From biomass of poplar utilizations to byproducts

According to recent bioeconomy programs, chemical compounds derived from natural sources will be more available in regions where these compounds can be obtained economically than more expensive synthetic chemicals. In addition, the biorefinery is becoming an important aspect for green chemistry development aimed at ensuring the necessity to achieve the best objectives as favourable as possible from restricted natural resources such as forest biomass. One of the main scope is to generate diversified, innovative and renewable products using on-site bioresources such as biomass of wood and tree residues. Poplar tree species, including all their huge varieties, are largely cultivated in the world as a fast growing bioenergy crop. However the enormous potential of this specie in the other fields is still under-evaluated. The aim of this study was to verify the influence of thermal treatment at 180, 200 and 220 °C on wood extracts obtained via three different extraction techniques: Maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction and accelerated solvent extraction. Results showed the effect of heat treatments and extraction techniques on polyphenol, flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity. This investigation clearly showed the differential effects of temperature and extraction techniques on both antioxidant activity and secondary compounds contents.