Advanced conditioning of lignocellulosic wastes through imidazolium salts and ultrasound energy.

The concept of converting lignocellulosic waste into valuable products represents an innovative strategy that could yield significant economic benefits. Three water-soluble imidazolium salts were investigated for conditioning sunflower seed husks. Treatment conditions, including temperature and ultrasound (US), did not alter the chemical structure of the lignocellulosic residue, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared analysis. Although US did not modify the functional groups, it did facilitate growth of the lignocellulose degrader Streptomyces albus CAS922-probably by causing rupture of fibres and plant cells. Additionally, the study on the reuse of aqueous solutions demonstrated that the salt remains effective for up to five consecutive cycles, exhibiting high stability to both temperature and US without any loss in concentration. The treatment discussed here could be appealing for the production of industrial products through biological processes.