Optimization of a Bamboo Continuous Flow Anaerobic Bio-Degumming System Through Pretreatment Screening

This research used a spiral symmetry stream anaerobic bioreactor (SSSAB) to establish and optimize a continuous flow anaerobic bio-degumming system (CFAB) for bamboo fibers. A systematic screening of nine pretreatment methods identified an optimized alkaline-chemical and mechanical process as essential for disrupting bamboo’s recalcitrant structure to enable subsequent microbial action. The optimized protocol (12% NaOH+additives, 2 h cooking, and mechanical refining) followed by 1 week of biodegumming at 38°C proved to be the one of the methods producing spinnable fibers. The resulting fibers exhibited a significant reduction in non-cellulosic components, with residual gum decreasing from 37.75 ± 1.75% to 16.44 ± 0.94% and lignin from 29.98 ± 1.48% to 20.59 ± 1.09%. The degummed fibers demonstrated superior mechanical properties, including high tensile strength (2.98 ± 101.49cN/dtex) and elongation (15.1 ± 2.47%). The system stability of CFAB was confirmed through stable pH (6.8–7.5) and low effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD ~500 mg/L) in a high-recirculation setup. This study establishes an ideal alternative technology to chemical degumming. By integrating critical pretreatment optimization with a stable continuous-flow process, it successfully transitions biodegumming from a laboratory concept to a viable, eco-friendly solution for the bamboo textile industry.