Abstract
Background: Despite considerable studies on the usage of enzymes for the recycling of different types of waste papers containing various ink compositions, there is no systematic review outlining the role of fungal enzymes. This review article emphasizes on the different mechanisms of fungal enzyme (cellulase, xylanase, amylase, lipase, etc.) action on the fibre surface to remove ink particles. Therefore, the present review will cover the prospects and development of different fungal enzymes applied in recycling of waste papers including current research on laboratory, pilot and mill scales.
Methods: We undertook a year-wise search of peer-reviewed research literature mainly focused on cellulase, hemicellulase, lipase, amylase enzymes used for the waste papers recycling. These research articles were screened for the enzymes of fungal origin. Further, the search was extended to gather data from the mill scale trials of fungal enzymes. The characteristics of screened papers were described. The evaluation of the fungal enzymes was done on the basis of effective residual ink concentration, brightness, strength properties, pulp freeness and effluent load.
Results: One hundred one peer reviewed research papers were included in the present review. Enzymatic deinked pulps showed improved deinking efficiency, drainage, strength properties, pulp brightness along with lower residual ink, chemical usage and environmental load than the conventional chemically deinked pulps. Higher enzyme dose and longer reaction time may be detrimental for the fibre, which result in reduced strength properties of paper. Sometimes high BOD may also be observed due to the use of cellulases and hemicellulases.
Conclusion: This review article confirms the importance of fungal enzymes for the recycling of different types of waste papers, which have been proven as green technology with improved performance. The literature we have reviewed showed that there is the utmost need to further improve the performance of enzymes towards the deinking through genetic engineering.
Keywords: Enzymatic deinking, fungi, cellulases, xylanases, waste papers, mixed office waste, deinking efficiency, residual ink.
Graphical Abstract
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