Biopulp from Pineapple Leaf Fiber Produced by Colonization with Two White-Rot Fungi: Trametes versicolor and Pleurotus ostreatus

Trametes versicolor and Pleurotus ostreatus were used for the biopulping from pineapple leaf fiber (PALF).PALF substrate was subjected to T. versicolor for 2 to 6 weeks and to P. ostreatus for 4 to 8 weeks.The yields, holocellulose and lignin contents, and extractives in ethanol-toluene mixture and in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution were evaluated.Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and color studies by L*a*b* systems were used for sample analysis.The results showed that the pulp yield was 55% to 70% with P. ostreatus and 35% to 50% with T. versicolor.Longer colonization periods increased the amount of holocellulose and decreased the amount of lignin and extractives in ethanol-toluene and NaOH solution.TGA showed an increase in intensity associated with cellulose, and the observed inflexion was attributed to lignin, which showed a tendency to fade.The FTIR spectrum showed high intensity between 3100 cm -1 and 3600 cm -1 (cellulose) and decreased intensity at 1730 cm -1 (lignin).For both fungi, the pulp color produced an increase in L* color parameter and decreased in yellowness, while little variation was observed in redness.The most appropriate colonization period was 5 weeks for P. ostreatus and 4 weeks for T. versicolor.