Poster presentation
125
ACHIEVING SOLUBLE LIGNIN FROM LICORICE RESIDUES
AND THEIR PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY
B. B. Abduazimov, R.M. Khalilov
S.Yu. Yunusov Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances Academy of sciences of the
Republic of Uzbekistan st. Mirzo-Ulugbek, 77, 100170 Tashkent
The accumulated remains of licorice roots in the territories of phytochemical
enterprises must be refined according to terms of
environmental and economic
requirements. These wastes in their composition consist of biopolymers: hemicellulose,
cellulose, and lignin. Lignin is the second most abundant natural polymer after
polysaccharides, both of which form the matrix of plant biomass. Lignin is the most
common aromatic polyfunctional biopolymer with an irregular
heterogeneous structure
synthesized in plant cells from the three alcohol monomers: p‐coumaryl alcohol, coniferyl
alcohol, and sinapyl alcohol.
Lignin and hemicelluloses fasten bundles of celluloses, strengthening the walls of
cell tissues and blood vessels, giving the plant mechanical strength. The biosynthesis of
lignin in plants is essential for survival, despite abiotic
and biotic environmental
influences. The biodegradation of lignin is carried out by basidiomycetes from the
white-rot fungi. Lignin is the basic source of formation humic and fulvic acids in nature.
Recent times, research-sciences centers are strengthening of research and development
of growth stimulators, plant protectors of plants from lignocellulose sources.
We have searched the oxidative and hydrolytic degradation of lignocellulose residues
of licorice roots. Water-soluble lignin was produced by the action of nitric acid and the
alkaline destruction of the bonds between lignin and polysaccharides.
The main factors in the extraction of water-soluble lignin
with nitric acid depend
substantially on the reaction temperature and acid concentration. The soaking process of
residues in weak concentrations of nitric acid, achieved nitration of lignin and
hydrolysis of phenolic ester bonds. Continuing the processes at more strong
concentrations of nitric acid and temperature contributed to the nitration and oxidation
of lignin carboxylated products. These products of nitrification
and oxidation were
transferred into solution due to alkali solutions. These products of nitrification and
oxidation were transferred into liquid due to aqua-alkali solutions.
Residues of licorice roots contained lignin 29.84% (according to Klasson), analyzes
of lignin in residues after alkaline solution was 2.34%. Thus, 92.14% of lignin was
extracted into solution from the residues of licorice roots. The alkaline solution after
partial neutralization with acid solutions had a stable liquid form. Preliminary analyzes
for physiological activity showed a stimulating activity on
the germination of cotton
seeds. Also, acidic solutions were used for the preparation of organic fertilizer. Because,
it contained a large part of decomposition products of carbohydrates, lignin, and
unreacted nitric acid. Therefore, the aqueous solution of ammonia was added to the
waste liquid to neutralize it and increase the nitrogen content. The solution was dried.
The dry organic fertilizer was a dark brown solid.
The content of total nitrogen and organic matter in the fertilizer was 9.78% and
71.4%, respectively. Compared to some commercial fertilizers, content of total nitrogen
and organic compounds are satisfactory and comparable. That show that the spent nitric
acid liquid is suitable for the preparation of organic fertilizers.