METHOD: This study investigated the potential use of a combination of chemical and mechanical methods in the extraction of jute CNFs. Through this method, the jute fibers were first chemically treated using sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium chlorite (NaClO 2) and sulphuric acid (H 2SO 4) to remove the non-cellulosic elements followed by mechanical milling by using a planetary ball mill.
RESULTS: The shape and size of the obtained CNFs were observed under a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). This study revealed that jute CNFs were successfully extracted through the combination of chemical and mechanical treatment methods where the obtained CNFs reveal themselves in smooth fibrous morphology with a diameter of 23 nm and 150-200nm in length.
CONCLUSIONS: Jute cellulose nanofibers were successfully drawn out from raw jute fibers by means of a combination of chemical and mechanical treatment. The results obtained confirmed that the chemomechanical method is an effective technique for isolating the CNFs and its potential use as reinforcement material was explained.
PURPOSE: Over the years, research has advanced mainly directing to one goal; to reduce hydrolysis activity of GHs for increased transglycosylation activity in achieving high production of oligosaccharides.
DESIGN AND METHODS: This review concisely presents the strategies to increase transglycosylation activity of GHs for oligosaccharides synthesis, focusing on controlling the reaction equilibrium, and protein engineering. Various modifications of the subsites of GHs have been demonstrated to significantly modulate the hydrolysis and transglycosylation activity of the enzymes. The clear insight of the roles of each amino acid in these sites provides a platform for designing an enzyme that could synthesize a specific oligosaccharide product.
CONCLUSIONS: The key strategies presented here are important for future improvement of GHs as a biocatalyst for oligosaccharide synthesis.