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For sustainable use of lignocellulosic resources, pruned tree branches of cocoa, one of the major evergreen tropical tree crops with significant economic importance worldwide, were investigated as a potential source of kraft pulp. This study determined the chemical composition, fiber dimensions, kraft pulp, and paper properties of the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao L.) branches compared to the deciduous trees traditionally used in the paper industry. A handsheet of cocoa pulp showed promising results with narrow fiber length distribution, high paper density, and high mechanical strength. The yield of kraft pulp made from cocoa branches wood was lower. The tensile and burst indices of cocoa pulp handsheet were 2 and 2.5 times higher than that of hardwood traditionally used in the paper industry. These results suggest a potential use of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) tree branch wood for pulp production using the kraft process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to perform treatment of juniper wood to obtain wood material with a density and mechanical properties comparable to bone, thus producing a potential material for use in osteosynthesis bone implants. In the first step, partial delignification of wood sample was obtained by Kraft cooking. The second step was extraction with ethanol, ethanol–water mixture, saline, and water to prevent the release of soluble compounds and increase biocompatibility. In the last step, the thermal densification at 100 °C for 24 h was implemented. The results obtained in the dry state are equivalent to the properties of bone. The swelling of chemically pre-treated densified wood was reduced compared to chemically untreated densified wood. Samples showed no cytotoxicity by in vitro cell assays. The results of the study showed that it is possible to obtain noncytotoxic wood samples with mechanical properties equivalent to bones by partial delignification, extraction, and densification. However, further research is needed to ensure the material's shape stability, water resistance, and reduced swelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone fractures and bone defects affect millions of people every year. Metal implants for bone fracture fixation and autologous bone for defect reconstruction are used extensively in treatment of these pathologies. Simultaneously, alternative, sustainable, and biocompatible materials are being researched to improve existing practice. Wood as a biomaterial for bone repair has not been considered until the last 50 years. Even nowadays there is not much research on solid wood as a biomaterial in bone implants. A few species of wood have been investigated. Different techniques of wood preparation have been proposed. Simple pre-treatments such as boiling in water or preheating of ash, birch and juniper woods have been used initially. Later researchers have tried using carbonized wood and wood derived cellulose scaffold. Manufacturing implants from carbonized wood and cellulose requires more extensive wood processing—heat above 800 °C and chemicals to extract cellulose. Carbonized wood and cellulose scaffolds can be combined with other materials, such as silicon carbide, hydroxyapatite, and bioactive glass to improve biocompatibility and mechanical durability. Throughout the publications wood implants have provided good biocompatibility and osteoconductivity thanks to wood's porous structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]