a b s t r a c t
Lignin extracts from sugarcane bagasse by alkaline extraction in the presence and absence of ethanol
were investigated for their efficacy on maintaining fresh fruit shelf life. For lignin extraction, the highest
lignin yield was obtained from 40% (w/w) NaOH extraction in water. Addition of ethanol gave relatively
lower yield of lignin but less hemicellulose contamination. FT-IR intensity of lignin-to-carbohydrate
transmittance ratios of extracted lignin from 40% (w/w) NaOH in distilled water were similar to the
ratios of lignin standard from Kraft process. From gel permeation chromatography (GPC), lignin isolated
from 40% (w/w) NaOH in distilled water yielded high amount of both large and small molecules of lignin.
The weight loss ratio between lignin and hemicellulose was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis
(TGA). It was confirmed that isolated lignin from 40% (w/w) NaOH in distilled water contained highest
amount of hemicellulose in lignin extract. The test of coating formulas on limes demonstrated that
coating solutions of 0.8% (w/w) xanthan gum and 1.5% (w/w) extracted lignin from 40% (w/w) NaOH had
potential to maintain weight loss and color change. This coating formula also exhibited higher antifungal
activities. Limes coated with extracted lignin showed higher antifungal activity than limes coated with
commercial lignin.
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