Patent ID: 6187136
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: D21C,D21H

Abstract:
A process for altering the surface charge of a lignocellulosic material, said process comprising (i) reacting a lignocellulosic fibre material with an oxidizing agent in the presence of an enzyme capable of catalyzing the oxidation of phenolic groups by said oxidizing agent, (ii) reacting a phenolic carboxylic acid or a salt or an ester thereof with an oxidizing agent in the presence of an enzyme capable of catalyzing the oxidation of phenolic groups by said oxidizing agent, wherein said phenolic carboxylic acid is exogenous to said lignocellulosic material; and (iii) reacting the products of steps (i) and (ii) together, under conditions that result in an increase in the negative charge of said lignocellulosic material.