Abstract:
This study focused on the physicochemical features of the ramie bio-degumming microbial community (RDMC). A systematic evaluation was also made on the RDMC degumming performance of the ramie. Its induction mechanisms were clarified for the substrate carbon source. The dynamic metabolic activity was also investigated for the microbial community proliferation-microbial enzyme secretion-, and enzyme-mediated gum metabolism. The high-molecular-weight gum was effectively decomposed into the low-molecular-weight soluble substances. Biochemical monitoring of the RDMC microbial community included the dynamic pH measurements, the quantification of free proteins, and enzyme activity assays (pectinase, β-galactosidase, xylanase, and cellulase). Physical property was assessed on the degumming efficiency, residual gum ratio, mass loss rate, and bundle fiber tensile strength. Morphological observations were combined with the macroscopic monitoring of the ramie surface. SEM was used to characterize the fiber microstructure, while the FTIR analysis was for the chemical group evolution. Metagenomic sequencing was utilized for the microbiome analysis of the RDMC microbial community composition. The functional annotation was implemented to elucidate the degradation of the pectin and hemicellulose in ramie using the CAZy database, which was represented by lignin components. The results showed that there were the physical and chemical parameters of the reaction solution during degumming as follows. The pH value was maintained between 7.93 and 8.80, and the free protein concentration was ranged from 30 to 210 μg/mL. The key enzyme activities were obtained as follows: Xylanase (10-28 U), β-galactosidase (10-33 U), pectinase (10-30 U), and cellulase (10-32 U). After 7-days of degumming, the total fiber mass loss reached 22%, while the degumming efficiency was 64.5%, and the residual gum content decreased to 10.78%. The tensile strength of the bundled fiber was 6.505 cN/dtex, significantly higher than that of the 10-day degumming group (4.101 cN/dtex). The moderate degumming was effectively balanced the gum removal with mechanical property processing. Macro analysis showed that the RDMC-treated ramie fibers were had reduced the surface roughness for the better smoothness. Microscopic tests showed that the fiber dispersion was enhanced the surface uniformity, indicating the a clearer and distinguishable structure. FTIR analysis revealed that the transmittance was weakened at the key wavelengths and the intensity of absorption peaks in the degummed samples. There was the a great consistence consistency with the gradual removal of the lipids, waxes, water-soluble substances, pectin, and hemicellulose during degumming. Metagenomic sequencing revealed that the Pseudomonadota (97.05%) was dominated in the phylum of the RDMC community. The CAZy annotation was used to identify the degradation pathways of the pectin and hemicellulose. The multiple hydrolases were required with the structurally complex synergistic action, including the pectinase, methylesterase, galactosidase, endoglucanases, glucosidases, mannanases, and arabinogalactanase. These enzymes were used to break down the high-molecular-weight gelatinous substances into the low-viscosity fragments. The fiber release was facilitated after the hydrolysis and synergistic action. This finding can provide a theoretical reference for the microbial-enzyme synergistic and practical framework during ramie bio-degumming. The dual-drive value was offered to promote the sustainable production of the natural fiber resources.