Abstract

A pretreated biomass is subjected to high frequency pulses and shear forces without denaturing and/or degrading the individual components of the biomass. The biomass is then subjected to compressive force to separate a first liquid fraction from a first fractionated biomass. The first fractionated biomass may again then be subjected to the same high frequency pulses and shear forces as previously, particularly if there are hemicellulose and/or sugars still present in the first fractionated biomass. Compressive forces are used to separate a second liquid fraction from a second fractionated biomass. The second fractionated biomass is subjected to oxidation. The second fractioned biomass is then subjected to compressive forces to separate out one or more water insoluble components of the biomass in water soluble form and to provide cellulose that has not been denatured and/or degraded and has a lignin contact of less than 7 percent.

IPC Classes  ?

• D21H 11/16 - Pulp or paper, comprising cellulose or lignocellulose fibres of natural origin only modified by a particular after-treatment
• C08B 15/08 - Fractionation of cellulose, e.g. separation of cellulose crystallites
• C12P 19/04 - Polysaccharides, i.e. compounds containing more than five saccharide radicals attached to each other by glycosidic bonds

Abstract

The process includes pretreating the biomass to provide a fluidized biomass. The fluidized biomass is then subjected to high frequency pulses and shear forces without denaturing/degrading the individual components of the biomass. The biomass is then subjected to compressive force to separate a first liquid fraction from a first fractionated biomass. The first fractionated biomass may again then be subjected to the same high frequency pulses and shear forces as previously, particularly if there are hemicellulose and/or sugars still present in the first fractionated biomass. Compressive forces are used to separate a second liquid fraction from a second fractionated biomass. The second fractionated biomass is subjected to oxidation such as with hydrogen peroxide and base at a pH above 7. The second fractioned biomass is then subjected to compressive forces to provide water soluble lignin which may be precipitated by reducing the pH.

IPC Classes  ?

• C07C 37/54 - Preparation of compounds having hydroxy or O-metal groups bound to a carbon atom of a six-membered aromatic ring by reactions decreasing the number of carbon atoms by splitting polyaromatic compounds, e.g. polyphenolalkanes by hydrolysis of lignin or sulfite waste liquor
• F15D 1/00 - Influencing the flow of fluids

Abstract

A process for fractionating a plant material to provide isolated extractives, the process includes pretreating the plant material to provide a fluidized plant material, subjecting the pretreated fluidized plant material to high frequency pulses and shear forces without denaturing bioactive aspects of one or more components of the plant material to provide a first liquid fraction having extractives to be isolated and a first fractionated plant material, separating the first liquid fraction having extractives from the first fractionated plant material, and isolating extractives from the first liquid fraction.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 36/00 - Medicinal preparations of undetermined constitution containing material from algae, lichens, fungi or plants, or derivatives thereof, e.g. traditional herbal medicines

Abstract

The present invention provides a process for fractionating biomass into its individual components. The process includes pretreating a biomass which may include mechanically altering the fibers and/or contacting the biomass with a solvent to provide a fluidized biomass. The pretreated fluidized biomass may be subjected to high frequency pulses and shear forces without denaturing one or more components of the biomass to provide a first liquid fraction and a first fractionated biomass. The first liquid fraction may then be isolated or separated from the first fractionated biomass. The biomass may be separated, isolated or purified into lignin, extractives for use in pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals, cellulose, hemicellulose, and other sugars and proteins.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12P 19/00 - Preparation of compounds containing saccharide radicals