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Biosoftening of coir fiber using selected microorganisms

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Abstract

Coir fiber belongs to the group of hard structural fibers obtained from coconut husk. As lignin is the main constituent of coir responsible for its stiffness, microbes that selectively remove lignin without loss of appreciable amounts of cellulose are extremely attractive in biosoftening. Five isolated strains were compared with known strains of bacteria and fungi. The raw fiber treated with Pseudomonas putida and Phanerocheate chrysosporium produced better softened fiber at 30±2 °C and neutral pH. FeSO4 and humic acid were found to be the best inducers for P. chrysosporium and P. putida, respectively, while sucrose and dextrose were the best C-sources for both. Biosoftening of unretted coir fibers was more advantageous than the retted fibers. Unlike the weak chemically softened fiber, microbial treatment produced soft, whiter fibers having better tensile strength and elongation (44.6–44.8%) properties. Scanning electron microscopy photos showed the mycelia penetrating the pores of the fiber, removing the tylose plug and degrading lignin.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge Director of Regional Research Laboratory for providing the necessary facility to carry out the work. Prof. Peter Koshy is thanked for SEM pictures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bioactive Polymer Engineering Section, Polymer Division, Regional Research Laboratory (CSIR), Trivandrum, 695 019, Kerala, India

    Akhila Rajan, Resmi C. Senan, C. Pavithran & T. Emilia Abraham

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  1. Akhila Rajan
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  2. Resmi C. Senan
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  3. C. Pavithran
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  4. T. Emilia Abraham
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Correspondence to T. Emilia Abraham.

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Rajan, A., Senan, R.C., Pavithran, C. et al. Biosoftening of coir fiber using selected microorganisms. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 28, 165–173 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00449-005-0023-2

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