrous materials having practically a large variety of properties. Examples of such properties include hydrophobic hydrophilic character.
Abstract:
The present invention concerns a process for reducing the susceptibility of lignocellulosic material to unwanted yellowing, particularly yellowing caused by light and heat. According to the invention, the fibres are activated enzymatically or chemically and then contacted with a modifying agent capable of bonding to the oxidized fibre material, rendering the lignocellulosic fibre material improved resistance to brightness reversion. By means of the invention, brightness reversion caused by light or heat or a combination thereof can be retarded and even stopped.
Abstract:
The present invention concerns a method for enzymatic treatment of lignocellulosic materials, in particular cellulose pulps. According to a method of the present kind, the material is contacted with an enzyme preparation having an essential glucuronidase activity in order to remove metal ions from the pulp, to change the surface charge thereof and to render the material more suitable for enzymatic treatment.
Abstract:
The present invention concerns a method for enzymatic treatment of lignocellulosic materials, in particular cellulose pulps. According to a method of this kind, the material is contacted with an enzyme preparation having hemicellulase, cellulase and/or ligninase activity in order to hydrolyse the hemicelluloses, cellulose and/or lignin thereof. According to the invention, the counter-ions of the carboxylic groups of the lignocellulosic material are modified before the enzymatic treatment in order to render the material more suitable for enzymatic treatment. By changing the nature of the counter-ions of the carboxylic acids or by changing their degree or dissociation, it is possible to adjust the enzymatic action on the lignocellulosic material of the enzymes employed. At the same time, it is possible to select which part of the fibres is subjected to the enzymatic action.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to novel polypeptides, or fragments of polypeptides, genes encoding them and means for producing said polypeptides.In detail the invention relates to polypeptides having esterase, suberinase and/orcutinase activity at low pH. This invention relates also to compositions containing the polypeptides and methods of using the polypeptides.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to fibre compositions. In particular, the present invention concerns a process for producing a fibre composition comprising a lignocellulosic fibre material and a synthetic, electrically conductive polymer formed by polymerized monomers. The invention provides for good adhesion between the fibre matrix and the polymer, because the monomer is polymerized directly on the fibre. The conductivity of the polymer is improved and the electrical properties and conductivity levels of the modified fibre can be adjusted by changing the amounts of the electrically conductive polymer.