Browsing by Author "Fuentealba, Cecilia"

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Comparing the Effects of a Pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) Bark Extract with a Quebracho (Schinopsis balansae Engl.) Extract on Methane Production and In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Parameters
    (2022) Vera, Nelson; Gutierrez-Gomez, Constanza; Williams, Pamela; Allende, Rodrigo; Fuentealba, Cecilia; Avila-Stagno, Jorge
    Simple Summary Livestock production systems are responsible for 37 and 64% of total anthropogenic methane (CH4) and ammonia (NH3) overall planet emissions, respectively. Due to the growing demand for meat and milk, mitigating their environmental impact is a major concern. A novel tannin-rich phenolic extract from radiata pine bark (PBE) has the potential to reduce CH4 and NH3 nitrogen (NH3-N) production and modulate rumen fermentation but has not been compared with other commercial phenolic extracts. This study compared PBE with a quebracho extract (QTE). Both extracts decreased butyrate proportion, CH4, total volatile fatty acids, NH3-N production, and increased acetate proportion. Inclusion of QTE increased the propionate proportion but decreased DM disappearance. Results indicate that PBE has the potential to contribute to sustainable livestock production; however, further in vivo studies are needed to verify our results. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) bark extract (PBE) with a quebracho (Schinopsis balansae Engl.) extract (QTE) on methane (CH4) production and in vitro rumen fermentation parameters. A forage diet supplemented with PBE or QTE (0, 2 and 4% dry matter (DM) basis) was incubated for 24 h to determine in vitro DM disappearance (IVDMD), CH4, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) production. Differences were analyzed using Tukey's test, orthogonal contrasts, hierarchical clustering heatmap (HCH), and principal component analysis (PCA). Both extracts (4% DM) decreased butyrate (Bu; p = 0.001), CH4 (p = 0.005), total VFA (p < 0.001), and NH3-N (p = 0.006) production and increased acetate (Ac; p = 0.003) without affecting the partitioning factor (p = 0.095). Propionate (Pr; p = 0.016) was increased, whereas IVDMD (p = 0.041) was decreased with QTE (4% DM). The inclusion of QTE (2% DM) decreased CH4 production (p = 0.005) and the (Ac + Bu)/Pr ratio (p = 0.003), whereas PBE (2% DM) decreased the NH3-N (p = 0.006) and total VFA production (p < 0.001). The HCH and PCA indicate a negative correlation (r = -0.93; p < 0.001) between CH4 production and tannins. In conclusion, PBE shares many of the effects generated by QTE on ruminal fermentation, although the magnitude of these effects depends on concentration. The PBE could be used as an additive in ruminant diets to reduce CH4 and NH3-N production without reducing IVDMD or increasing propionate, but further in vivo studies are required to clarify its effects on animal production.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Efficient Bio-Based Insulation Panels Produced from Eucalyptus Bark Waste
    (2024) Fuentealba, Cecilia; Segovia, Cesar; Pradena-Miquel, Mauricio; Cesar, Andres G.
    Traditional thermal insulation panels consume large amounts of energy during production and emits pollutants into the environment. To mitigate this impact, the development of bio-based materials is an attractive alternative. In this context, the characteristics of the Eucalyptus fiber bark (EGFB) make it a candidate for insulation applications. However, more knowledge about the manufacturing process and in-service performance is needed. The present study characterized the properties that determine the in-service behavior of the EGFB insulation panel. The assessment involved two different manufacturing processes. The results indicated that the hot plates and the saturated steam injection manufacturing system can produce panels with similar target and bulk density. The thermal conductivity fluctuated between 0.064 and 0.077 W/mK, which indicated good insulation, and the values obtained for thermal diffusivity (0.10-0.37 m mm2/s) and water vapor permeability (0.032-0.055 m kg/GN s) are comparable with other commercially available panels. To guarantee a good in-service performance, the panels need to be treated with flame retardant and antifungal additive. The good performance of the panel is relevant because bio-based Eucalyptus bark panels generate less CO2 eq and require less energy consumption compared to traditional alternatives, contributing to the sustainability of the forestry and the construction industry.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Extracted Eucalyptus globulus Bark Fiber as a Potential Substrate for Pinus radiata and Quillaja saponaria Germination
    (2024) Ferrer-Villasmil, Victor; Fuentealba, Cecilia; Reyes-Contreras, Pablo; Rubilar, Rafael; Cabrera-Barjas, Gustavo; Bravo-Arrepol, Gaston; Escobar-Avello, Danilo
    This study aimed to explore alternative substrates for growing forest species using eucalyptus bark. It evaluated the potential of extracted Eucalyptus globulus fiber bark as a substitute for commercial growing media such as coconut fiber, moss, peat, and compost pine. We determined the physicochemical parameters of the growing media, the germination rate, and the mean fresh and dry weights of seedlings. We used the Munoo-Liisa Vitality Index (MLVI) test to evaluate the phytotoxicity of the bark alone and when mixed with commercial substrates. Generally, the best mixture for seed growth was 75% extracted eucalyptus bark fiber and 25% commercial substrates. In particular, the 75E-25P (peat) mixture is a promising substitute for seedling growth of Pinus radiata, achieving up to 3-times higher MLVI than the control peat alone. For Quillaja saponaria, the best growth substrate was the 50E-50C (coconut fiber) mixture, which had the most significant MLVI values (127%). We added chitosan and alginate-encapsulated fulvic acid phytostimulants to improve the performance of the substrate mixtures. The fulvic acid, encapsulated or not, significantly improved MLVI values in Q. saponaria species and P. radiata in concentrations between 0.05 and 0.1% w/v. This study suggests that mixtures with higher levels of extracted fiber are suitable for growing forest species, thus promoting the application of circular economy principles in forestry.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Forest by-Product Valorization: Pilot-Scale Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus Bark Mixture Extraction
    (2023) Santos, Jorge; Escobar-Avello, Danilo; Fuentealba, Cecilia; Cabrera-Barjas, Gustavo; Gonzalez-Alvarez, Julia; Martins, Jorge M.; Carvalho, Luisa H.
    One of the most important by-products generated in the forestry industry is the bark obtained during the debarking process. Pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus L.) are the main important tree species exploited in the Chilean forestry industry. The bark of P. radiata D. Don is an interesting source of extracts, rich in condensed tannins, with potential uses in biopolymer and bioadhesive preparation. Conversely, the E. globulus bark extracts are rich in hydrolyzable tannins with few applications. Nevertheless, the forest industry generates a high volume of these by-products, simultaneously. Then, it is interesting to determine a suitable process for the joint valorization of both forest by-products at a large scale. In this work, alkaline extraction (NaOH and Na2SO3) was performed at a pilot scale of a mixture of E. globulus and P. radiata barks prepared at different ratios (0%-100%). The effect of bark mixture composition on the resulting extract's properties was evaluated. All extracts were characterized according to their chemical composition by FTIR-ATR, MALDI-TOF, and molecular weight distribution (GPC). In addition, the Stiasny number was tested to determine the potential use of extracts in bioadhesive formulation. The self-condensation reaction of resulting extracts was studied using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Automated Bond Evaluation System (ABES) techniques. Results show a good interaction between condensed and hydrolyzable tannins from both species' barks. It also demonstrated the potential application of the obtained extracts, for a bark ratio of 50:50, in the formulation of bioadhesives for particleboard manufacture. The obtained product showed a similar performance to that of the bioadhesive formulated with the extract obtained using only P. radiata bark.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Preparation and Characterization of Lignin Nanoparticles from Different Plant Sources
    (2024) Ortega-Sanhueza, Isidora; Girard, Victor; Ziegler-Devin, Isabelle; Chapuis, Hubert; Brosse, Nicolas; Valenzuela, Francisca; Banerjee, Aparna; Fuentealba, Cecilia; Cabrera-Barjas, Gustavo; Torres, Camilo; Mendez, Alejando; Segovia, Cesar; Pereira, Miguel
    This article presents new research on producing lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) using the antisolvent nanoprecipitation method. Acetone (90%) served as the lignin solvent and water (100%) as the antisolvent, using five types of lignins from various sources. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including NMR, GPC, FTIR, TEM, and DLS, were employed to assess both lignin and LNP properties. The antioxidant activity of the LNPs was evaluated as well. The results demonstrated the successful formation of spherical nanoparticles below 100 nm with initial lignin concentrations of 1 and 2%w/v. The study highlighted the crucial role of lignin purity in LNP formation and colloidal stability, noting that residual carbohydrates adversely affect efficiency. This method offers a straightforward, environmentally friendly approach using cost-effective solvents, applicable to diverse lignin sources. The innovation of this study lies in its demonstration of a cost-effective and eco-friendly method to produce stable, nanometric-sized spherical LNPs. These LNPs have significant potential as reinforcement materials due to their reinforcing capability, hydrophilicity, and UV absorption. This work underscores the importance of starting material purity for optimizing the process and achieving the desired nanometric dimensions, marking a pioneering advancement in lignin-based nanomaterials.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Pretreated Eucalyptus globulus and Pinus radiata Barks: Potential Substrates to Improve Seed Germination for a Sustainable Horticulture
    (2023) Escobar-Avello, Danilo; Ferrer, Victor; Bravo-Arrepol, Gaston; Reyes-Contreras, Pablo; Elissetche, Juan P.; Santos, Jorge; Fuentealba, Cecilia; Cabrera-Barjas, Gustavo
    Commercial forest plantations in Chile are dominated by pine (Pinus radiata) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus). Tree bark is the main by-product of the forestry industry and has low value, but great potential for use as an agricultural substrate. However, the direct use of bark fibers may cause plant phytotoxicity due to the presence of polyphenolic and other compounds. This study aims to evaluate the physicochemical properties of E. globulus and P. radiata bark after water extraction treatments. The phytotoxicity of the resulting extracted bark alone and that mixed with commercial substrates (coconut fiber, moss, peat, and composted pine) at different ratios (25 to 75 wt%) were assessed using the Munoo-Liisa vitality index (MLVI) test. For all treatments, the seed germination and growth of radish (Raphanus sativus) and Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa) species were evaluated and compared to a commercial growing medium (peat) as a control. The optimal mixture for seed growth was determined to be 75% extracted E. globulus bark fiber and 25% commercial substrates such as peat (P), coconut fiber (C), moss (M), and composted pine (CP), as indicated by the MLVI and germination results. Two phytostimulant products, chitosan and alginate-encapsulated fulvic acid, were added to the best substrate mixture, with the purpose of improving their performance. Encapsulated fulvic acid at 0.1% w/v was effective in promoting plant growth, while chitosan at all of the concentrations studied was effective only for mixture 75E-25CP. The mixture of E. globulus fiber and commercial substrates, containing a high proportion of water-extracted fiber (75%), shows the potential to be used in the growth of horticultural crops and in the plant nursery industry.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Valorization of Uruguayan Pinus elliottii Bark by Developing Sustainable Adhesives
    (2023) Serrentino, Paola; Santos, Jorge; Fuentealba, Cecilia; Hernandez-Mena, Laidy; Mary, Alvaro; Ibanez, Claudia Marcela
    Pinus elliottii Engelm bark is a byproduct of Uruguay's milling industry. As a circular economy strategy, it is burned in broilers for energy production. Aiming to increase the added value of the bark, this work analyzes the extraction of its tannins to use them in the development of formaldehyde-free adhesives, while evaluating whether it retains its calorific power for further energy production. The best extraction conditions (methanol at 65 & DEG;C for 2 h) were identified at a laboratory level after which they were scaled up to 50 L, which did not affect extraction yield. The Stiasny number remained above 65%, meaning the extractive was suitable for its use in adhesive formulations. The characterization of the extractives was completed with molecular weight distribution, FTIR-ATR, ABES and DSC. Finally, two formaldehyde-free adhesive formulations were developed using hexamine and glyoxal as hardeners. Their behaviors were compared through rheological analysis, DSC and ABES. It was determined that the adhesive formulations with hexamine at pHs of 8 and 10 are suitable for their use in the timber industry. It was noted that they react the best at a pressing temperature of 160 & DEG;C. After the extraction, the calorific power of the P. elliottii Engelm bark decreased by only 13%, thus remaining useful for energy production.