Method of Removing Color From Wood Pulp Using Xylanase from Streptomyces Roseiscleroticus NRRL B-11019

Agency:

Forest Service

Technology Description

This invention is a method of removing color from wood pulp by treating the pulp with a xylanase, Xyl 3, obtained from Streptomyces roseiscleroticus. The method represents an improvement over chlorine bleaching which not only damages the paper fibers, but is an environmental hazard and a major cost factor in the production of paper. Xyl 3 has a high specificity for releasing chromophores and increasing the brightness of wood pulps. The chromophores are extracted from the pulp and the pulp is bleached. This technology significantly reduces the amount of bleaching that is necessary, and oxygen rather than chlorine bleaching is preferred for use with xylanases.

Reference:

Please refer to Patent Number 5,498,534, which issued March 12, 1996.

Inventor:

Thomas W. Jeffries USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory One Gifford Pinchot Drive Madison, Wisconsin   53705-2398 (608) 231-9453