BIOMASS FIBER COMPOSITIONS AND PRODUCTS

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63/305,417 filed February 1, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Particles and fiber compositions are an important part of many products, especially personal care and dermatological compositions. Particles and fibers derived from natural and abundant feedstocks, such as biomass, are biodegradable and can be used to improve the sustainability and environmental impact of different products. Different biomass-derived compositions with exfoliating properties can be used in personal care and dermatological applications.

SUMMARY

[0003] In one aspect described herein is a personal care consumable composition comprising: (a) a processed plant biomass comprising a partially hydrolyzed form of an unprocessed plant biomass; and (b) a topically acceptable agent, wherein the processed plant biomass comprises a plurality of processed plant biomass particles having an average particle diameter of less than 500 microns; wherein the processed plant biomass comprises at least 60% cellulose w/w; and wherein the processed plant biomass has a cellulose to hemicellulose ratio of more than 2.0.

[0004] In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises at least 20% more cellulose w/w as compared to the unprocessed plant biomass. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises at least 10% less hemicellulose w/w as compared to the unprocessed plant biomass. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises at least 20% less hemicellulose w/w as compared to the unprocessed plant biomass. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises a reduced relative amount of lignin as compared to the unprocessed plant biomass in w/w percentage. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises an increased relative amount of lignin as compared to the unprocessed plant biomass in w/w percentage. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles is less than 250 microns. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles is less than 100 microns. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises insoluble saccharides, and wherein at least 50% of the insoluble saccharides have an average degree of polymerization of greater than 20. In some embodiments, at least 75% of the insoluble saccharides with an average degree of polymerization of greater than 30. In some embodiments, the insoluble saccharides have an average degree of polymerization of greater than 30. In some embodiments, at least 10% of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles w/w is hydrolyzed as compared to the unprocessed plant biomass. In some embodiments, the plurality of processed plant biomass particles has a moisture content of less than 15% w/w. In some embodiments, the plurality of processed plant biomass particles has a water activity of less than 0.9.

[0005] In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises at least 65% cellulose w/w. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises at least 70% cellulose w/w. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises at most 99% cellulose w/w. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises at least 1% hemicellulose w/w. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises at least 5% hemicellulose w/w. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises at least 15% hemicellulose w/w. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises at most 35% hemicellulose w/w. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises at least 0.1% lignin, lignols, phenols or polyphenolics w/w. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises at least 5% lignin, lignols, phenols or polyphenolics w/w. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises at most 15% lignin, lignols, phenols or polyphenolics w/w. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass comprises a residual enzyme comprising a cellulose-binding domain.

[0006] In some embodiments, the personal care consumable composition comprises at least 0.25% the processed plant biomass w/w. In some embodiments, the personal care consumable composition comprises at least 1 % the processed plant biomass w/w. In some embodiments, the personal care consumable composition comprises at least 3% the processed plant biomass w/w. In some embodiments, the personal care consumable composition comprises at least 5% the processed plant biomass w/w. In some embodiments, the personal care consumable composition comprises at most 95% the processed plant biomass w/w.

[0007] In some embodiments, the unprocessed plant biomass is one or more of grain, grain chaff, oat, oat hulls, oat husks, bean pods, seed coats, seed materials, seaweeds, corn cob, com stover, corn leaves, corn stalks, straw, wheat, wheat straw, wheat bran, wheat middlings, rice straw, soy stalk, bagasse, sugar cane, sugar beet, sugar cane bagasse, miscanthus, sorghum residue, switchgrass, bamboo, monocotyledonous tissue, dicotyledonous tissue, fem tissue, water hyacinth, leaf tissue, roots, vegetative matter, vegetable material, vegetable waste, hardwood, hardwood stem, hardwood chips, hardwood pulp, softwood, softwood stem, softwood chips, softwood pulp, paper, paper pulp, cardboard, wood-based feedstocks, grass, nut shell, poplar, willow, sweet potato, cotton, hemp, jute, flax, ramie, sisal, or cocoa. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass is biodegradable as defined by tests 301/310 OECD or ISO 11734 or ISO 14593.

[0008] In some embodiments, an average bulk density of the processed plant biomass is greater than 0.1 g/mL. In some embodiments, the plurality of processed plant biomass particles absorbs a higher mass of an aqueous solution than microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) particles of equivalent average particle diameter and weight. In some embodiments, the plurality of processed plant biomass particles absorbs a higher mass of an aqueous solution than a plurality of ground particles of a respective unprocessed biomass feedstock of equivalent average particle diameter and weight. In some embodiments, the plurality of plant biomass particles absorbs a higher mass of a lipophilic solution than a plurality of pumice particles or a plurality of kaolin particles of equivalent average particle diameter and weight. In some embodiments, the plurality of processed plant biomass particles absorbs a higher mass of a lipophilic solution than a plurality of ground particles of a respective unprocessed biomass feedstock of equivalent average particle diameter and weight. In some embodiments, the plurality of processed plant biomass particles is configured to absorb a mass of an aqueous solution of at least 150% equivalent weight of the plurality of plant biomass particles. In some embodiments, the plurality of processed plant biomass particles is configured to absorb a mass of lipophilic solution of at least 150% equivalent weight of the plant biomass particles. In some embodiments, the lipophilic solution absorbed by the plurality of processed plant biomass particles is a naturally occurring essential oil. In some embodiments, the lipophilic solution absorbed by the plurality of processed plant biomass particles is sebum. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass slows down degradation of absorbed a volatile compound when compared to a respective unprocessed biomass feedstock of equivalent weight, wherein the volatile compound is linalool, decanal, or citral. In some embodiment, the processed plant biomass increases foaming volume and stability of a foam generated from physically agitated aqueous solutions of a surface- active composition when compared with the foam in absence of the processed plant biomass.

[0009] In some embodiments, the plurality of processed plant biomass particles having the average particle diameter of no more than 50 pm forms an aqueous suspension in water with increased and uniform opacity when compared with the water in absence of the processed plant biomass. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass in absence of the topically acceptable agent has a useable shelf-life of at least 6 months under ambient, room temperature conditions. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass in absence of the topically acceptable agent does not deteriorate substantially during a time period of at least 6 months under ambient, room temperature conditions measured by water activity, flow properties, bulk density, and/or tapped density of the processed plant biomass. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass decreases a rate of formation of limonene oxide from infused essential oils when compared with essential oils infused in the unprocessed plant biomass of equivalent weight. In some embodiments, the plurality of processed plant biomass particles comprises a mixture of fibrous, angular, and sub-rounded particles. In some embodiments, the plurality of processed plant biomass particles comprises more fibrous particles than angular and sub-rounded particles.

[0010] In some embodiments, the topically acceptable agent is a gel, a cream, a powder, a paste, an emulsion, an oil, a wax-based medium, a soap, an aqueous medium, or an alcohol, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the personal care consumable composition is a cleanser. In some embodiments, the cleanser is a body wash, a soap, a detergent, a face wash, a gel-based cleanser, a cream-based cleanser, an exfoliant, a body scrub, a dry shampoo, a shampoo bar, a facial mask, or a toothpaste.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cleanser is a mildly abrasive cleanser. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the mildly abrasive cleanser is no more than 50 microns.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cleanser is an exfoliant. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the exfoliant is at least 100 microns. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the exfoliant is from 25 to 500 microns. In some embodiments, the exfoliant comprises from 0.5 to 20% w/w of the processed plant biomass.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cleanser is a facial soap. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the facial soap is at least 1 micron. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the facial soap is from 1 to 150 microns. In some embodiments, the facial soap comprises from 0.5 to 15% w/w of the processed plant biomass.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cleanser is a body wash, a toothpaste, or an exfoliating soap. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the bodywash/toothpaste/exfoliating soap is at least 50 microns. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the bodywash/toothpaste/exfoliating soap is from 25 to 500 microns. In some embodiments, the body wash or the toothpaste or the exfoliating soap comprises from 0.5 to 20% w/w of the processed plant biomass. [0015] In some embodiments, the cleanser is a dry shampoo. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the dry shampoo is at least 1 micron. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the dry shampoo is from 1 to 150 microns. In some embodiments, the dry shampoo comprises from 25 to 75% w/w of the processed plant biomass.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cleanser is a shampoo bar. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the shampoo bar is at least 1 micron. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the shampoo bar is from 1 to 150 microns. In some embodiments, the shampoo bar comprises from 0.5 to 15% w/w of the processed plant biomass.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cleanser is a facial mask. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the facial mask is at least 1 micron. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the facial mask is from 1 to 150 microns. In some embodiments, the facial mask comprises from 0.5 to 15% w/w of the processed plant biomass.

[0018] In some embodiments, the personal care consumable composition is a color cosmetic product, and wherein the color cosmetic product is a face powder, a blusher, a bronzer, or an eyeshadow. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the color cosmetic product is at least 1 micron. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the color cosmetic product is from 1 to 100 microns. In some embodiments, the color cosmetic product comprises from 5 to 60% w/w of the processed plant biomass.

[0019] In some embodiments, the personal care composition is a deodorant. In some embodiments, the deodorant product comprises from 1 to 30% w/w of the processed plant biomass. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the deodorant is from 1 to 50 microns.

[0020] In some embodiments, the personal care composition is a bathing product (e.g., a bath bomb). In some embodiments, the bathing product comprises from 1 to 25% w/w of the processed plant biomass. In some embodiments, the average particle diameter of the plurality of processed plant biomass particles in the bathing product is from 50 to 100 microns.

[0021] In some embodiments, for all the embodiments of the personal care consumable composition disclosed above, the processed plant biomass provides at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: cleansing, moisture-regulation, maintaining a viscosity, thickening, texturizing, smoothing, mattifying, volumizing, exfoliating, volatile-substance-retention, durability/structural- integrity, hardness-modulation, oil/fat absorption, drying-time-reduction, sebum removal, density modulation, pH- stabilization, foam- stabilization, staining-reduction, pay-off modulation, essential oilrelease-modulation, density-modulation, and water-induced disintegration time modulation (in the context of bath bombs), to the personal care consumable composition.

[0022] In another aspect described herein is a method of producing a processed plant biomass composition comprising: (a) subjecting an unprocessed plant biomass comprising a plurality of unprocessed fiber particles to a first pre-treatment, wherein the first pre-treatment reduces an average particle size of the plurality of unprocessed fiber particles, thereby producing a particle size-reduced plant biomass; (b) subjecting the particle size-reduced plant biomass from (a) to a hydrolysis reaction, wherein the hydrolysis reaction removes some but not all hemicellulose from the particle size-reduced plant biomass from (a), thereby producing a partially hydrolyzed plant biomass; and (c) drying the partially hydrolyzed plant biomass from (b), thereby producing the processed plant biomass composition comprising a plurality of processed plant biomass fiber particles, wherein the plurality of processed plant biomass fiber particles absorbs a higher mass of an aqueous or lipophilic solution than a plurality of pumice particles or the plurality of unprocessed fiber particles of equivalent average particle size and weight.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: (d) subjecting the processed plant biomass composition from (c) to milling and sieving, thereby reducing the average particle size. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: (e) mixing the processed plant biomass composition with a topically acceptable agent, thereby producing a product. In some embodiments, the topically acceptable agent is a gel, a cream, a powder, a paste, an emulsion, an oil, an aqueous medium, or an alcohol, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the plurality of processed plant biomass fiber particles has an average particle diameter of less than 250 microns. In some embodiments, the plurality of processed plant biomass fiber particles has an average particle diameter of less than 200 microns. In some embodiments, the plurality of processed plant biomass fiber particles has an average particle diameter of less than 150 microns. In some embodiments, the plurality of processed plant biomass fiber particles has an average particle diameter of less than 100 microns. In some embodiments, the plurality of processed plant biomass fiber particles has an average particle diameter of less than 75 microns. In some embodiments, the plurality of processed plant biomass fiber particles has an average particle diameter of less than 60 microns.

[0024] In some embodiments, the hydrolysis reaction in (b) comprises filtering by gravity, vacuum, membrane, or centrifugal filtration, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the unprocessed plant biomass comprises at least one of cellulose, chitin, chitosan, xylan, xyloglucan, mixed-linkage glucan, mannan, arabinoxylan, or lignocellulose. In some embodiments, the unprocessed plant biomass comprises one or more of grain, grain chaff, oat, oat hulls, oat husks, bean pods, seed coats, seed materials, seaweeds, corn cob, corn stover, com leaves, corn stalks, straw, wheat, wheat straw, wheat bran, wheat middlings, rice straw, soy stalk, bagasse, sugar cane, sugar beet, sugar cane bagasse, miscanthus, sorghum residue, switchgrass, bamboo, monocotyledonous tissue, dicotyledonous tissue, fern tissue, water hyacinth, leaf tissue, roots, vegetative matter, vegetable material, vegetable waste, hardwood, hardwood stem, hardwood chips, hardwood pulp, softwood, softwood stem, softwood chips, softwood pulp, paper, paper pulp, cardboard, wood-based feedstocks, grass, nut shell, poplar, willow, sweet potato, cotton, hemp, jute, flax, ramie, sisal, or cocoa. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass composition is substantially free of monosaccharides. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass composition comprises less than 5% by dry weight monosaccharides.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method further comprises further comprising, after (a), a thermochemical treatment comprising incubating the particle size-reduced plant biomass in an alkali solution at a temperature of from 50 °C to 150 °C. In some embodiments, the alkali solution has a pH from 8 to 14. In some embodiments, the alkali solution comprises at least one of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate, aqueous ammonia, ammonium sulfate, or ammonium hydroxide. In some embodiments, the thermochemical treatment is conducted from 5 minutes to 72 hours.

[0026] In some embodiments, step (b) of the method further comprises reducing one or more organic acids comprised in the particle size-reduced plant biomass by at least 50%. In some embodiments, the first pre-treatment comprises at least one of chipping, chopping, milling, ball-milling, grinding, sprucing, or blending the unprocessed plant biomass. In some embodiments, the hydrolysis reaction in (b) occurs in an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, the hydrolysis reaction in (b) occurs at a temperature from 5 °C to 150 °C. In some embodiments, the mixing in (e) comprises combining one or more topically acceptable aqueous phases and one or more topically acceptable oil-based phases. In some embodiments, the mixing in (e) comprises combining two or more oil-based phases. In some embodiments, the mixing in (e) comprises combining one or more oil-based phases and one or more solid-based phases. In some embodiments, the mixing in (e) is by hand, or by mechanical means, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the mixing in (e) comprises applying an elevated temperature to the product, or the topically acceptable agent alone before the mixing. In some embodiments, the elevated temperature is from 25 °C to 50 °C. In some embodiments, the elevated temperature is from 50 °C to 75 °C. In some embodiments, the mixing in (e) further comprises, after the applying the elevated temperature, cooling the product to room temperature or colder. In some embodiments, the cooling occurs within a solid mold. In some embodiments, after the cooling, the product solidifies.

[0027] In some embodiments, the topically acceptable agent comprises an essential oil. In some embodiments, the plurality of process plant biomass fiber particles absorbs the essential oil. In some embodiments, the mixing in (e) comprises at least one change in physical states of the processed plant biomass composition. In some embodiments, the mixing in (e) comprises at least one colour change of the processed plant biomass composition. In some embodiments, the topically acceptable agent optionally comprises an emulsifier. In some embodiments, the topically acceptable agent optionally comprises a surfactant. In some embodiments, the topically acceptable agent optionally comprises a preservative. In some embodiments, the topically acceptable agent optionally comprises a soap base or a gel base. In some embodiments, the topically acceptable agent optionally comprises a pigment, a dye, or other colorant. In some embodiments, the topically acceptable agent optionally comprises a pH modulating substance.

[0028] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: after (e), optionally drying the product.

[0029] In some embodiments, the product is a deodorant, a cleanser, a cream, a bathing product, a hair-care product, a blusher product, a toothpaste product, or a face mask product. In some embodiments, the product maintains a moisture content of less than 15% w/w for a shelf-life of at least 5 months.

[0030] In some embodiments, the hydrolysis reaction in (b) comprises an enzymatic reaction. In some embodiments, the enzymatic reaction is a microbial fermentation. In some embodiments, the microbial fermentation is conducted in the presence of a bacterium, a fungus, or a yeast. In some embodiments, the enzymatic reaction is conducted in the presence of a hemicellulase, a cellobiohydrolase, a xylanase, a cellulase, a mannase, a lichenase, or a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO), or a combination thereof.

[0031] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0032] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also “Figure” and “FIG.” herein), of which:

[0034] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate the compositional analysis of selected compositions. FIG. 1A shows the composition of the feedstock in Example 1: raw corn cob; and FIG. 1C shows the composition of the processed plant biomass composition in Example 1. FIG. IB shows the composition of the feedstock in Example 2: raw oat husk; and FIG. ID shows the processed plant biomass composition in Example 2.

[0035] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate microscopy images of processed plant biomass composition described in Example 1 - FIG. 2A shows at lOOx magnification; FIG. 2B shows at lOOOx magnification; and FIG. 2C shows at 5000x magnification.

[0036] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate microscopy images of processed plant biomass composition described in Example 2 - FIG. 3A shows at lOOx magnification; FIG. 3B shows at 500x magnification; FIG. 3C shows at 500x magnification (alternative view).

[0037] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate the porosity data (incremental intrusion vs pore size and cumulative area vs pore size) for the processed plant biomass compositions in Examples 1 and 2. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show data for the processed plant biomass compositions in Example 1. FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D show data for the processed plant biomass compositions in Examples 2.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a particle size distribution for a sample the processed plant biomass composition in Example 1.

[0039] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate the powder X-ray diffractograms for samples in Examples 1 and 2. FIG. 6A shows data for the raw biomass material, the processed plant biomass composition in Example 1 and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). FIG. 6B shows data for the raw biomass material, the processed plant biomass composition in Example 2 and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC).

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates a comparison of the water retention capacity (WRC) and fat absorption capacity (FAC) of the processed plant biomass exfoliant composition in Examples 1 and 2 to those displayed by commercial exfoliant compositions.

[0041] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate the pH behavior of formulations containing different compositions: the processed plant biomass composition in Example 1 (FIG. 8A) and a commercial bamboo fiber composition (comparative example) (FIG. 8B) over a period of one week.

[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates graphical results for the foaming volume measurements for processed plant biomass compositions in Examples 1 and 2 and a control (containing no biomass composition).

[0043] FIGS. 10A-10B illustrates gels formed using example processed plant biomass compositions described herein and a comparative control without any biomass composition. FIG. 10A: immediately after stirring and FIG. 10B: 24 h after stirring.

[0044] FIG. 11 illustrates the fat absorption capacity (FAC) of an Example 1 processed plant biomass composition measured in the context of three specific essential oils.

[0045] FIG. 12 illustrates the fat absorption capacity (FAC) of an Example 2 processed plant biomass composition measured in the context of three specific essential oils.

[0046] FIG. 13A depicts results obtained by adding the example processed plant biomass compositions to vials, each containing an essential oil and an aqueous-based cream. From left to right: base formulation with no additional biomass composition, Example 1 processed plant biomass composition, Example 2 processed plant biomass composition. FIG. 13B depicts the outcome of adding Example 1 processed plant biomass composition that had been infused with an essential oil to a vial of water. The particles appear dispersed, and the essential oil can be seen floating on top.

[0047] FIG. 14 illustrates the detected mass spectrometry (MS) responses for five different volatile compounds from headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) scanning of treated stated comparative and example processed plant biomass compositions on day 0 (top) and day 14 (bottom).

[0048] FIGS. 15A-15D illustrate example products containing stated example processed plant biomass compositions in the formulations: soap bar (FIG. 15A), cleansing lotion (FIG. 15B), gel wash (FIG. 15C), and face mask (FIG. 15D).

[0049] FIG. 16 depicts an example soap bar containing an example processed plant biomass composition. [0050] FIGS. 17A-17D depict example products containing example processed plant biomass compositions: FIG. 17A: bath bomb products; FIG. 17B: a blusher product; FIG. 17C: a skin cream product; FIG. 17D: a deodorant product.

[0051] FIGS. 18A-18B illustrate graphical results obtained for different bath-bomb product samples: FIG. 18A shows disintegration and fizzing times of example products and comparative compositions after penetration with a 6 mm diameter probe to a depth of 5 mm; and FIG. 18B shows images of example products and comparative compositions.

[0052] FIG. 19 illustrates stains of different deodorant products (containing example compositions or comparative compositions) having been applied to a cotton piece.

[0053] FIGS. 20A-20B illustrate additional graphical results obtained for different blusher product samples: FIG. 20A: drying times; and FIG. 20B: product pay-off.

[0054] FIG. 21A illustrates the results for the hardness of deodorant products containing comparative composition or an example processed plant biomass composition (at two different temperatures). FIG. 21B depicts linear distance results from textural analysis of deodorant products containing comparative compositions or a processed plant biomass composition.

[0055] FIGS. 22A-22D depict example products containing example processed plant biomass compositions: FIG. 22A: dry shampoo products; FIG. 22B: a shampoo bar product; FIG. 22C: a face mask product; FIG. 22D: a toothpaste product.

[0056] FIGS. 23A-23B depict hair tresses. FIG. 23A: a tress soiled with artificial sebum; FIG. 23B: the soiled tress after being treated with a dry shampoo product containing an example processed plant biomass composition.

[0057] FIG. 24 illustrates graphical results collected for different dry shampoo product samples: contact angle.

[0058] FIG. 25 illustrates graphical results obtained for the hardness of different shampoo bar product samples.

[0059] FIGS. 26A-26E depict blendability results of blusher products containing comparative or example processed plant biomass compositions. FIG. 26A: Base formulation with no additional composition, left: after application of product; right: after blending. FIG. 26B: Non-hydrolyzed oat fiber, left: after application of product; right: after blending. FIG. 26C: Example 2 processed plant biomass composition, left: after application of product; right: after blending. FIG. 26D: Corn starch, left: after application of product; right: after blending. FIG. 26E: microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), left: after application of product; right: after blending. [0060] FIGS. 27A-27B illustrates graphical results obtained for different blusher product samples: FIG. 27A: hardness and FIG. 27B: linear distance.

[0061] FIGS. 28A-28B illustrate example products containing example processed plant biomass compositions. FIG. 28A: the Example 1 processed plant biomass composition (average particle size < 50 pm) pressed into a pellet. FIG. 28B: a natural blusher made with Example 1 plant biomass composition (left) and further pressed into a pellet (right).

[0062] FIG. 29 illustrates graphical results for drying times obtained for different face mask product samples.

[0063] FIG. 30A illustrates a comparison of the performance of Example 1 processed plant biomass compositions suspended in gel to control gel for removing eyeliner from skin on skin. FIG. 30B illustrates additional comparison of the performance of Example 1 processed plant biomass compositions suspended in gel to control gel for removing eyeliner from skin on skin.

[0064] FIGS. 31A-31C illustrate a comparison of the performance of Example 1 plant biomass exfoliant composition and commercial exfoliant compositions for removing eyeliner from skin. Photos show dried liquid eyeliner and exfoliant before scrubbing (FIG. 31A), after 10 seconds of scrubbing in circular motion (FIG. 31B), after wiping off the products (FIG. 31C).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Described herein are processed plant biomass compositions that can be useful in cosmetics and home and personal care goods. Also described herein are methods of producing and formulating the same. The plant biomass fibers may be obtained from partially hydrolyzed biomass. The processed plant biomass compositions may include lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. Adding the processed plant biomass compositions obtained from partially hydrolyzed biomass may improve the functional performance of cosmetics, home care or personal care goods compared to those lacking the same. [0066] In some instances, the partial hydrolysis may be an enzyme-based hydrolysis. In some instances, the partial hydrolysis may be an acid-based hydrolysis. In some instances, the partial hydrolysis may be an alkali-based hydrolysis. In some instances, the partial hydrolysis may be a combination of one or more hydrolysis methods. In general, partial hydrolysis of the biomass may include any forms of hydrolysis of acetyl groups from hemicellulose. Partial hydrolysis may comprise other methods of digesting biomasses and/or reducing an average degree of polymerization of the biomass. [0067] Provided in various embodiments herein are compositions, cosmetic compositions, home care compositions or personal care compositions, methods of making such compositions, methods of making personal care compositions with such processed plant biomass compositions, and the like.

[0068] As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a sample” includes a plurality of samples, including mixtures thereof.

[0069] Whenever the term “at least,” “greater than,” or “greater than or equal to” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or more numerical values, the term “at least,” “greater than” or “greater than or equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series of numerical values. For example, greater than or equal to 1, 2, or 3 is equivalent to greater than or equal to 1, greater than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 3.

[0070] Whenever the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equal to” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or more numerical values, the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series of numerical values. For example, less than or equal to 3, 2, or 1 is equivalent to less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, or less than or equal to 1.

[0071] Certain embodiments herein contemplate numerical ranges. When ranges are present, the ranges include the range endpoints. Additionally, every sub range and value within the range is present as if explicitly written out. The term “about” or “approximately” may mean within an acceptable error range for the particular value, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, e.g., the limitations of the measurement system. For example, “about” may mean within 1 or more than 1 standard deviation, per the practice in the art. Alternatively, “about” may mean a range of up to 20%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% of a given value. Where particular values are described in the application and claims, unless otherwise stated the term “about” meaning within an acceptable error range for the particular value may be assumed.

[0072] As used herein, “cosmetic” refers to any composition which is intended for use on humans or other animals to increase their aesthetic appeal or prevent future loss of aesthetic appeal, as well as any other compositions known in general parlance as cosmetics. Aesthetic appeal is not limited to visual aesthetics but applies as well to textural or any other appeal. The cosmetic may be mascara, foundation, lip gloss, eyeshadow, eyeliner, primer, lipstick blush, nail polish, bronzer, or any other makeup; shampoo, conditioner, styling mousse, styling gel, hairspray, hair dye, hair wax, or any other hair product; moisturizer, exfoliant, sun cream, cleanser, toothpaste, or a cream, a lotion, ointment or any other composition effective in modifying teeth, skin, hair or other parts of the body in some aesthetic way. Or it may be a composition used as a component of a face mask, brush, hair roller, other styling device, or other solid structure, or any other suitable composition.

[0073] As used herein, “agent” generally refers to any component or mixture of components suitable for incorporation into a home care or personal care or cosmetic product. It may be a dry or liquid component unless it is specifically referred to as “dry” or “liquid”. Examples of an agent comprise hydrophilic or hydrophobic, thixotropic materials, hydrogels, polymers, and similar carrier materials into which a composition described herein may be blended or suspended.

[0074] As used herein, “monosaccharide” refers to a saccharide compound consisting of a single sugar residue. Monosaccharides are compounds such as glucose, glucosamine, xylose, galactose, fucose, fructose, glucuronic acid, arabinose, galacturonic acid; or epimers or other derivatives thereof. Suitable derivatives include acetyl or other groups. Disaccharides are compounds consisting of two monosaccharides joined via any glycosidic bond. As used herein, “degree of polymerization” refers to the length of an oligosaccharide or polysaccharide chain in number of sugar monomer residues. For example, a polysaccharide composed of 20 linked glucose residues or of 10 linked glucose residues linked to 10 linked fucose residues would have a degree of polymerization of 20.

[0075] As used herein, “oligosaccharide” refers to saccharide polymers having chain lengths generally within the range which is useful in the context of a cosmetic product. They are comprised at least within the products of the enzymatic reaction. Typical chain lengths may be from about 3 to about 16 saccharide residues. Oligosaccharides may be highly branched, lightly branched, or unbranched, may comprise glycosidic bonds in any combination, any number of a or 0 linkages, and any combination of monomer types, such as glucose, glucosamine, mannose, xylose, galactose, fucose, fructose, glucuronic acid, arabinose, or derivatives thereof. Suitable derivatives include the above monomers comprising acetyl or other groups.

[0076] As used herein, “polysaccharide” generally refers to a saccharide polymer of any length greater than 20 residues. Polysaccharides may be highly branched, lightly branched, or unbranched. Polysaccharides may include any manner of glycosidic bond in any combination; any number of, for example, a or 0 linkages; and any combination of monomer types, such as glucose, glucosamine, mannose, xylose, galactose, fucose, fructose, glucuronic acid, arabinose, or derivatives thereof, such as any combination of the above monomers decorated with acetyl or other groups. The polysaccharide may be a cellulosic or hemicellulosic polymer. Hemicellulosic polymers envisaged include xylan, glucuronoxylan, arabinoxylan, glucomannan, and xyloglucan. In some embodiments, the cellulosic polymer may be cellulose. Envisaged herein are enzymes or combinations of enzymes producing substantially lower order saccharides from polysaccharides in such a reaction. [0077] As used herein “highly branched,” “lightly branched,” and “unbranched” generally refer to the number of side-chains per stretch of main chain in a saccharide. Highly branched saccharides have on average from 4 to 10 side chains per 10 main-chain residues, slightly branched saccharides have on average from 1 to 3 side chains per 10 main-chain residues, and unbranched saccharides have only one main chain and no side chains. The average is calculated by dividing the number of side chains in a saccharide by the number of main-chain residues.

[0078] As used herein, “saccharide” generally refers to any polysaccharide and/or oligosaccharide, and/or a disaccharide, and/or a monosaccharide.

[0079] As used herein, “lignin” generally refers to polymeric or oligomeric structures composed of aromatic subunits (generally having been constructed within plants via nonenzymatic coupling reactions) such as lignols, or products of lignin thermochemical breakdown/depolymerisation.

[0080] As used herein, “insoluble” generally refers to a compound that may not be solubilized in a pH-neutral aqueous medium or at or below a given concentration. Relevant concentrations can be between 10 and 100 g/L. It may be the case that a given compound is insoluble in a pH neutral aqueous medium at any concentration. Compounds that could become soluble in a pH neutral aqueous medium upon thermochemical treatment can be classified as insoluble until such a thermochemical treatment has enabled their solubility. Insoluble saccharides can include cellulose as well as aggregates containing cellulose complexed with other compounds (including xylan, mannan, mixed-linkage glucan and lignin) such as lignocellulose.

[0081] As used herein, in some instances, “Example 1 composition” may refer to a composition in accordance with some embodiments herein, particularly those described in Example 1 of the present disclosure.

[0082] As used herein, in some instances, “Example 2 composition” may refer to a composition in accordance with some embodiments herein, particularly those described in Example 2 of the present disclosure.

[0083] As used herein, in some instances, “pre-treatment” is any process which makes a feedstock more easily acted upon by the enzymes in an enzymatic reaction step. The pre-treatment can occur before the enzymatic reaction, and may comprise acid treatment by, for example, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, or trifluoro acetic acid; alkali treatment by, for example, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, or ammonia fiber expansion; heat treatment by, for example, hot water, hot steam, or hot acid; ionic liquid treatment, and related technologies; Alcell pulping, and related technologies; supercritical solvent, such as supercritical water treatment; and/or enzyme treatment by, for example, a hydrolase, lyase, or lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO), or any mixture of the above processes.

[0084] As used herein, “suspension” refers to a composition comprising at least two immiscible phases, for example, a solid and a liquid phase. In some examples, the weight of the solid phase may be, as a percentage of the weight of the composition, in the range of from about 0.25% to about 30%, preferably 1% to about 10%, more preferably from about 2% to about 7%, yet more preferably from about 3% to about 5%. The suspension may comprise a suitable solvent, for example, water. It may be particularly beneficial to use a slightly higher concentration, for instance to improve process time, of from about 1% to about 35%, from 5% to about 30%, from about 8% to about 25%, or from about 10% to about 20%.

[0085] As used herein, “substantially no” monosaccharides or disaccharides refers to a set of products in which by weight less than about 60%, less than about 50%, less than about 40%, more less than about 30%, less than about 20%, less than about 15%, less than about 10%, less than about 5%, less than about 2%, less than about 1%, or less than about 0.1%, of the imageable saccharides are monosaccharides or disaccharides.

[0086] As used herein, “plant” generally includes both terrestrial and aquatic organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Examples of plants include but are not limited to grain, beans, seed-coats, organisms that grow from seeds, seaweeds, corn, miscanthus, sorghum, switch grass, bamboo, water hyacinth, vegetative organisms, trees and the like.

[0087] As used herein, a “personal care” product generally includes any hair care product, skin care product, bathing product, or cosmetic product, e.g., shampoos, conditioners, makeup removers, deodorants, exfoliants, cleansers, facial cleansers, compact powders, and the like.

[0088] As used herein, “wt%” or “wt.%” or “wt. %” generally refers to “% by weight”. Similarly, “dry wt%” or “dry wt.%” or “dry wt. %” generally refers to “% by dry weight”.

[0089] As used herein, “w/w” or “WAV” in reference to proportions by weight, generally refers to (i) the ratio of the weight of one substance in a composition to the weight of the composition, or (ii) the ratio of the weight of a first substance in a composition to the weight of second substance in the same composition. For example, reference to a composition that comprises 5% w/w processed plant biomass means that 5% of the composition’s weight is composed of the processed plant biomass (e.g., such a composition having a weight of 100 mg would contain 5 mg of the processed plant biomass) and the remainder of the weight of the composition (e.g., 95 mg in the example) is composed of other ingredients. [0090] As used herein, “unprocessed plant biomass” generally refers to plant biomass feedstock harvested in the field/forest, collected and transported, packaged and distributed by different plant biomass feedstock providers. The unprocessed term generally refers to no change to the chemical composition of the plant biomass feedstock.

[0091] As used herein, “processed plant biomass” generally refers to the result product obtained by processing the unprocessed plant biomass. The processing of the unprocessed plant biomass can be done chemically, thermally, physically, enzymatically, etc. The processed plant biomass used within this application may contain residual enzyme. The residual enzyme contained in the processed plant biomass composition may contain a cellulose-binding domain (CBD). The residual enzyme contained in the processed plant biomass composition may be inactive, the inactivation being achieved by: treatment with heat, and/or pH, and/or solvent, and/or physical action, and/or sonication, and/or one or more inhibitors and/or other protein denaturing agent. The processed plant biomass generally presents a lower degree of crystallinity compared to microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), but a higher degree of crystallinity compared to the unprocessed plant biomass. A cellulose-binding domain (CBD) binds specifically to cellulose and forms a distinct domain of most cellulose degrading enzymes. The CBD-mediated binding of the enzyme may have a fundamental role in the hydrolysis of the solid cellulose substrate. Non-limiting examples of the residual enzyme may include Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase I, and Cellulomonas fimi xylanase/cellobiohydrolase Cex. An inactivated enzyme is an enzyme, protein or polypeptide that cannot perform a catalytic function that it was previously capable of.

[0092] Processed plant biomass compositions described herein may be characterized by their particle size distribution, by their pore size distribution, by their density, by their ability to absorb or adsorb other substances, or any other physical property as well as combinations thereof. Size distributions may be characterized by microscopy, light scattering, or other methods generally known to be useful in measurement of particle size.

Plant biomass processing options

[0093] One step of the method of the present disclosure is a hydrolyzing enzymatic reaction, in which one or more enzymes are placed in a suitable reaction vessel together with one or more feedstocks, which may be soluble or insoluble in water, and a suitable solvent.

[0094] The hydrolyzing step of the present disclosure can also be done through chemical or physical treatment methods.

[0095] The enzymatic reaction may take place in solution and/or suspension, in a suitable reaction vessel. At a temperature or temperature protocol appropriate for the particular combination of enzyme and feedstock, the reaction may be allowed to progress for a certain amount of time, or until the products have reached a desired concentration, or until some other requirement has been met.

[0096] In order to ensure optimal contact between the enzymes and feedstock, the reaction mixture may be agitated, either constantly or at intervals. The agitation may take the form of rhythmically moving the entire reaction vessel, of a fan or other stirring device, of a bubble sparging, or any other method of agitation.

[0097] The enzymatic reaction may be a microbial fermentation. The temperature and reaction time will be suitable for the growth of the microbial organism used. The microbial organism may be genetically altered to produce an enzyme suitable to produce a composition of the present disclosure, while producing substantially no monosaccharides or disaccharides. The microbe may be, for example, a bacterium, for example from the family Enterobacteriaceae, or a fungus, for example from the family Hypocreaceae, or a yeast, for example from the family Saccharomycetaceae.

[0098] The enzymatic reaction is carried out at a temperature or temperature protocol appropriate to the enzymes and substrates used. For example, it may be carried out at a constant temperature in the range of from about 10°C to about 80 °C, preferably about 20 °C to about 60 °C, more preferably from about 30 °C to about 40 °C. It may be particularly beneficial to use a slightly higher temperature, for instance to improve process time, of about 30 °C to about 70 °C, preferably from about 40 °C to about 60 °C.

[0099] The pH of the solution or suspension may affect the activity of the enzymes. Control of pH may be important in assuring that an enzymatic reaction proceeds at a suitable rate. The enzymatic reaction of the present disclsoure may take place at a pH in the range of from about 2 to about 10, preferably about 3 to about 8, more preferably about 4 to about 6.

[0100] The enzymatic reaction is allowed to continue for a certain time period before optionally being quenched, and the products isolated or otherwise collected. This time period may be from about 1 minute to about 5 days, preferably from about 0.5 days to about 3 days, and more preferably from about 6 hours to about 36 hours. The reaction may alternatively be allowed to proceed until completion or approximate completion of the reaction. If the reaction is allowed to continue until completion or approximate completion of the reaction, this may be longer than 5 days.

[0101] The one or more feedstocks added to the enzymatic reaction may comprise polysaccharides. Such polysaccharides may have been produced by a separate reaction proceeding simultaneously in the reaction vessel. The polysaccharides present in the feedstock may be cleaved by enzymes into the desired plant biomass compositions or polysaccharides and other saccharides, which may be separated from the remaining composition. Biomass Feedstocks

[0102] Any substance which comprises appropriate polysaccharides may form part of the feedstock. As the personal care, house care and cosmetic industries use a broad variety of particles, the polysaccharides appropriate for taking part in the enzymatic reaction are not particularly limited. Preferably, the feedstock comprises one or more polysaccharide selected from cellulose, chitin, chitosan, mixed-linkage glucan, xylan, and xyloglucan. If xylans are present, they preferably comprise, xylan, glucuronoxylan, arabinoxylan, and/or glucuronoarabinoxylan.

[0103] The feedstocks comprising such polysaccharides are also not particularly limited, as most plant matter is rich in such polymers. As such, the feedstock may comprise plant biomass such as grain, grain chaff, bean pods, seed-coats, and/or other seed materials; seaweeds; com stover, corn cob, straw, bagasse, miscanthus, sorghum residue, switch grass, bamboo, and/or other monocotyledonous tissue; water hyacinth, leaf tissue, roots, and/or other vegetative matter; hardwood, hardwood chips, hardwood pulp, softwood, softwood chips, softwood pulp, paper, paper pulp, cardboard, and/or other wood-based feedstocks, and/or any combination of appropriate feedstocks. Preferably, the feedstock comprises wheat straw or wood. As any given natural feedstock is likely to comprise a mixture of different polysaccharides, it will sometimes be the case that a cocktail of different enzymes is beneficial. Such a cocktail may comprise any other enzyme. For example, such a cocktail might comprise in part a cellulase with a xylanase, a cellulase with a mannanase, a xylanase with a mannanase, an LPMO with a xylanase, an LPMO with a lichenase, an LPMO with a mannanase, or an LPMO with a different LPMO in which the enzyme partners are present in molar ratios preferably between 1:10 and 10:1. In addition, as many appropriate feedstocks are recalcitrant, pre-treatment of the feedstock is envisaged.

[0104] As described herein, the enzymatic reaction of this disclosure is useful to produce plant biomass fiber and other saccharides.

[0105] The feedstock may comprise cellulose, xylan, preferably glucuronoxylan, arabinoxylan, or arabinoglucuronoxylan, more preferably hardwood glucuronoxylan or softwood arabinoglucuronoxylan.

[0106] Where branched polymers are being described in terms of residue count, the number of residues refers only to the longest chain of residues and does not include any side chains.

[0107] After the enzymatic reaction has progressed to a desired point, the products may be handled in a variety of ways. As the reaction mixture will often comprise a mixture of soluble and insoluble products, with at least some of the original feedstock often also remaining, the reaction mixture may be filtered to separate insoluble fibers from soluble matter and prepare the fibers for further processing. [0108] When used herein and otherwise unqualified, “soluble”, “solubility” and grammatical variants refer to solubility in water.

[0109] The desired processed plant biomass fiber particles may also be isolated from the enzymatic reaction mixture in a number of ways. They may be isolated based on solubility, so that a composition of insoluble saccharides only is extracted for further processing. Isolation may for example be based on precipitation/sedimentation, or filtration, including microfiltration, ultrafiltration and nanofiltration. In the case that isolation based on solubility is carried out, the profile of saccharides present in the isolated composition will depend on the original enzymatic reaction, as different polysaccharides decrease in solubility with length at different rates.

[0110] The products of the one or more enzymatic reactions may be deemed an ingredient suitable for incorporation into a personal care, cosmetic, or exfoliant product at any stage of this process. For example, the reaction mixture itself, after the desired time limit or other condition for completion has been met, may directly be deemed the ingredient, or either the solid or liquid component of the filtered products may be the ingredient.

Compositions having processed plant biomass particles

[0111] Described herein are processed plant biomass compositions useful as a personal care, home care and cosmetic ingredient, which may comprise polysaccharides produced by methods described herein.

[0112] The present processed plant biomass compositions may be suitable for incorporation into a personal care product or a cosmetic or may be usable directly as a personal care product or cosmetic, or it may be mixed with other ingredients to form a personal product or cosmetic. The processed plant biomass compositions may also be treated in some physical or chemical way before or during incorporation into a personal care or cosmetic. They may be directly incorporated into a product, or it may be incorporated into, for example, a cosmetic base composition; or a personal care composition and may be optionally heated or otherwise treated in a way which may cause chemical modification, a change of texture, a change of color, or other modification.

[0113] Once a composition of the processed plant biomass suitable for the application being considered is obtained, and further treatment and/or isolation is optionally carried out, the derivation of a cosmetic, exfoliant treatment product, or personal care product from the composition furnishes a very broad array of potential uses. The ingredients of the present disclosure are useful in applications in which exfoliants are conventionally used. Non-limiting examples applications may include skin care products, skin cleansing products, oral care products, facial care products, and facial cleansing products. [0114] The present disclosure includes products comprising the exfoliant compositions described herein.

[0115] The processed plant biomass compositions and products may be useful as thickening agents for products such as creams and masks. The processed plant biomass compositions and products may be useful as microabrasives for use in facial exfoliants or toothpastes. The compositions and products may further be useful as suspending agents to aid suspension of denser or large particles such as pumice. The compositions and products may be useful for binding and retention of water or fat-based compounds within a product composition. The compositions and products may be useful as emulsifying agents or pickering-emulsifying agents and may be useful in producing cleansing products. The compositions and products may be useful as ingredients that improve the structure or durability of solid cleansing products such as shampoo bars, solid deodorants, or bathing products.

[0116] Compositions described herein may comprise insoluble fiber particles. The insoluble fiber particles may comprise insoluble polysaccharides characterized by a degree of polymerization. The insoluble fiber particles may comprise plant biomass particles, including processed plant biomass particles.

[0117] In some embodiments the average degree of polymerization of the insoluble saccharides in the processed plant biomass particles (e.g., insoluble filer particles) may be at least about 18 to about 80. In some embodiments the average degree of polymerization of the insoluble saccharides may be at least about 18 to about 20, about 18 to about 24, about 18 to about 28, about 18 to about 32, about 18 to about 36, about 18 to about 40, about 18 to about 50, about 18 to about 60, about 18 to about 70, about 18 to about 80, about 20 to about 24, about 20 to about 28, about 20 to about 32, about 20 to about 36, about 20 to about 40, about 20 to about 50, about 20 to about 60, about 20 to about 70, about 20 to about 80, about 24 to about 28, about 24 to about 32, about 24 to about 36, about 24 to about 40, about 24 to about 50, about 24 to about 60, about 24 to about 70, about 24 to about 80, about 28 to about 32, about 28 to about 36, about 28 to about 40, about 28 to about 50, about 28 to about 60, about 28 to about 70, about 28 to about 80, about 32 to about 36, about 32 to about 40, about 32 to about 50, about 32 to about 60, about 32 to about 70, about 32 to about 80, about 36 to about 40, about 36 to about 50, about 36 to about 60, about 36 to about 70, about 36 to about 80, about 40 to about 50, about 40 to about 60, about 40 to about 70, about 40 to about 80, about 50 to about 60, about 50 to about 70, about 50 to about 80, about 60 to about 70, about 60 to about 80, or about 70 to about 80. In some embodiments the average degree of polymerization of the insoluble saccharides may be about 18, about 20, about 24, about 28, about 32, about 36, about 40, about 50, about 60, or about 70, or about 80. In some embodiments the average degree of polymerization of the insoluble saccharides may be at least about 18, about 20, about 24, about 28, about 32, about 36, about 40, about 50, about 60, or about 70. In some embodiments the average degree of polymerization of the insoluble saccharides may be at most about 20, about 24, about 28, about 32, about 36, about 40, about 50, about 60, or about 70, or about 80.

[0118] In some embodiments, the average diameter of the fiber particles may be about 30 pm to about 200 pm. In some embodiments, the average diameter of the fiber particles may be about 30 pm to about 40 pm, about 30 pm to about 50 pm, about 30 pm to about 55 pm, about 30 pm to about 60 pm, about 30 pm to about 70 pm, about 30 pm to about 80 pm, about 30 pm to about 90 pm, about 30 pm to about 100 pm, about 30 pm to about 125 pm, about 30 pm to about 150 pm, about 30 pm to about 200 pm, about 40 pm to about 50 pm, about 40 pm to about 55 pm, about 40 pm to about 60 pm, about 40 pm to about 70 pm, about 40 pm to about 80 pm, about 40 pm to about 90 pm, about 40 pm to about 100 pm, about 40 pm to about 125 pm, about 40 pm to about 150 pm, about 40 pm to about 200 pm, about 50 pm to about 55 pm, about 50 pm to about 60 pm, about 50 pm to about 70 pm, about 50 pm to about 80 pm, about 50 pm to about 90 pm, about 50 pm to about 100 pm, about 50 pm to about 125 pm, about 50 pm to about 150 pm, about 50 pm to about 200 pm, about 55 pm to about 60 pm, about 55 pm to about 70 pm, about 55 pm to about 80 pm, about 55 pm to about 90 pm, about 55 pm to about 100 pm, about 55 pm to about 125 pm, about 55 pm to about 150 pm, about 55 pm to about 200 pm, about 60 pm to about 70 pm, about 60 pm to about 80 pm, about 60 pm to about 90 pm, about 60 pm to about 100 pm, about 60 pm to about 125 pm, about 60 pm to about 150 pm, about 60 pm to about 200 pm, about 70 pm to about 80 pm, about 70 pm to about 90 pm, about 70 pm to about 100 pm, about 70 pm to about 125 pm, about 70 pm to about 150 pm, about 70 pm to about 200 pm, about 80 pm to about 90 pm, about 80 pm to about 100 pm, about 80 pm to about 125 pm, about 80 pm to about 150 pm, about 80 pm to about 200 pm, about 90 pm to about 100 pm, about 90 pm to about 125 pm, about 90 pm to about 150 pm, about 90 pm to about 200 pm, about 100 pm to about 125 pm, about 100 pm to about 150 pm, about 100 pm to about 200 pm, about 125 pm to about 150 pm, about 125 pm to about 200 pm, or about 150 pm to about 200 pm. In some embodiments, the average diameter of the fiber particles may be about 30 pm, about 40 pm, about 50 pm, about 55 pm, about 60 pm, about 70 pm, about 80 pm, about 90 pm, about 100 pm, about 125 pm, about 150 pm, or about 200 pm. In some embodiments, the average diameter of the fiber particles may be at least about 30 pm, about 40 pm, about 50 pm, about 55 pm, about 60 pm, about 70 pm, about 80 pm, about 90 pm, about 100 pm, about 125 pm, or about 150 pm. In some embodiments, the average diameter of the fiber particles may be at most about 40 pm, about 50 pm, about 55 pm, about 60 pm, about 70 |im, about 80 |im, about 90 |im, about 100 |im, about 125 |im, about 150 |im, or about 200 |im.

[0119] In some embodiments, the average diameter of the fiber particles may be about 200 pm to about 500 pm. In some embodiments, the average diameter of the fiber particles may be about 200 pm to about 225 pm, about 200 pm to about 250 pm, about 200 pm to about 275 pm, about 200 pm to about 300 pm, about 200 pm to about 325 pm, about 200 pm to about 350 pm, about 200 pm to about 375 pm, about 200 pm to about 400 pm, about 200 pm to about 425 pm, about 200 pm to about 450 pm, about 200 pm to about 500 pm, about 225 pm to about 250 pm, about 225 pm to about 275 pm, about 225 pm to about 300 pm, about 225 pm to about 325 pm, about 225 pm to about 350 pm, about 225 pm to about 375 pm, about 225 pm to about 400 pm, about 225 pm to about 425 pm, about 225 pm to about 450 pm, about 225 pm to about 500 pm, about 250 pm to about 275 pm, about 250 pm to about 300 pm, about 250 pm to about 325 pm, about 250 pm to about 350 pm, about 250 pm to about 375 pm, about 250 pm to about 400 pm, about 250 pm to about 425 pm, about 250 pm to about 450 pm, about 250 pm to about 500 pm, about 275 pm to about 300 pm, about 275 pm to about 325 pm, about 275 pm to about 350 pm, about 275 pm to about 375 pm, about 275 pm to about 400 pm, about 275 pm to about 425 pm, about 275 pm to about 450 pm, about 275 pm to about 500 pm, about 300 pm to about 325 pm, about 300 pm to about 350 pm, about 300 pm to about 375 pm, about 300 pm to about 400 pm, about 300 pm to about 425 pm, about 300 pm to about 450 pm, about 300 pm to about 500 pm, about 325 pm to about 350 pm, about 325 pm to about 375 pm, about 325 pm to about 400 pm, about 325 pm to about 425 pm, about 325 pm to about 450 pm, about 325 pm to about 500 pm, about 350 pm to about 375 pm, about 350 pm to about 400 pm, about 350 pm to about 425 pm, about 350 pm to about 450 pm, about 350 pm to about 500 pm, about 375 pm to about 400 pm, about 375 pm to about 425 pm, about 375 pm to about 450 pm, about 375 pm to about 500 pm, about 400 pm to about 425 pm, about 400 pm to about 450 pm, about 400 pm to about 500 pm, about 425 pm to about 450 pm, about 425 pm to about 500 pm, or about 450 pm to about 500 pm. In some embodiments, the average diameter of the fiber particles may be about 200 pm, about 225 pm, about 250 pm, about 275 pm, about 300 pm, about 325 pm, about 350 pm, about 375 pm, about 400 pm, about 425 pm, about 450 pm, or about 500 pm. In some embodiments, the average diameter of the fiber particles may be at least about 200 pm, about 225 pm, about 250 pm, about 275 pm, about 300 pm, about 325 pm, about 350 pm, about 375 pm, about 400 pm, about 425 pm, or about 450 pm. In some embodiments, the average diameter of the fiber particles may be at most about 225 pm, about 250 pm, about 275 pm, about 300 pm, about 325 pm, about 350 pm, about 375 pm, about 400 pm, about 425 pm, about 450 pm, or about 500 pm. [0120] In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass compositions may comprise about 0.25 wt% of fiber particles to about 99 wt% of fiber particles. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass compositions may comprise about 0.25 wt% of fiber particles to about 1 wt% of fiber particles, about 0.25 wt% of fiber particles to about 3 wt% of fiber particles, about 0.25 wt% of fiber particles to about 5 wt% of fiber particles, about 0.25 wt% of fiber particles to about 7 wt% of fiber particles, about 0.25 wt% of fiber particles to about 9 wt% of fiber particles, about 0.25 wt% of fiber particles to about 11 wt% of fiber particles, about 0.25 wt% of fiber particles to about 15 wt% of fiber particles, about 0.25 wt% of fiber particles to about 25 wt% of fiber particles, about 0.25 wt% of fiber particles to about 50 wt% of fiber particles, about 0.25 wt% of fiber particles to about 75 wt% of fiber particles, about 0.25 wt% of fiber particles to about 99 wt% of fiber particles, about 1 wt% of fiber particles to about 3 wt% of fiber particles, about 1 wt% of fiber particles to about 5 wt% of fiber particles, about 1 wt% of fiber particles to about 7 wt% of fiber particles, about 1 wt% of fiber particles to about 9 wt% of fiber particles, about 1 wt% of fiber particles to about 11 wt% of fiber particles, about 1 wt% of fiber particles to about 15 wt% of fiber particles, about 1 wt% of fiber particles to about 25 wt% of fiber particles, about 1 wt% of fiber particles to about 50 wt% of fiber particles, about 1 wt% of fiber particles to about 75 wt% of fiber particles, about 1 wt% of fiber particles to about 99 wt% of fiber particles, about 3 wt% of fiber particles to about 5 wt% of fiber particles, about 3 wt% of fiber particles to about 7 wt% of fiber particles, about 3 wt% of fiber particles to about 9 wt% of fiber particles, about 3 wt% of fiber particles to about 11 wt% of fiber particles, about 3 wt% of fiber particles to about 15 wt% of fiber particles, about 3 wt% of fiber particles to about 25 wt% of fiber particles, about 3 wt% of fiber particles to about 50 wt% of fiber particles, about 3 wt% of fiber particles to about 75 wt% of fiber particles, about 3 wt% of fiber particles to about 99 wt% of fiber particles, about 5 wt% of fiber particles to about 7 wt% of fiber particles, about 5 wt% of fiber particles to about 9 wt% of fiber particles, about 5 wt% of fiber particles to about 11 wt% of fiber particles, about 5 wt% of fiber particles to about 15 wt% of fiber particles, about 5 wt% of fiber particles to about 25 wt% of fiber particles, about 5 wt% of fiber particles to about 50 wt% of fiber particles, about 5 wt% of fiber particles to about 75 wt% of fiber particles, about 5 wt% of fiber particles to about 99 wt% of fiber particles, about 7 wt% of fiber particles to about 9 wt% of fiber particles, about 7 wt% of fiber particles to about 11 wt% of fiber particles, about 7 wt% of fiber particles to about 15 wt% of fiber particles, about 7 wt% of fiber particles to about 25 wt% of fiber particles, about 7 wt% of fiber particles to about 50 wt% of fiber particles, about 7 wt% of fiber particles to about 75 wt% of fiber particles, about 7 wt% of fiber particles to about 99 wt% of fiber particles, about 9 wt% of fiber particles to about 11 wt% of fiber particles, about 9 wt% of fiber particles to about 15 wt% of fiber particles, about 9 wt% of fiber particles to about 25 wt% of fiber particles, about 9 wt% of fiber particles to about 50 wt% of fiber particles, about 9 wt% of fiber particles to about 75 wt% of fiber particles, about 9 wt% of fiber particles to about 99 wt% of fiber particles, about 11 wt% of fiber particles to about 15 wt% of fiber particles, about 11 wt% of fiber particles to about 25 wt% of fiber particles, about 11 wt% of fiber particles to about 50 wt% of fiber particles, about 11 wt% of fiber particles to about 75 wt% of fiber particles, about 11 wt% of fiber particles to about 99 wt% of fiber particles, about 15 wt% of fiber particles to about 25 wt% of fiber particles, about 15 wt% of fiber particles to about 50 wt% of fiber particles, about 15 wt% of fiber particles to about 75 wt% of fiber particles, about 15 wt% of fiber particles to about 99 wt% of fiber particles, about 25 wt% of fiber particles to about 50 wt% of fiber particles, about 25 wt% of fiber particles to about 75 wt% of fiber particles, about 25 wt% of fiber particles to about 99 wt% of fiber particles, about 50 wt% of fiber particles to about 75 wt% of fiber particles, about 50 wt% of fiber particles to about 99 wt% of fiber particles, or about 75 wt% of fiber particles to about 99 wt% of fiber particles. In some embodiments, processed plant biomass compositions may comprise about 0.25 wt% of fiber particles, about 1 wt% of fiber particles, about 3 wt% of fiber particles, about 5 wt% of fiber particles, about 7 wt% of fiber particles, about 9 wt% of fiber particles, about 11 wt% of fiber particles, about 15 wt% of fiber particles, about 25 wt% of fiber particles, about 50 wt% of fiber particles, about 75 wt% of fiber particles, or about 99 wt% of fiber particles. In some embodiments, exfoliant compositions may comprise at least about 0.25 wt% of fiber particles, about 1 wt% of fiber particles, about 3 wt% of fiber particles, about 5 wt% of fiber particles, about 7 wt% of fiber particles, about 9 wt% of fiber particles, about 11 wt% of fiber particles, about 15 wt% of fiber particles, about 25 wt% of fiber particles, about 50 wt% of fiber particles, or about 75 wt% of fiber particles. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass composition may comprise at most about 1 wt% of fiber particles, about 3 wt% of fiber particles, about 5 wt% of fiber particles, about 7 wt% of fiber particles, about 9 wt% of fiber particles, about 11 wt% of fiber particles, about 15 wt% of fiber particles, about 25 wt% of fiber particles, about 50 wt% of fiber particles, about 75 wt% of fiber particles, or about 99 wt% of fiber particles.

[0121] In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass may comprise at least 60 wt%, at least 65 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 75 wt%, at least 80 wt%, or at least 85% of cellulose. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass may comprise about 60 wt%, about 65 wt%, about 70 wt%, about 75 wt%, about 80 wt%, or about 85 wt% of cellulose. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass may comprise about 60 wt% to about 65 wt%, about 65 wt% to about 70 wt%, about 70 wt% to about 75 wt%, about 75 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 80 wt% to about 85 wt%, or about 85 wt% to about 90 wt% of cellulose. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass may comprise at least 1 wt%, at least 3 wt%, at least 5 wt%, at least 7 wt%, at least 9 wt%, at least 11 wt%, at least 13 wt%, at least 15 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 25 wt%, or at least 30 wt% of hemicellulose. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass may comprise about 1 wt%, about 3 wt%, about 5 wt%, about 7 wt%, about 9 wt%, about 11 wt%, about 13 wt%, about 15 wt%, about 20 wt%, about 25 wt%, or about 30 wt% of hemicellulose. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass may comprise about 1 wt% to about 3 wt%, about 3 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 7 wt%, about 7 wt% to about 9 wt%, about 9 wt% to about 11 wt%, about 11 wt% to about 13 wt%, about 13 wt% to about 15 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 20 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 25 wt% to about 30 wt%, or about 30 wt% to about 35 wt% of hemicellulose. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass may comprise at least 0.1 wt%, at least 0.5 wt%, at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 3 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 5 wt%, at least 7 wt%, at least 9 wt%, at least 11 wt%, or at least 13 wt% of lignin, lignols, phenols and/or polyphenolics. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass may comprise about 0.1 wt%, about 0.5 wt%, about 1 wt%, about 2 wt%, about 3 wt%, about 4 wt%, about 5 wt%, about 7 wt%, about 9 wt%, about 11 wt%, or about 13 wt% of lignin, lignols, phenols and/or polyphenolics. In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass may comprise about 0.1 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.5 wt% to about 1 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 2 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 3 wt%, about 3 wt% to about 4 wt%, about 4 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 7 wt%, about 7 wt% to about 9 wt%, about 9 wt% to about 11 wt%, about 11 wt% to about 13 wt%, or about 13 wt% to about 15 wt% of lignin, lignols, phenols and/or polyphenolics. In some embodiment, the processed plant biomass may have a cellulose to hemicellulose ratio of more than 2.0, more than 3.0, more than 4.0, more than 5.0, more than 6.0, more than 7.0, more than 8.0, more than 9.0, more than 10, or more than 15. In some embodiment, the processed plant biomass may have a cellulose to hemicellulose ratio of about 2.0, about 3.0, about 4.0, about 5.0, about 6.0, about 7.0, about 8.0, about 9.0, about 10, or about 15. In some embodiment, the processed plant biomass may have a cellulose to hemicellulose ratio of about 2.0 to about 3.0, about 3.0 to about 4.0, about 4.0 to about 5.0, about 5.0 to about 6.0, about 6.0 to about 7.0, about 7.0 to about 8.0, about 8.0 to about 9.0, about 9.0 to about 10, or about 10 to about 15.

Personal Care Consumable Composition

[0122] Disclosed here is a personal care consumable composition comprising: (a) a processed plant biomass disclosed herein in various embodiments, comprising a partially hydrolyzed form of an unprocessed plant biomass; and (b) a topically acceptable agent, wherein the processed plant biomass comprises a plurality of processed plant biomass particles having an average particle diameter of less than 500 microns; wherein the processed plant biomass comprises at least 60% cellulose w/w; and wherein the processed plant biomass has a cellulose to hemicellulose ratio of more than 2.0.

[0123] Embodiments of the processed plant biomass, partially hydrolyzed form of the unprocessed plant biomass, and the plurality of processed plant biomass particles have been disclosed throughout this disclosure. All embodiments of the processed plant biomass, partially hydrolyzed form of the unprocessed plant biomass, and the plurality of processed plant biomass particles disclosed herein are also embodiments for the personal care consumable composition.

[0124] Embodiments of the topically acceptable agent can be a gel, a cream, a powder, a paste, an emulsion, an oil, a wax-based medium, a soap, an aqueous medium, or an alcohol, or a combination thereof. Nonlimiting examples of the topically acceptable agent include, for example, fatty acids, fatty esters, waxes, oils, vegetable oils (e.g., corn oil, canola oil and soybean oil), mineral oils, triglycerides, long chain alcohols, glycerol, silicones, emulsions (e.g., water and oil, oil and wax, wax and water), antiseptics, astringents, and combinations thereof.

[0125] Nonlimiting examples of the personal care consumable composition include, for example, a cleanser, a color cosmetic product, a deodorant, or a bathing product (e.g., a bath bomb). Nonlimiting examples of the cleanser include, for example, a body wash, a soap, a facial soap, an exfoliating soap, a mild abrasive cleanser, a detergent, a face wash, a gel-based cleanser, a cream-based cleanser, an exfoliant, a body scrub, a dry shampoo, a shampoo bar, a facial mask, or a toothpaste. Nonlimiting examples of the color cosmetic product include, for example, a face powder, a blusher, a bronzer, or an eyeshadow.

[0126] As disclosed elsewhere in this disclosure, the processed plant biomass provides at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: cleansing, moisture-regulation, maintaining a viscosity, thickening, texturizing, smoothing, mattifying, volumizing, exfoliating, volatile-substance-retention, durability/structural-integrity, hardness-modulation, oil/fat absorption, drying-time-reduction, sebum removal, density modulation, pH-stabilization, foam- stabilization, staining-reduction, pay-off modulation, essential oil-release-modulation, density-modulation, and water-induced disintegration time modulation (in the context of bath bombs), to the personal care consumable composition.

[0127] In some embodiments, the personal care consumable composition comprises at least 1 wt%, at least 3 wt%, at least 5 wt%, at least 7 wt%, at least 9 wt%, at least 11 wt%, at least 13 wt%, at least 15 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, or at least 90 wt% of the processed plant biomass. In some embodiments, the personal care consumable composition comprises about 1 wt%, about 3 wt%, about 5 wt%, about 7 wt%, about 9 wt%, about 11 wt%, about 13 wt%, about 15 wt%, about 20 wt%, about 30 wt%, about 40 wt%, about 50 wt%, about 60 wt%, about 70 wt%, about 80 wt%, or about 90 wt% of the processed plant biomass. In some embodiments, the personal care consumable composition comprises about 1 wt% to about 3 wt%, about 3 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 7 wt%, about 7 wt% to about 9 wt%, about 9 wt% to about 11 wt%, about 11 wt% to about 13 wt%, about 13 wt% to about 15 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 20 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 30 wt% to about 40 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 50 wt% to about 60 wt%, about 60 wt% to about 70 wt%, about 70 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 80 wt% to about 90 wt%, or about 90 wt% to about 95% of the processed plant biomass.

Methods of producing processed plant biomass compositions

[0128] Described herein are methods of producing processed plant biomass by partial hydrolysis and further treatment, starting from biomass.

[0129] A method of producing a processed plant biomass composition may comprise: (a) subjecting a plant biomass to a first (e.g., mechanical) pre-treatment to reduce an average size of the plant biomass, (b) subjecting the plant biomass to a hydrolysis reaction to remove part of the plant biomass to produce a hydrolyzed plant biomass fiber; and (c) drying the hydrolyzed plant biomass fiber of the plant biomass to produce a plurality of fiber particles, wherein the plant biomass fiber particle composition comprises the plurality of fiber particles.

[0130] The first pre-treatment to reduce the average size of the plant biomass may also comprise other methods described herein. The plant biomass average size reduction may be carried out in a mechanical, ultrasonical, milling, or refining process.

[0131] In some cases, the drying of the hydrolyzed plant biomass fiber particles may be carried out by spray-drying, vacuum belt drying, drum drying, vacuum drum drying.

[0132] In some cases, the method may comprise obtaining the plant biomass fiber particles and soluble saccharides. The plant biomass may comprise grain, grain chaff, oat, oat hulls, oat husks, bean pods, seed coats, seed materials, seaweeds, com cob, corn stover, corn leaves, com stalks, straw, wheat, wheat straw, wheat bran, wheat middlings, rice straw, soy stalk, bagasse, sugar cane, sugar beet, sugar cane bagasse, miscanthus, sorghum residue, switchgrass, bamboo, monocotyledonous tissue, dicotyledonous tissue, fem tissue, water hyacinth, leaf tissue, roots, vegetative matter, vegetable material, vegetable waste, hardwood, hardwood stem, hardwood chips, hardwood pulp, softwood, softwood stem, softwood chips, softwood pulp, paper, paper pulp, cardboard, wood-based feedstocks, grass, nut shell, poplar, willow, sweet potato, cotton, hemp, jute, flax, ramie, sisal, or cocoa.

[0133] The plant biomass fiber particles may be obtained from the biomass by hydrolysis, including by partial hydrolysis. In some cases, the method may comprise obtaining the plant biomass fiber particles and a soluble saccharide from the same biomass. In some cases, the method may comprise obtaining the plant biomass fiber particles and a soluble saccharide from the same biomass and the same hydrolysis reaction. In some cases, the method may comprise obtaining the soluble saccharide in the form of oligosaccharides by partial hydrolysis of a plant biomass and may comprise obtaining the plant biomass fiber particles in the form of the remaining undigested biomass.

[0134] Hydrolyzing the plant biomass may comprise using enzymes obtained from a fungus. In some cases, hydrolyzing the plant biomass may comprise converting the polysaccharides in the plant biomass into plant biomass fiber particles and one or more other forms of saccharides. For example, a higher order form of polysaccharide may be converted to a lower order form of oligosaccharide. The polysaccharides present in the plant biomass, may comprise hemicellulose, cellulose, xylan (e.g., glucuronoxylan, arabinoxylan, or glucurono arabinoxylan), mannan (e.g., glucomannan, galactomannan, or galactoglucomannan), mixed-linkage glucan, xyloglucan, chitin, chitosan, or lignocellulose may be cleaved into monosaccharides, disaccharides, or other forms of lower forms of oligosaccharides. The polysaccharides present in the plant biomass, may comprise hemicellulose, cellulose, xylan (e.g., glucuronoxylan, arabinoxylan, or glucuronoarabinoxylan), mannan (e.g., glucomannan, galactomannan, or galactoglucomannan), mixed-linkage glucan, xylo glucan, chitin, chitosan, or lignocellulose may also be reduced to a lower amount in the hydrolyzed plant biomass compared to unhydrolyzed plant biomass. The resulting higher forms of oligosaccharides in the hydrolyzed plant biomass may comprise any soluble saccharides described herein. In certain cases, the enzyme may convert the biomass into any soluble saccharides described herein. In addition, as many appropriate feedstocks are recalcitrant, pre-treatment of the feedstock prior to enzyme activity is also envisaged.

[0135] In some cases, the enzyme may be a crude enzyme. In a crude enzyme, the enzyme molecules may comprise at least 5 % w/w, 10 % w/w, 20 % w/w, 30 % w/w, 40 % w/w, 45 % w/w, 49 % w/w, or 49.5 % w/w of the molecules present in the crude enzyme. The crude enzyme may comprise substances other than the enzyme molecules. The substances other than the enzyme molecules may comprise 50.5 % w/w, 51 % w/w, 55 % w/w, 60 % w/w, 70 % w/w, 80 % w/w, 90 % w/w, or 95 % w/w of the crude enzyme. In some cases, the crude enzyme may be obtained as the culture broth of a fungus. In some cases, the crude enzyme may be obtained as a lysate of a fungus. The crude enzyme may comprise a lysate of a fungus. In some cases, the crude enzyme may have a comparable enzymatic activity level of a purified enzyme as described herein. In some cases, the crude enzyme may have an enzymatic activity level of at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or 99.5% of the purified enzyme. In some cases, the crude enzyme may have an enzymatic activity level of at least 100%, 150%, 200%, 250%, 500%, 750%, 1000%, or 10000% of the purified enzyme.

[0136] A purified enzyme may have less than 0.5 % w/w, 0.3 % w/w, or 0.1 % w/w of other substances. In some cases, the enzyme may be a purified enzyme. In some cases, the purified enzyme may be a composition comprising one or more enzymatic activities, In a purified enzyme, the enzyme molecules may comprise at least 50 % w/w, 60 % w/w, 70 % w/w, 80 % w/w, 90 % w/w, 95 % w/w, 99 % w/w, or 99.5 % w/w of the molecules present in the purified enzyme. The purified enzyme may consist essentially of enzyme molecules. For example, the purified enzyme may have less than 0.5 % w/w, 0.3 % w/w, or 0.1 % w/w of other substances.

[0137] The enzyme in the crude enzyme or the purified enzyme may comprise a cellulase and/or a hemicellulase. The enzyme in the crude enzyme or the purified enzyme may comprise a cellulase. The enzyme in the crude enzyme or the purified enzyme may comprise a hemicellulase. The enzyme in the crude enzyme or the purified enzyme may comprise an enzyme that can hydrolyze hemicellulose, cellulose, xylan (e.g., glucuronoxylan, arabinoxylan, or glucuronoarabinoxylan), mannan (e.g., glucomannan, galactomannan, or galactoglucomannan), mixed-linkage glucan, xylo glucan, chitin, chitosan, or lignocellulose.

[0138] The fungus may comprise a filamentous fungus. The filamentous fungus may synthesize an enzyme that can hydrolyze or at least partially hydrolyze the biomass. The filamentous fungus may secrete the enzyme that can hydrolyze the biomass. The filamentous fungus may synthesize an enzyme that can partially hydrolyze the biomass. The fungus may be a teleomorph. In other cases, the fungus may be an anamorph. In some cases, the fungus may comprise a non-filamentous fungus. In some cases, the fungus may be a yeast. The fungus may be a mould. In some cases, the fungus may be isolated from the environment. In other cases, the fungus may be cultured in a laboratory environment. [0139] The method may comprise a Trichoderma species. The fungus may be Trichoderma reesei. The fungus may also be Trichoderma reesei RUT-C30. The fungus may be Aspergillus niger. In some cases, the fungus may also be a Longibrachiatum strain, a Saturnisporum strain, or a Hypocreanum strain. In some cases, the Trichoderma species may synthesize a cellulase and hemicellulase. In some cases, the Trichoderma species may secrete a cellulase and hemicellulase. In some cases, Trichoderma reesei may synthesize a cellulase and hemicellulase. In some cases, Trichoderma reesei may secrete a cellulase and hemicellulase. In some cases, the Trichoderma species may be isolated from the environment. In some cases, the Trichoderma species may be cultured in a laboratory environment. In some cases, Trichoderma reesei may be isolated from the environment. In some cases, Trichoderma reesei may be cultured in a laboratory environment. In some cases, the Trichoderma species may be obtained from a frozen stock. In other cases, the Trichoderma species may be lyophilized. The Trichoderma. species may be in a powder form. In some cases, Trichoderma reesei may be cultured in a laboratory environment. In some cases, Trichoderma reesei may be obtained from a frozen stock. In other cases, Trichoderma reesei may be lyophilized. Trichoderma reesei may be in a powder form.

[0140] Production of plant biomass particles may include a pre-treatment step. In some embodiments, the pre-treatment step may occur at a temperature of about 5 °C to about 150 °C. In some embodiments, the pre-treatment step may occur at a temperature of about 5 °C to about 10 °C, about 5 °C to about 15 °C, about 5 °C to about 20 °C, about 5 °C to about 25 °C, about 5 °C to about 30 °C, about 5 °C to about 35 °C, about 5 °C to about 40 °C, about 5 °C to about 50 °C, about 5 °C to about 75 °C, about 5 °C to about 100 °C, about 5 °C to about 150 °C, about 10 °C to about 15 °C, about 10 °C to about 20 °C, about 10 °C to about 25 °C, about 10 °C to about 30 °C, about 10 °C to about 35 °C, about 10 °C to about 40 °C, about 10 °C to about 50 °C, about 10 °C to about 75 °C, about 10 °C to about 100 °C, about 10 °C to about 150 °C, about 15 °C to about 20 °C, about 15 °C to about 25 °C, about 15 °C to about 30 °C, about 15 °C to about 35 °C, about 15 °C to about 40 °C, about 15 °C to about 50 °C, about 15 °C to about 75 °C, about 15 °C to about 100 °C, about 15 °C to about 150 °C, about 20 °C to about 25 °C, about 20 °C to about 30 °C, about 20 °C to about 35 °C, about 20 °C to about 40 °C, about 20 °C to about 50 °C, about 20 °C to about 75 °C, about 20 °C to about 100 °C, about 20 °C to about 150 °C, about 25 °C to about 30 °C, about 25 °C to about 35 °C, about 25 °C to about 40 °C, about 25 °C to about 50 °C, about 25 °C to about 75 °C, about 25 °C to about 100 °C, about 25 °C to about 150 °C, about 30 °C to about 35 °C, about 30 °C to about 40 °C, about 30 °C to about 50 °C, about 30 °C to about 75 °C, about 30 °C to about 100 °C, about 30 °C to about 150 °C, about 35 °C to about 40 °C, about 35 °C to about 50 °C, about 35 °C to about 75 °C, about 35 °C to about 100 °C, about 35 °C to about 150 °C, about 40 °C to about 50 °C, about 40 °C to about 75 °C, about 40 °C to about 100 °C, about 40 °C to about 150 °C, about 50 °C to about 75 °C, about 50 °C to about 100 °C, about 50 °C to about 150 °C, about 75 °C to about 100 °C, about 75 °C to about 150 °C, or about 100 °C to about 150 °C. In some embodiments, the pre-treatment step may occur at a temperature of about 5 °C, about 10 °C, about 15 °C, about 20 °C, about 25 °C, about 30 °C, about 35 °C, about 40 °C, about 50 °C, about 75 °C, about 100 °C, or about 150 °C. In some embodiments, the pre-treatment step may occur at a temperature of at least about 5 °C, about 10 °C, about 15 °C, about 20 °C, about 25 °C, about 30 °C, about 35 °C, about 40 °C, about 50 °C, about 75 °C, or about 100 °C. In some embodiments, the pre-treatment step may occur at a temperature of at most about 10 °C, about 15 °C, about 20 °C, about 25 °C, about 30 °C, about 35 °C, about 40 °C, about 50 °C, about 75 °C, about 100 °C, or about 150 °C. [0141] In some embodiments, production of the plant biomass fiber particles may comprise a thermochemical treatment step. The thermochemical treatment step may comprise treatment in an alkali solution.

[0142] In some embodiments, the pH of the alkali solution may be about 8 to about 14. In some embodiments, the pH of the alkali solution may be about 8 to about 9, about 8 to about 10, about 8 to about 11, about 8 to about 12, about 8 to about 13, about 8 to about 14, about 9 to about 10, about 9 to about 11, about 9 to about 12, about 9 to about 13, about 9 to about 14, about 10 to about 11, about 10 to about 12, about 10 to about 13, about 10 to about 14, about 11 to about 12, about 11 to about 13, about 11 to about 14, about 12 to about 13, about 12 to about 14, or about 13 to about 14. In some embodiments, the pH of the alkali solution may be about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, or about 14. In some embodiments, the pH of the alkali solution may be at least about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, or about 13. In some embodiments, the pH of the alkali solution may be at most about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, or about 14.

[0143] In some embodiments, the temperature of the thermochemical treatment may be about 40 °C to about 200 °C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the thermochemical treatment may be about 40 °C to about 50 °C, about 40 °C to about 60 °C, about 40 °C to about 70 °C, about 40 °C to about 80 °C, about 40 °C to about 90 °C, about 40 °C to about 100 °C, about 40 °C to about 110 °C, about 40 °C to about 120 °C, about 40 °C to about 130 °C, about 40 °C to about 140 °C, about 40 °C to about 150 °C, about 40 °C to about 200 °C, about 50 °C to about 60 °C, about 50 °C to about 70 °C, about 50 °C to about 80 °C, about 50 °C to about 90 °C, about 50 °C to about 100 °C, about 50 °C to about 110 °C, about 50 °C to about 120 °C, about 50 °C to about 130 °C, about 50 °C to about 140 °C, about 50 °C to about 150 °C, about 50 °C to about 200 °C, about 60 °C to about 70 °C, about 60 °C to about 80 °C, about 60 °C to about 90 °C, about 60 °C to about 100 °C, about 60 °C to about 110 °C, about 60 °C to about 120 °C, about 60 °C to about 130 °C, about 60 °C to about 140 °C, about 60 °C to about 150 °C, about 60 °C to about 200 °C, about 70 °C to about 80 °C, about 70 °C to about 90 °C, about 70 °C to about 100 °C, about 70 °C to about 110 °C, about 70 °C to about 120 °C, about 70 °C to about 130 °C, about 70 °C to about 140 °C, about 70 °C to about 150 °C, about 70 °C to about 200 °C, about 80 °C to about 90 °C, about 80 °C to about 100 °C, about 80 °C to about 110 °C, about 80 °C to about 120 °C, about 80 °C to about 130 °C, about 80 °C to about 140 °C, about 80 °C to about 150 °C, about 80 °C to about 200 °C, about 90 °C to about 100 °C, about 90 °C to about 110 °C, about 90 °C to about 120 °C, about 90 °C to about 130 °C, about 90 °C to about 140 °C, about 90 °C to about 150 °C, about 90 °C to about 200 °C, about 100 °C to about 110 °C, about 100 °C to about 120 °C, about 100 °C to about 130 °C, about 100 °C to about 140 °C, about 100 °C to about 150 °C, about 100 °C to about 200 °C, about 110 °C to about 120 °C, about 110 °C to about 130 °C, about 110 °C to about 140 °C, about 110 °C to about 150 °C, about 110 °C to about 200 °C, about 120 °C to about 130 °C, about 120 °C to about 140 °C, about 120 °C to about 150 °C, about 120 °C to about 200 °C, about 130 °C to about 140 °C, about 130 °C to about 150 °C, about 130 °C to about 200 °C, about 140 °C to about 150 °C, about 140 °C to about 200 °C, or about 150 °C to about 200 °C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the thermochemical treatment may be about 40 °C, about 50 °C, about 60 °C, about 70 °C, about 80 °C, about 90 °C, about 100 °C, about 110 °C, about 120 °C, about 130°C, about 140 °C, about 150 °C, or about 200 °C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the thermochemical treatment may be at least about 40 °C, about 50 °C, about 60 °C, about 70 °C, about 80 °C, about 90 °C, about 100 °C, about 110 °C, about 120 °C, about 130°C, about 140 °C, or about 150 °C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the thermochemical treatment may be at most about 50 °C, about 60 °C, about 70 °C, about 80 °C, about 90 °C, about 100 °C, about 110 °C, about 120 °C, about 130°C, about 140 °C, about 150 °C, or about 200 °C.

[0144] In some embodiments, the thermochemical treatment may be conducted from about 1 minute to about 180 minutes. In some embodiments, the thermochemical treatment may be conducted from about 1 minute to about 5 minutes, about 1 minute to about 10 minutes, about 1 minute to about 15 minutes, about 1 minute to about 20 minutes, about 1 minute to about 30 minutes, about 1 minute to about 45 minutes, about 1 minute to about 60 minutes, about 1 minute to about 80 minutes, about 1 minute to about 90 minutes, about 1 minute to about 120 minutes, about 1 minute to about 180 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 10 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 15 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 20 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 45 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 60 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 80 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 90 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 120 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 180 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 15 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 20 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 30 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 45 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 60 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 80 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 90 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 120 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 180 minutes, about 15 minutes to about 20 minutes, about 15 minutes to about 30 minutes, about 15 minutes to about 45 minutes, about 15 minutes to about 60 minutes, about 15 minutes to about 80 minutes, about 15 minutes to about 90 minutes, about 15 minutes to about 120 minutes, about 15 minutes to about 180 minutes, about 20 minutes to about 30 minutes, about 20 minutes to about 45 minutes, about 20 minutes to about 60 minutes, about 20 minutes to about 80 minutes, about 20 minutes to about 90 minutes, about 20 minutes to about 120 minutes, about 20 minutes to about 180 minutes, about 30 minutes to about 45 minutes, about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes, about 30 minutes to about 80 minutes, about 30 minutes to about 90 minutes, about 30 minutes to about 120 minutes, about 30 minutes to about 180 minutes, about 45 minutes to about 60 minutes, about 45 minutes to about 80 minutes, about 45 minutes to about 90 minutes, about 45 minutes to about 120 minutes, about 45 minutes to about 180 minutes, about 60 minutes to about 80 minutes, about 60 minutes to about 90 minutes, about 60 minutes to about 120 minutes, about 60 minutes to about 180 minutes, about 80 minutes to about 90 minutes, about 80 minutes to about 120 minutes, about 80 minutes to about 180 minutes, about 90 minutes to about 120 minutes, about 90 minutes to about 180 minutes, or about 120 minutes to about 180 minutes. In some embodiments, the thermochemical treatment may be conducted from about 1 minute, about 5 minutes, about 10 minutes, about 15 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 45 minutes, about 60 minutes, about 80 minutes, about 90 minutes, about 120 minutes, or about 180 minutes. In some embodiments, the thermochemical treatment may be conducted from at least about 1 minute, about 5 minutes, about 10 minutes, about 15 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 45 minutes, about 60 minutes, about 80 minutes, about 90 minutes, or about 120 minutes. In some embodiments, the thermochemical treatment may be conducted from at most about 5 minutes, about 10 minutes, about 15 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 45 minutes, about 60 minutes, about 80 minutes, about 90 minutes, about 120 minutes, or about 180 minutes.

[0145] In some embodiments, the thermochemical treatment may be conducted from about 1 hour to about 96 hours. In some embodiments, the thermochemical treatment may be conducted from about 1 hour to about 3 hours, about 1 hour to about 4 hours, about 1 hour to about 8 hours, about 1 hour to about 12 hours, about 1 hour to about 16 hours, about 1 hour to about 20 hours, about 1 hour to about 24 hours, about 1 hour to about 36 hours, about 1 hour to about 48 hours, about 1 hour to about 72 hours, about 1 hour to about 96 hours, about 3 hours to about 4 hours, about 3 hours to about 8 hours, about 3 hours to about 12 hours, about 3 hours to about 16 hours, about 3 hours to about 20 hours, about 3 hours to about 24 hours, about 3 hours to about 36 hours, about 3 hours to about 48 hours, about 3 hours to about 72 hours, about 3 hours to about 96 hours, about 4 hours to about 8 hours, about 4 hours to about 12 hours, about 4 hours to about 16 hours, about 4 hours to about 20 hours, about 4 hours to about 24 hours, about 4 hours to about 36 hours, about 4 hours to about 48 hours, about 4 hours to about 72 hours, about 4 hours to about 96 hours, about 8 hours to about 12 hours, about 8 hours to about 16 hours, about 8 hours to about 20 hours, about 8 hours to about 24 hours, about 8 hours to about 36 hours, about 8 hours to about 48 hours, about 8 hours to about 72 hours, about 8 hours to about 96 hours, about 12 hours to about 16 hours, about 12 hours to about 20 hours, about 12 hours to about 24 hours, about 12 hours to about 36 hours, about 12 hours to about 48 hours, about 12 hours to about 72 hours, about 12 hours to about 96 hours, about 16 hours to about 20 hours, about 16 hours to about 24 hours, about 16 hours to about 36 hours, about 16 hours to about 48 hours, about 16 hours to about 72 hours, about 16 hours to about 96 hours, about 20 hours to about 24 hours, about 20 hours to about 36 hours, about 20 hours to about 48 hours, about 20 hours to about 72 hours, about 20 hours to about 96 hours, about 24 hours to about 36 hours, about 24 hours to about 48 hours, about 24 hours to about 72 hours, about 24 hours to about 96 hours, about 36 hours to about 48 hours, about 36 hours to about 72 hours, about 36 hours to about 96 hours, about 48 hours to about 72 hours, about 48 hours to about 96 hours, or about 72 hours to about 96 hours. In some embodiments, the thermochemical treatment may be conducted from about 1 hour, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 8 hours, about 12 hours, about 16 hours, about 20 hours, about 24 hours, about 36 hours, about 48 hours, about 72 hours, or about 96 hours. In some embodiments, the thermochemical treatment may be conducted from at least about 1 hour, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 8 hours, about 12 hours, about 16 hours, about 20 hours, about 24 hours, about 36 hours, about 48 hours, or about 72 hours. In some embodiments, the thermochemical treatment may be conducted from at most about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 8 hours, about 12 hours, about 16 hours, about 20 hours, about 24 hours, about 36 hours, about 48 hours, about 72 hours, or about 96 hours.

Characteristics of the processed plant biomass compositions

[0146] Processed plant biomass compositions described herein may be useful in a variety of personal care products and may be optimized to possess desirable characteristics and physical properties based on their specific end use.

[0147] For example, processed plant biomass compositions of this disclosure may be useful for gentle cleansing by optimizing the composition for low or mild abrasion; for removal of makeup, stains and dead skin cells utilizing the abrasive properties. Mildly abrasive processed plant biomass compositions may be used in the production of toothpaste.

[0148] Processed plant biomass compositions of this disclosure may be optimized for their water absorption and/or adsorption of other molecules. It is useful, for example, to use the processed plant biomass compositions as moisture regulating agents in cosmetic products, viscosity increasing/thickening utilizing highly water and/or oil absorptive particles. Highly water and/or oil absorptive or adsorptive particles may be useful as smoothing or mattifying agents, as components of dry shampoos, deodorants, or as a talc replacement. Particle size or particle shape may independently be optimized to produce a desired texture or abrasiveness for applications where the processed plant biomass compositions are used for texturizing. [0149] Processed plant biomass compositions described herein can replace synthetic fibers such as nylon and PMMA. The processed plant biomass particle compositions may be used to build thickness and volume in haircare and cosmetics.

[0150] The processed plant biomass compositions can be separated into different particle sizes or particle size distributions for different applications. E.g., particle sizes no more than 50 microns can be used as smoothing and texturizing additive in emulsions to produce a product that gives a silky skin feeling. Small particle sizes also useful for applications such as dry shampoo powder. Abrasiveness can be modulated based on the particle size and biomass type.

[0151] The average diameter of the particles may be determined by Laser Diffraction Measurement, e.g., Laser Diffraction Measurement using a Mastersizer 2000 or 3000 with software version 5.12G, wherein the sample is dispersed in water or an alcohol. The particle size of the particles can be reduced by grinding or milling, or other methods.

[0152] Processed plant biomass compositions described herein may be characterized by superior average fat absorption capacity. Eat absorption capacity refers to the ability of the particle to retain a fat or a lipophilic solution.

[0153] In some embodiments, the average fat absorption capacity of the processed plant biomass composition is at least about 100 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition. In some embodiments, the average fat absorption capacity of the processed plant biomass composition is at least about 100 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 110 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 100 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 120 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 100 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 130 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 100 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 140 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 100 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 150 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 100 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 160 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 100 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 170 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 100 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 180 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 100 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 188 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 100 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 190 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 100 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 110 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 120 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 110 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 130 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 110 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 140 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 110 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 150 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 110 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 160 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 110 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 170 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 110 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 180 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 110 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 188 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 110 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 190 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 110 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 120 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 130 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 120 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 140 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 120 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 150 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 120 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 160 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 120 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 170 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 120 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 180 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 120 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 188 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 120 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 190 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 120 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 130 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 140 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 130 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 150 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 130 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 160 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 130 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 170 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 130 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 180 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 130 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 188 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 130 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 190 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 130 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 140 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 150 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 140 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 160 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 140 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 170 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 140 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 180 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 140 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 188 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 140 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 190 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 140 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 150 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 160 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 150 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 170 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 150 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 180 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 150 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 188 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 150 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 190 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 150 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 160 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 170 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 160 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 180 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 160 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 188 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 160 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 190 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 160 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 170 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 180 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 170 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 188 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 170 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 190 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 170 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 180 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 188 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 180 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 190 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 180 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 188 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 190 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 188 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition, or about 190 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition. In some embodiments, the average fat absorption capacity of the processed plant biomass composition is at least about 100 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 110 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 120 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 130 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 140 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 150 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 160 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 170 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 180 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 188 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 190 % of the weight of the biomass composition, or about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition. In some embodiments, the average fat absorption capacity of the processed plant biomass composition is at least about 100 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 110 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 120 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 130 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 140 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 150 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 160 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 170 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 180 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 188 % of the weight of the biomass composition, or about 190 % of the weight of the biomass composition. In some embodiments, the average fat absorption capacity of the processed plant biomass composition is at most about 110 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 120 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 130 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 140 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 150 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 160 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 170 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 180 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 188 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 190 % of the weight of the biomass composition, or about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition.

[0154] In some embodiments, the average fat absorption capacity of the processed plant biomass composition is about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition. In some embodiments, the average fat absorption capacity of the processed plant biomass composition is about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, or about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition. In some embodiments, the average fat absorption capacity of the processed plant biomass composition is about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, or about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition. In some embodiments, the average fat absorption capacity of the processed plant biomass composition is at least about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, or about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition. In some embodiments, the average fat absorption capacity of the processed plant biomass composition is at most about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, or about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition.

[0155] Processed plant biomass compositions described herein may be characterized by superior average water retention capacity. Water retention capacity refers to the ability of the processed plant biomass composition to retain water or an aqueous solution comprising water.

[0156] In some embodiments, the average water retention capacity of the processed plant biomass composition is at least about 175 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 260 % of the weight of the biomass composition. In some embodiments, the average water retention capacity of the processed plant biomass composition is at least about 175 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 185 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 175 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 195 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 175 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 205 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 175 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 215 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 175 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 225 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 175 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 235 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 175 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 240 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 175 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 245 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 175 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 175 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 255 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 175 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 260 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 185 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 195 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 185 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 205 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 185 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 215 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 185 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 225 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 185 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 235 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 185 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 240 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 185 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 245 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 185 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 185 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 255 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 185 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 260 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 195 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 205 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 195 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 215 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 195 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 225 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 195 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 235 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 195 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 240 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 195 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 245 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 195 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 195 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 255 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 195 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 260 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 205 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 215 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 205 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 225 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 205 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 235 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 205 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 240 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 205 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 245 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 205 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 205 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 255 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 205 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 260 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 215 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 225 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 215 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 235 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 215 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 240 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 215 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 245 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 215 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 215 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 255 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 215 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 260 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 225 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 235 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 225 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 240 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 225 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 245 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 225 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 225 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 255 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 225 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 260 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 235 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 240 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 235 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 245 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 235 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 235 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 255 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 235 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 260 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 240 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 245 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 240 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 240 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 255 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 240 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 260 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 245 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 245 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 255 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 245 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 260 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 255 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 260 % of the weight of the biomass composition, or about 255 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 260 % of the weight of the biomass composition. In some embodiments, the average water retention capacity of the processed plant biomass composition is about 175 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 185 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 195 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 205 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 215 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 225 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 235 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 240 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 245 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 255 % of the weight of the biomass composition, or about 260 % of the weight of the biomass composition. In some embodiments, the average water retention capacity of the processed plant biomass composition is at least about 175 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 185 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 195 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 205 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 215 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 225 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 235 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 240 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 245 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, or about 255 % of the weight of the biomass composition. In some embodiments, the average water retention capacity of the processed plant biomass composition is at most about 185 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 195 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 205 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 215 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 225 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 235 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 240 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 245 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 255 % of the weight of the biomass composition or about 260 % of the weight of the biomass composition.

[0157] In some embodiments, the average water retention capacity about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition. In some embodiments, the average water retention capacity about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition, or about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition to about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition. In some embodiments, the average water retention capacity is about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, or about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition. In some embodiments, the average water retention capacity at least about 200 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, or about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition. In some embodiments, the average water retention capacity at most about 250 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 300 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 350 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 400 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 450 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 500 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 550 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 600 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 650 % of the weight of the biomass composition, about 700 % of the weight of the biomass composition, or about 750 % of the weight of the biomass composition.

[0158] In some applications it is advantageous to add a clay as a carrier agent such as kaolin, bentonite, or montmorillonite to reduce the characteristic “balling effect” of certain processed plant biomass compositions, which is desirable in some applicants and not in others.

[0159] In some embodiments, the processed plant biomass described herein is combined with a topically acceptable mixture in order to create a personal care composition. In some embodiments, the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture comprises the combination of one or more topically acceptable aqueous phases and one or more topically acceptable oil-based phases.

[0160] In some embodiments, the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture comprises the combination of two or more oil-based phases.

[0161] In some embodiments, the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture comprises the combination of one or more oil-based phases with one or more solid-based phases.

[0162] In some embodiments, the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture comprises mixing by hand or by mechanical means.

[0163] In some embodiments, the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture comprises applying an elevated temperature to the mixture of processed plant biomass and topically acceptable agent. In some embodiments, the elevated temperature is 25-50 °C. In some embodiments, the elevated temperature is 50-75 °C. In some embodiments, the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture further comprises cooling the warm temperature to room temperature or cooler. In some embodiments, the cooling occurs within a solid mold. In some embodiments, the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture wherein one component of the topically acceptable mixture comprises an essential oil and wherein the process plant biomass absorbs the essential oil.

[0164] In some embodiments, the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture involves at least one observable change in physical state.

[0165] In some embodiments, the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture involves at least one colour change.

[0166] In some embodiments, the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture occurs wherein one component of the topically acceptable mixture optionally comprises an emulsifier.

[0167] In some embodiments, the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture occurs wherein one component of the topically acceptable mixture optionally comprises a surfactant.

[0168] In some embodiments, the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture occurs wherein one component of the topically acceptable mixture optionally comprises a preservative. [0169] In some embodiments, the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture occurs wherein one component of the topically acceptable mixture optionally comprises a soap base or a gel base.

[0170] In some embodiments, the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture occurs wherein one component of the topically acceptable mixture optionally comprises a pigment, a dye or other colorant.

[0171] In some embodiments, the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture occurs wherein one component of the topically acceptable mixture optionally comprises a pH modulating substance.

[0172] In some embodiments, the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture optionally includes drying the combination product after the mixing.

[0173] In some embodiments, the product obtained from the combination of processed plant biomass with a topically acceptable mixture is a deodorant, a cleanser, a cream, a bathing product, a hair-care product, a blusher product, a toothpaste product, a face mask product, or an alternative personal care product.

Examples

Use of specific feedstocks to obtain tailored structural characteristics desirable for particular personal care products

[0174] Two example processed plant biomass compositions were prepared from separate starting materials to evaluate effects of the feedstock on the properties of the compositions produced.

Example 1. Preparation of partially hydrolyzed corn cob biomass

[0175] Example 1 was prepared by partially hydrolyzing a corn cob biomass feedstock according to the following procedure. Milled coni cobs supplied by Follador S.r.l (Cornuda, TV, Italy) with a particle size range of 350 microns to 750 microns were washed with 8 volumes of water. A 12.5% (wt/v) solution of the washed corn cobs solids in water was prepared and heated to 95 °C and held at temperature for 1 hour. NaOH was added to the suspension (1% wt/wt NaOH) and the reaction mixture held at 95 °C for 1 hour. The suspension was cooled to 50 °C and the pH corrected to 5.5 with H2SO4. The suspension was enzymatically hydrolysed using T. reesei cellulolytic enzymes incubated at 50 °C for 9.5 hours under constant agitation at 35 rpm in a mixing tank with anchor type impellers. The solids were separated by a decanter centrifugation step followed by a filter press stage. The recovered solids were then washed with H2O three times via centrifugation & resuspension, the remaining solids were dried in an oven at 50 °C. Non-spray dried solids were milled and sieved to separate the particles into different particle size ranges (0-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-355 and >355 microns). Spray-dried materials were obtained using a Buchi lab spray dryer and a 20% (wt/wt) dilution of wet composition (25% dry matter) in water.

Example 2. Preparation of partially hydrolyzed Oat biomass

[0176] Example 2 was prepared by partially hydrolyzing an oat fiber biomass feedstock according to the following procedure. Suitable Oat Fiber was sourced commercially. The solid powder was used as received with no additional pre-treatment. The oat fiber was then combined with 0.1 M sodium acetate solution corrected to pH 5.5 to a total loading of solids of 15% w/w. The suspension was enzymatically hydrolyzed using a commercially available cellulase cocktail: 7.5 mg Protein/g Oat fiber of cellulase was added to the suspension and incubated at 50 °C for 16 hours at 180 rpm. After 16 hours the enzymes were denatured by heat inactivation at 90 °C for 5 minutes, a solid/liquid separation phase was undertaken to wash the solids with H2O three times via centrifugation & resuspension, the remaining solids were dried in an oven at 50 °C. The solids were milled and sieved to separate the final composition into different particle size ranges (0-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-355 and >355 microns).

Example 3 - Composition of plant biomass, before and after partial hydrolysis

[0177] Compositional analysis was conducted using the following procedure. Testing samples were milled to 100-350 pm particle size and calcinated at 105 °C for 16 hours before weighing. Ceramic crucibles were also pre-heated at 105 °C for 16 hours before weighing. 300 ±5 mg of moisture-free raw material was weighed into a 50 mL falcon tube and swelled in 72% H2SO4 for 1 hour at 30 °C with agitation via Teflon rod. The acid-hydrolyzed suspension was then diluted to 4% H2SO4 with H2O and transferred to glass pressure tubes, then were heated for 60 minutes at 121 °C to monomerise the polysaccharides, and then filtered through the pre-weighed ceramic crucibles. The solid fraction was calcinated at 105 °C for 16 hours to remove water content before weighing, to give the weight of the acid- insoluble lignin content. The solids were then calcinated again at 575 °C for 24 hours to isolate non-combustible solids, and then the total ash content weighed. The liquid fraction was neutralized using CaCO . filtered through a suitable particle filter and analysed via HPLC-RID to determine total monomeric sugars (Xylose + Arabinose = hemicellulose; Glucose = glucans). An acidic aliquot of the liquid fraction was also analysed via spectrophotometer at 320 nm to determine the acid-soluble lignin content. To determine the starch content, the testing biomass sample was milled to 100-350 pm particle size and suspended in water (10% solid loading). Amylase and amyloglucosidase enzymes (10 pL /g (gram of sample biomass) loading) were added and the mixture was incubated at 65 °C for 16 h, in order to break down starch to glucose, without breaking down cellulose to glucose. The amount of glucose present in the resulting liquor was analysed by HPLC- RID to determine the total monomeric glucose content, which indicate the starch content. Cellulose content was calculated by subtracting the starch content from the total glucan content. The unknown fraction was calculated by subtracting the combined known total mass of the lignin and monomeric content from the starting mass of raw material. Some of the main components defined as “other” include, but are not limited to ash, proteins, and organic acids.

[0178] Compositional analysis results for Example 1 and Example 2 processed plant biomass compositions, and their respective raw materials, are shown in FIGS. 1A-1D. Hemicellulose and lignin, on a w/w basis, are lower in both the Example 1 composition and Example 2 processed plant biomass compositions compared to the respective parent feedstocks. Cellulose is higher in both the Example 1 and Example 2 compositions on a w/w basis compared to the respective parent feedstocks. Unlike the raw material feedstocks, the compositions of Examples 1 and 2 have a ratio of cellulose to hemicellulose greater than 2.

Example 4 - Particle size distributions and physical characteristics of partially hydrolyzed plant biomass produced by the methods of Example 1 & 2

[0179] Particle size and shape characteristics of the Example 1 and Example 2 plant biomass compositions were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy as shown in FIGS. 2A- 2C and FIGS. 3A-3C, respectively. After partial hydrolysis, Example 1 was a mixture of fibrous, angular, and sub-rounded particles, whilst Example 2 was predominately fibrous particles, despite the starting materials having similar shape distributions. Notably, the particles of Example 1 were observed to have porous structures, which may provide advantageous properties related to absorption, in comparison to other cellulose fiber compositions.

[0180] Particle shape changes abrasiveness (where more angular generally leads to sharp edges and more abrasive particles). Therefore, it is advantageous to be able to change abrasiveness for different applications, e.g., body scrub vs a facial cleanser. The differences between Example 1 and Example 2 show that different feedstocks can be chosen to achieve a desired particle shapes for use of the processed plant biomass composition in a given product.

[0181] Larger particle sizes may be useful for exfoliating or skin peeling while smaller particle sizes and/or swapping from Example 1 to Example 2 processed plant biomass composition gives a soap bar that does not feel detectably abrasive at all, but has good cleansing properties, and is thus more suitable to sensitive skin, for example as a facial cleanser. [0182] Porosities and densities of the Example 1 and Example 2 processed plant biomass compositions were measured by Mercury intrusion porosimetry using a Micromeritics® MicroActive AutoPore V 9600 and a pressure range of 0.10 to 61,000.00 psia. Porosity data of two example plant biomass compositions is shown in FIG. 4A-D. Incremental intrusion vs Pore size for the Example 1 and Example 2 processed plant biomass compositions is shown in (FIG. 4A) and (FIG. 4C), respectively. Cumulative Pore Area vs Pore size for the Example 1 and Example 2 biomass plant compositions is shown in (FIG. 4B) and (FIG. 4D), respectively. Further porosity data is shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Details of the different Mercury intrusion porosity data for the two example plant biomass compositions

[0183] For the Example 2 composition, most of the intrusion volume is distributed in void spaces (including both pores in the particles and spaces between particles) larger than 10 microns. Example 1 processed plant biomass composition has part of its pore volume distributed in void spaces between 0.1 to 10 microns in size (FIGS. 4A-4B). Example 1 composition has a higher surface area than Example 2 composition, and this is mostly due to very small and shallow pores which account for more than half of the total surface area. See FIGS. 4A-4D. Visually, small grooves can be seen on the SEM image of Example 1 processed plant biomass composition at lOOOx magnification (FIG. 2B). [0184] Example 1 processed plant biomass composition had a higher bulk density of 0.361 g/mL compared to Example 2 processed plant biomass composition (0.216 g/mL). This is in part due to differences in the packing efficiency of the different particle shapes/sizes, which have a material effect on the texture, absorbance, and other physical properties of the composition.

[0185] The particle size distribution of the Example 1 spray-dried processed plant biomass composition as determined by laser diffraction is shown in FIG. 5, where the average particle size was 52 pm.

[0186] The powder X-ray diffractograms of the Example 1 and Example 2 compositions show an increase in the crystallinity compared to the corresponding raw materials, but a lower crystallinity compared to a commercial microcrystalline cellulose sample, as seen in FIGS. 6A-6B. The broader the peaks in the diffractogram, the lower the crystallinity of the sample. The results are consistent with partial removal of amorphous (hemicellulose-rich) regions of the biomass during the partial hydrolysis processing.

Example 5 - Water Retention Capacity (WRC), Fat Absorption Capacity (FAC), and Viscosity Moderation ability of partially hydrolyzed plant biomass

[0187] One comparative composition used in various embodiments of the exemplification work is non-hydrolyzed oat fiber from a commercial source, which has been processed to a greater extent than another comparative composition: raw oat hulls treated only by grinding. This processing may have included treatment(s) by physical or chemical means but has not been subjected to the methods described herein, and the comparative composition had a cellulose to hemicellulose ratio of less than 1.5:1 (e.g., close to 1:1). Example plant biomass compositions derived from maize (Example 1 processed plant biomass composition) and Example plant biomass composition derived from oats (Example 2 processed plant biomass composition) were tested for water retention and fat absorption and were compared to the raw feedstocks and commercial biomass compositions (MCC and bamboo fiber).

(i) Fat absorption capacity and water retention capacity [0188] Approximately 1 g of sample was added to a pre- weighed 15 mL centrifuge tube, and the tube weighed again. 5 mL of vegetable oil was then added, the mixtures were then mixed using a vortex and left overnight. The mixtures were then centrifuged at 4000 ref for 30 mins at 20 °C before the supernatant was removed. The centrifuge tube was weighed, and the fat absorption capacity (FAC) was determined using Error! Reference source not found.. FAC was measured in triplicate for each sample.

FAC [%] =100 x ((fat absorbed by sample) / (weight of sample))

Equation 1

Approximately 1 g of sample was added to a pre- weighed 15 mL centrifuge tube, and the tube weighed again. 5 mL of water was then added, the mixture was then vortexed and left overnight. The mixture was then centrifuged at 4000 ref for 10 mins at 20 °C before the supernatant was removed. The centrifuge tube was weighed, and the water retention capacity (WRC) was determined using Equation 2.

WRC [%] =100 x ((water absorbed by sample) / (weight of sample))

Equation 2

[0189] FIG. 7 shows Example 1 and Example 2 processed plant biomass compositions have improved water retention and fat absorption capacities compared with their respective untreated feedstock (ground com cob for Example 1 processed plant biomass composition and ground oat hull for Example 2 processed plant biomass composition). Example 1 processed plant biomass composition had an average WRC of 268% and a FAC of 123%, and Example 2 processed plant biomass composition had WRC of 340% and FAC of 204%. Surprisingly, the WRC and FAC of Example 2 composition were notably different to that of the comparative, commercial non-hydrolyzed oat fiber composition (FIG.

7).

[0190] Example 2 processed plant biomass composition has a higher water retention and fat absorption capacity than Example 1 processed plant biomass composition. The differences in these absorption properties could be partially attributed to the differences in porosity, total pore volume and accessible surface area, as well as on composition. Higher water retention and oil absorption capacity may be desirable in applications of a processed plant biomass composition as a thickening agent, an excess oil absorbent in face masks, dry shampoo, mattifying face powders, for slow release of fragrances, and/or for use in as a stabilizer for products containing essential oils.

(ii) Viscosity moderation of formulations by Example 1 & 2. [0191] High oil and water absorption properties are useful for moisture regulation in cosmetic products. The absorption also affects the viscosity of the formulation. Advantages of choosing different feedstocks is that they yield processed plant biomass compositions which can be tuned to have different water and oil absorption properties. Therefore, products with different moisture and viscosities can be achieved with compositions from different feedstocks.

[0192] For example, 2.5 g of the specified composition (particle size of <200 microns) was added to 25 ml of a gel base in a 50 mL falcon tube and mixed thoroughly. The viscosity was then measured using a Brookfield viscometer, spindle 64, 200 RPM and at 19.2 °C. (Gel base was “Simple® Kind to Skin™ Refreshing Shower Gel”). The results are summarised in Table 2.

Table 2: Viscometry results

[0193] Viscosity is higher for a gel with Example 2 processed plant biomass composition compared to a gel with Example 1 processed plant biomass composition at a constant wt.%. This is linked to the oil and water absorption being higher for Example 2 processed plant biomass composition compared to Example 1 processed plant biomass composition.

Example 6 Shelf-Life assessment of partially hydrolyzed Plant biomass

[0194] Samples of the two example processed plant biomass compositions were stored in ambient indoor conditions for five months. The following properties of the samples were measured at monthly intervals: moisture content, water activity, flow properties, bulk density, tapped density, pH (as recorded from the resulting aqueous suspension when 2 g of biomass sample was mixed with 20 mL deionised water), Microbial count measurements: aerobic plate count (as obtained according to ISO 4833-1), yeast count (as obtained according to ISO 21527-2) and mold counts (as obtained also according to ISO 21527-2. The measurements were made according to standard methods/protocols in house or by commercial vendors.

[0195] The measured values from Example 1 & Example 2 processed plant biomass composition are shown in Table 3 and Table 4, respectively. The results show that both example processed plant biomass compositions have a useable shelf-life of at least 5 months when stored under general ambient conditions (room temperature) and there were no concerning fluctuations or upward/downward trends in any of the measured properties.

Table 3: Example 1 processed plant biomass composition

Table 4: Example 2 processed plant biomass composition

Example 7 Impact on pH and Stability of compositions containing partially hydrolysed Plant Biomass

[0196] Example 1 processed plant biomass composition was evaluated for its impact on the pH of the following: deionized water, a commercial cleansing lotion, and a cleansing gel. pH stability of the same were also recorded over the period of 1 week, as show in FIG. 8A. The samples were prepared by hand mixing 8 weight % of Example 1 processed plant biomass composition in 9.2 g of water with a commercial cleansing lotion (Aromantic Ltd.) or a cleansing gel base. The cleansing gel base was prepared by mixing 44 wt.% of “Natural Surfactant Base” (Aromantic Ltd.) and 3.3 weight % of “Natural Fat Restorer” (Aromantic Ltd.) in water. Results were compared with similar formulations prepared with 8 wt.% of a commercial bamboo fiber (FIG. 8B) instead of 8 wt.% Example 1 processed plant biomass composition. The Example 1 processed plant biomass composition showed less impact on the pH of the personal care products, and similar pH-stability to the comparative commercial personal care products. These unexpected results suggest Example 1 processed plant biomass composition is a convenient ingredient in formulations.

Example 8 - Impact on foam volume and stability of compositions containing partially hydrolysed Plant Biomass

[0197] The impact of processed plant biomass compositions on the foam volume and stability of a commercial surfactant was investigated. Example 1 and Example 2 processed plant biomass compositions were each separated by sieving into two grades: 50-100 pm and 0-50 pm. A 10 wt% aqueous solution of cocoamidopropyl betaine was homogenized in a beaker for 10 sec with 3 wt% of the different prepared processed plant biomass compositions (Example 2 processed plant biomass composition, 0-50 pm and 50-100 pm; Example 1 processed plant biomass composition, 0-50 pm and 50-100 pm and no biomass composition (comparative example)). The content of the beaker was poured into a granulated cylinder and the foam height was measured immediately and subsequently every minute for 10 minutes in total. Triplicate measurements were taken.

[0198] Surprisingly, the averaged results were that foam volumes were higher for all solutions containing example processed plant biomass compositions versus the solution without processed plant biomass composition. Therefore, the addition of all processed plant biomass compositions improved the foam volume, with the Example 1 processed plant biomass composition showcasing the most pronounced increases in foam initial volume (FIG. 9) across all timepoints. There was no clear trend related to the effect of the different particle sizes in this experiment. The results suggest that a range of different particle sizes of the processed plant biomass compositions are beneficial ingredients in products where foaming is desired.

Example 9 - Opacifying effect of partially hydrolysed Plant Biomass

[0199] Investigation of the impact of the processed plant biomass compositions on transparent formulations.

Example 1 and Example 2 compositions both independently underwent a sieving process to separate larger (50-100 pm) sized particles from smaller ones (0-50 pm). 3 wt% of the different prepared processed plant biomass compositions (Example 2 composition, 0-50 pm and 50-100 pm; Example 1 composition, 0-50 pm and 50-100 pm and no biomass composition (comparative example)) was added in a shower gel (Simple® “Kind to Skin™ refreshing shower gel”) and hand stirred until thoroughly homogenized in the gel. The differences in opacity were visually compared.

[0200] The example processed plant biomass compositions opacified transparent formulations, as observed visually (FIG. 10A). Example compositions with particle size 0-50 pm stayed well suspended in the gel after 24 h. Surprisingly, both example processed plant biomass compositions stabilized the foam created (FIG. 10B), across a range of different particle sizes.

Example 10 - Essential oil absorption, retention, and release

(i) Essential oil absorption capacity

[0201] A desirable feature of personal care product ingredients that have sufficiently high fat absorption capacity is the ability to absorb (and subsequently release) essential oils. Example 1 plant biomass composition was tested for absorption of essential oils, which are common ingredients in exfoliant compositions or in personal care products containing an exfoliant. Approximately 1 g of Example 1 processed plant biomass composition sample was added to a pre-weighed 15 mL centrifuge tube, and the tube weighed precisely. 5 mL of essential oil (peppermint, orange, or lavender) was then added, the mixtures were then vortexed and left overnight. The mixtures were then centrifuged at 4000 ref for 30 mins at 20 °C before the supernatant was removed. The centrifuge tube was weighed, and the fat absorption capacity was determined using Error! Reference source not found.. FIG. 11 shows high absorption of various essential oils with small variation from 153-175 % of the weight of the plant biomass where the particle sizes were of the distribution shown in FIG. 5

[0202] Example 2 processed plant biomass composition was tested for absorption of essential oils, which are common ingredients in cleansing compositions or in personal care products containing an exfoliant. Approximately 1 g of Example 2 processed plant biomass composition sample was added to a pre- weighed 15 mL centrifuge tube, and the tube weighed again. Five-mL of essential oil (peppermint, orange, or lavender) was then added, the mixtures were then vortexed and left to stand overnight (16 h). The mixtures were then centrifuged at 4000 ref for 30 mins at 20 °C before the supernatant was removed. The centrifuge tube was weighed, and the absorption capacity was determined using Error! Reference source not found, (fat absorption capacity). The results, as depicted in FIG. 12, show high absorption of various essential oils (with small variation) from 266- 306 % of the initial weight of the plant biomass fiber. The values are surprisingly high and consistent, demonstrating good ability to absorb infused essential oils across a range of particle sizes.

[0203] In a further example, a processed plant biomass composition described herein is processed to a desired average particle size distribution (for example, about 50 pm). The processed plant biomass composition is saturated with an essential oil and then blended with a commercial gel or a cream to produce an essential oil infused personal care product, wherein the desired fragrance is preserved over long time periods.

[0204] In a further example, Example 1 processed plant biomass composition (1.5 g) with grapefruit essential oil (3 mL) or Example 2 processed plant biomass composition (1.5 g) with grapefruit oil (3 mL) were added to a different vial containing aqueous-based gel wash (6 g). As a control, a vial was prepared containing no processed plant biomass composition, with the same gel (6 g) and grapefruit essential oil (3 mL). All three vials were stirred for 1 minutes and left to stand for 2 h. The appearance of the gels after this time were noted and are depicted in FIG. 13A. The gel containing no processed plant biomass composition had separated as expected (FIG. 13A, left), but the gels containing processed plant biomass compositions had surprisingly allowed a uniform phase to form, (FIG. 13A: middle, right). This stabilisation feature demonstrated by the processed plant biomass compositions is likely to be beneficial in personal care formulations.

(ii) Dispersion of essential-oil infused processed plant biomass in water to release the infused oils

[0205] In a further example, Example 1 processed plant biomass composition (1.5 g) was infused with an essential oil (1 mL). The resulting saturated processed plant biomass composition was placed in water (5 mL) and the result was photographed (FIG. 13B), the particles appear dispersed, and the essential oil can be seen floating on top of the aqueous, hence it has been released from the processed plant biomass composition. This is a useful feature for bathing products, such as bath bombs, because it allows for a desired fragrance being released from the product at the specific time the product is in contact with water. This could be further valuable in deodorant applications, with the essential oil infused composition releasing the fragrance as the pores and voids are filled with perspiration.

Example 11 Prevention of volatile compound degradation by partially hydrolysed Plant Biomass

(i) Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) assessment of prevention of volatile compound degradation

[0206] Measurement of the impact on preservation of “fresh” volatile compounds and prevention of “degraded” volatile compounds when orange essential oil was added to example processed plant biomass compositions or comparative compositions.

[0207] Components of orange essential oil degrade over time, giving strong oily, minty, and floral notes and decrease in desired “fresh” notes (lemon, herbaceous). While scents perceived by human subjects are complex and can be subjective, it is known that fresh sweet orange essential oil is generally observed to give “citrus” and “herbaceous” notes due to the presence of volatile compounds such as linalool, decanal and citral (and concentrations of such chemical volatile compounds can be measured using spectrometric methods). Such volatile compounds degrade in orange essential oil that is left in ambient conditions over time. Limonene oxidises to limonene oxide and carvone. On essential oil degradation, the strength of desired notes decreases, whilst undesirable off-notes, such as oily notes, are introduced.

[0208] Half g of orange essential oil was added into a vial containing 1 g of the test sample: ground com cob powder (comparative); Example 1 processed plant biomass composition; oat husk powder (comparative); and Example 2 processed plant biomass composition. Duplicate samples were prepared by identical method and then were left in open containers for 14 days under ambient conditions. All samples were analyzed using GCMS (Agilent Technologies 5975B Inert XL MSD (single quadruple detector)) via solid phase micro extraction (SPME). Samples were added to separate GCMS headspace vials and weighed. 0.03 g of 0.01% 3-heptanone in water was added. Samples were analysed in a randomized order. The SPME sample (50/30 pm, DVB/CAR/PDMS, 23 Ga) extracted for 10 min, then thermally desorbed at 250 °C for 5 min. A 30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.25 pm HP-5MS column was used (Phenomenex, UK). Oven temperature settings: 31 °C - 5 min, 5 °C/min to 150 °C, 30 °C/min to 240 °C. Inlet settings: 250 °C, pressure 10.4 psi, flow 11.2 mL/min, split ratio 7:1. MS operated in full scan mode from 40 to 400 m/z with a scan time of 0.2 s. the results are depicted in FIG. 14.

[0209] In ground corn cob and oat husk powder there was almost complete loss of detectable decanal and citral, whereas a large increase in peak intensities associated with degradation products such as limonene oxide and carvone was observed. Surprisingly, for Example 1, the essential oil degradation was notably less than for other compositions, including for its respective unprocessed feedstock of ground com cobs (FIG. 14). Example 1 composition displayed an unexpected ability to both absorb and prevent degradation of the essential oil, which is useful to increase the shelf-life of essential oilcontaining products.

(ii) Sensory Panel assessment of prevention of volatile compound degradation

[0210] The effects of volatile degradation can be assessed directly using SPME, though volunteer sensory assays can also give an indication of the process in the example processed plant biomass compositions and comparative fiber samples infused with essential oils. Twelve non-specialised volunteers assessed the aroma profile of 1 g of the following compositions: Example 1 processed plant biomass composition; ground corn cobs (comparative example); and MCC (comparative example). Each composition was infused with orange essential oil (0.5 g) for 0 days (immediately after infusion) and for 14 days (in open containers in sunlight for 14 days). Similarity to fresh standard samples of the specific notes: “lemon”, “minty”, “herbaceous”, “oily”, “floral” were assessed by the volunteers and they rated the samples against each other with a numerical score of 1-4, as follows: (1-least similar to the fresh standard sample, 4-most similar). Standards (10 pL/mL) were provided as a reference to facilitate recognition of the notes: carvone (minty); citral (herbaceous); limonene (lemon); linalool (floral); and engine oil (oily). The lemon and herbaceous notes are characteristic of fresh essential oil, whereas the oily, floral, and minty notes are characteristic of degradation.

[0211] For the presentation of the results below, the initial “day 0” average score assessed by the volunteers was subtracted from the average score of day 14, to give the change in score for each note; the results shown in Table 5. Volunteer sensory assessments are subjective, though information about the decreased perception of desired “fresh” notes and increase in undesired notes from degradation can be inferred.

[0212] The results show that generally all example processed plant biomass compositions and comparative compositions did not perceivably affect the “fresh” lemon and herbaceous notes, because there was little-to-no decrease in score. However, there were differences detected for the formation of “degraded” notes. For the Example 1 processed plant biomass composition and MCC, there was little difference in the perceived strength of all “degraded” notes between day 0 and day 1. For com cob, stronger oily (+0.9) and floral (+0.5) notes were observed on day 14, indicative of the formation of degradation products. This result supports the SPME results that Example 1 composition prevents degradation of essential oil fragrances, whilst the raw feedstock (corn cob) does not.

Table 5: Results for the volunteer sensory test-detection of fresh and degraded notes.

Products with Processed plant biomass compositions

[0213] Experiments were conducted using example processed plant biomass compositions as an ingredient in a soap bar, a face mask, a gel wash, a moisturizing lotion, a bath bomb, a deodorant, a dry shampoo, a shampoo bar, a toothpaste, a blusher, and a body scrub. Particles of Example 1 and Example 2 processed plant biomass compositions disperse well and have good suspension stability compared with minerals such as pumice, which sink quickly.

Example 12. Use of the compositions of Example 1 or Example 2 in Soap bar formulations

[0214] Larger particle sizes may be useful for exfoliating or skin peeling. E.g., Example 1 processed plant biomass composition (200-355 microns) was incorporated into a soap bar which had a moderate abrasiveness, suitable for use on the body. The soap bar was prepared by melting “Melt & Pour crystal soap base” (Stephenson Group Ltd.) and adding 7 wt% of Example 1 processed plant biomass composition, stirring carefully to minimize bubble formation, and pouring into a silicone mold to set for approximately 3 hours (FIG. 15A).

[0215] An alternative, dual-sided soap bar with 20 wt.% processed plant biomass composition was produced (FIG. 16). The soap bar was prepared by melting two separate masses of “Melt & Pour crystal soap base” (Stephenson Group Ltd) and adding 10 weight % of Example 1 processed plant biomass composition to one, and 10 weight % of Example 2 processed plant biomass composition to the other, stirring carefully to minimize bubble formation, and pouring into a silicone mold to set. Example 13. Use of the compositions of Example 1 or Example 2 in bath bomb formulations [0216] Bath bombs and other bathing product formulations commonly use synthetic ingredients, but for environmental and health reasons, natural alternatives are becoming increasingly popular; insoluble biomass fiber compositions can be a biodegradable and safer alternative to environmentally-persistent microplastics in such formulations. Plant-based compositions, like com starch would be preferential environmentally to traditional naturally-derived ingredients, often from mined finite resources (e.g., mica), but may still originate from ingredients that have been diverted from the food system. Described herein are environmentally-advantageous bathing product ingredients from which desirable products were made (FIG. 17A). The ability of the processed plant biomass compositions described herein to absorb and retain scented essential oils (as exemplified in Example 11 (FIG. 14)) and then release them when the fiber is dispersed in water (as exemplified in Example 10 (iii) (FIG 13B)) is particularly applicable to bathing products, and also give features such as binding and shape-retention. The inclusion of Example 1 and Example 2 processed plant biomass composition was investigated in bath bomb compositions. Bath bombs of mass 25 g were prepared by the following example method:

[0217] A bath bomb with 12.5 wt.% processed plant biomass composition was prepared (12.5 wt.% Example 2 processed plant biomass composition was mixed with sodium bicarbonate (50 wt.%), citric acid (25 wt.%), Epsom salts (9.0 wt.%), food colourant (0.5 wt.%) and then a uniform mixture of essential oils (total 2 wt.%) and water (1 wt.%) was pipetted onto the mixed other ingredients. After molding to resulting mixture to the desired product shape, the products were dried in ambient conditions for 2 days). Examples are depicted in FIG. 17A.

[0218] Additional bath bombs were made by equivalent method, with the following example processed plant biomass composition or comparative substances used in the place of the Example 2 composition: Example 1 composition, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) (comparative), com starch (comparative), non-hydrolyzed oat fiber (comparative), ground corn cob (comparative). Properties of the different products, as supported by the following experiments, are summarized in Table . Unexpectedly, the products containing either Example 1 or Example 2 processed plant biomass compositions were notably superior to products made from compositions derived from unprocessed plant fiber of the same plant origin. For example, the product containing Example 1 processed plant biomass compositions (Example 1 processed plant biomass composition was made starting from ground com cob) disintegrated and dispersed in water and remained fizzing long after, whereas the product containing ground com cob stopped fizzing before it disintegrated in water, which is undesirable. Furthermore, products containing either Example 1 processed plant biomass composition or Example 2 composition surprisingly had soft though durable textures, whereas the products containing MCC cracked and crumbed easily (likely leading to retail wastage and other issues).

Table 6: Summary of properties of bath bomb products containing different compositions a. Disintegration and fizzing time

[0219] Investigation of the possible impact of the example processed plant biomass compositions on the length of the chemical reaction observed between sodium bicarbonate and citric acid was performed. The time taken for the bath bomb to separate into smaller pieces is defined as the “disintegration time”, whereas the timescale for which effervescence is observed visually from the product is defined as “fizzing time”. The bath bombs were placed in a beaker containing 1.5 L deionized water and the disintegration times and fizzing times as defined above were recorded. Each composition was tested in triplicate and the results are depicted in Table 7 and in FIG. 18A.

Table 7: The results for the disintegration time and fizzing time of different bath bomb products containing example processed plant biomass compositions or comparative compositions.

[0220] The disintegration times for products containing either Example 1 or Example 2 processed plant biomass compositions were significantly lower than the fizzing times, which means that the bath bomb first broke down into smaller pieces, while the fizzing continued for much longer. In contrast, when the disintegration time is longer than the fizzing time (as for some of the comparative examples e.g., com starch), this leaves large masses of inactive (non-fizzing) and undissolved product, which could be considered aesthetically undesirable by the end-user. Therefore, the Example 1 and Example 2 processed plant biomass compositions are shown to be useful ingredients in bath bomb products because they give acceptable fizzing times that are in great excess of the disintegration time. b. Observation of durability

[0221] Bath bombs containing example processed plant biomass compositions or comparative compositions were subjected to a force-applied penetration probe, and the sample integrity studied as an indication of the durability of the products when dry. For this test the 6 mm (diameter) cylindrical penetration probe was fixed on the texture analyser (TA-XT plus C, Stable Microsystems). The probe penetrated the sample product a total depth of 5 mm at rate of 0.5 mm s’ ¹ . The appearances of the sample products after the test were interpreted visually. Each composition was tested in triplicate and the results are summarized in Table 8 and in FIG. 18B.

Table 8: Hardness of bath bomb products containing different compositions

[0222] The results were that the products containing the Example 1 or 2 processed plant biomass compositions unexpectedly looked more integral after the test than those containing comparative compositions. Particularly surprising was the durability of the products containing Example 1 processed plant biomass composition compared to the products with other com-derived material (corn starch and ground corn cob).

Example 14 - Use of the compositions of Example 1 or Example 2 in deodorant compositions

[0223] ‘ ‘Natural”, aluminium-free deodorants are popular, but often use moisture-absorbing ingredients from mined finite resources (e.g., clays and other minerals) or that compete with food products (e.g., arrowroot). The environmentally advantageous, example processed plant biomass compositions described herein can be used to make effective aluminium-free deodorant products and (as shown in previous results) have effective moisture and oil-absorbing properties. The processed plant biomass compositions described herein also have the potential additional benefit of retaining essential oils in formulations and then releasing them upon displacement by moisture from usage (perspiration).

[0224] A deodorant with 20 wt% processed plant biomass composition was prepared (coconut oil (24.9 wt.%), candelilla wax (20 wt.%) and shea butter (20 wt.%) and castor oil (10 wt.%) were combined under heating until melted, then a pre-mixed solid phase of Example 2 processed plant biomass composition (20 wt.%) and sodium bicarbonate (5 wt.%) was added with stirring; the mixture was allowed to cool under ambient conditions and then a peppermint essential oil (0.1 wt.%) was added). An example product is depicted in FIG. 17D.

[0225] Additional Deodorant products containing the example processed plant biomass composition (Example 2 composition) and comparative compositions (arrowroot powder, commercial oat fiber and MCC) as moisture absorbents were prepared using equivalent method to above. Properties of the different products, as supported by the following experiments, are summarized in Table 9. Surprisingly, the product containing the Example 2 processed plant biomass composition retained most of the benefits provided by commercially- applied arrowroot powder in products but had the additional advantage of being much faster-drying. It was particularly unexpected how deodorant products containing Example 2 composition substantially outperformed those with the other oat fiberbased ingredient that had not been treated with the disclosed methods (i.e., non-hydrolyzed oat fiber), which was hard, had a lot of textural inconsistencies and left undesirable stains. Table 9: Summary of properties of deodorant products containing different compositions a. Stain test

[0226] Investigation of reduction of staining of textiles from product use; the reduction being in part related to the oil-binding properties of the fiber.

[0227] Method: 0.3 g of product were smeared onto a cotton piece and the resulting stain was visually assessed (FIG. 19).

[0228] The stain produced with the product containing Example 2 processed plant biomass composition (FIG. 19, far right) was visually comparable, but drier, to the one produced by the common commercial replacement comparative example (arrowroot powder, FIG. 19, far left)). In addition, the stain produced with the product containing Example fiber 2 composition was transparent without any residue, whereas the products containing MCC and comparative (non-hydrolyzed) oat fiber left unwanted solid residues. b. Drying time

[0229] Investigation of impact of processed plant biomass composition on the reduction of product drying time.

[0230] 0.3 g of the product were smeared onto a carton piece and separately on the skin of a volunteer subject (hand) and the time it took to dry (as determined by the time at which the product residue became non-sticky and could not be removed with a finger, to the nearest minute) was documented. The process was repeated for deodorants containing Example 2 composition, MCC, arrowroot powder (commercial replacement) and comparative non-hydrolyzed oat fiber composition. The results are depicted in Table 10 and in FIG. 20A.

Table 10: Drying times measured for deodorant products containing different compositions.

[0231] Result: The drying time followed the same trend both when the product was applied on the skin and when applied on carton (Table 10) Surprisingly, the inclusion of Example 2 composition significantly reduced the drying time of the product, relative to commercially used comparative examples. c. Hardness test (Penetration)

[0232] Investigation of the impact of the processed plant biomass compositions on the texture of the deodorant product.

[0233] Using the “6 mm penetration probe” on the “texture analyser” function (TA-XT plus C, Stable Microsystems), the hardness of the product was documented. The force of penetration is measured at a defined deformation distance. Once the trigger force is attained, the force increases as the probe proceeds to penetrate the sample. The area under the curve, is the work required to penetrate the sample to the specified distance. The higher this value, the harder the sample is, as more work is required to penetrate to the specified distance. The process was conducted for deodorants containing Example 2 processed plant biomass composition, MCC (comparative), arrowroot powder (commonly used commercial replacement, comparative) and commercial (non-hydrolyzed) oat fiber (comparative). Triplicate measurements were taken.

[0234] The process was conducted at two different temperatures to evaluate the performance of the product at room temperature (21 °C) and close to the temperature of the human body (40 °C). Results shown in Table 11 and FIG. 21A. Table 11: Penetration hardness measured for deodorant products containing different compositions.

[0235] At 21 °C the deodorant containing Example 2 processed plant biomass composition was characterized in the middle of the testing products’ hardness range, imparting a texture to the product (not as hard as the commercial oat fiber and not as soft as the common commercial replacement, arrowroot powder) that could be considered more desirable to the user. At 40 °C, (close to body temperature), the deodorant containing the Example 2 processed plant biomass composition was found to be the softest, likely improving the ease of application of the product. d. Hardness test (Linear distance)

[0236] The texture analyser (TA-XT plus C, Stable Microsystems) can also calculate “linear distance” from measurements as a method to quantify fluctuations in the force/distance measurements. This test may indicate the presence of texture inconsistencies, such as unwanted trapped air bubbles, or a “grainy” texture in the product. The linear distance function calculates the length of an imaginary line joining all points in the selected region. The axes are measured in seconds (s) and grams (g) respectively, so the calculated distance has dimensions in units of § ² + s ² . A jagged curve would consequently produce a much larger linear distance value when compared to a smooth (non-grainy texture) curve. The measured values are shown in Table 12 and in FIG. 21B.

Table 12: Linear distance hardness measured for deodorant products containing different compositions.

[0237] The deodorant product containing Example 2 processed plant biomass composition was characterized by fewer air pockets and reduced grainy texture compared to the products with comparative compositions, except for MCC (FIG. 21B). The Example 2 processed plant biomass composition also unexpectedly showcased the narrowest spread of data (lowest standard deviation) and hence the products could be more consistent (and so easier) to use. e. Pay-off test

[0238] Investigation of the effect on the pay-off of the product, due to the differing compositions included. The pay-off is a measurement of the mass of product applied in a single application.

[0239] Process: The deodorant stick was fixed to a clamp at a standard height. A pre-weighed carton paper was moved once across the surface of the deodorant stick and the mass of the product transferred onto the paper was measured. The process was repeated for deodorants containing Example 2 processed plant biomass composition, MCC, arrowroot powder (commercial replacement) and nonhydrolysed oat and triplicate measurements were taken for every product. The process was also repeated at two different temperatures to evaluate the performance of the product at room temperature and near the temperature of the skin. The results are shown in Table 13.

Table 13: Product “pay-off’ masses for deodorant products containing different compositions.

[0240] Result: The deodorant containing Example 2 processed plant biomass composition had the highest pay-off at room temperature and was comparable to the common commercial comparative ingredient (arrowroot) at both 21 °C and 40 °C (Table 13). At 40 °C the deodorant with non-hydrolyzed oat fiber example had the highest pay-off due to transfer of unwanted solid fibrous clumps. The products containing Example 2 processed plant biomass composition or arrowroot powder became softer and product was applied more consistently across the paper at 40 °C. It was unexpected that products containing Example 2 processed plant biomass composition would give such similar pay-off characteristics to products containing arrowroot powder.

Example 15 - Use of the compositions of Example 1 or Example 2 in dry shampoo compositions [0241] Dry shampoo products are used to refresh hair between washes. Aerosol based dry shampoos are associated with issues such as environmental and health damage via volatile organic compounds. Natural dry shampoo alternatives in powdered form are available and can provide benefits such as texturizing, volumizing, lower skin irritation (compared to synthetic ingredients), but often use ingredients from mined finite resources (e.g., clays and other minerals) or that compete with food products (e.g., com starch). An important feature of dry shampoo products is that they should absorb oily substances such as sebum, thus reducing the oily appearance of hair, but without leaving a noticeable residue. The processed plant biomass compositions described herein overcome these issues and can be used to produce effective products. Their high absorption capacity for lipophilic oils (as exemplified previously) is very useful to this application.

[0242] A dry shampoo with 50 wt.% processed plant biomass composition was prepared (50 wt.% of Example 1 processed plant biomass composition was combined with kaolin (30 wt%) and sodium bicarbonate (19.8 wt.%), then the resulting powder was spread across two dimensions and sprayed with a mixture of fruit essential oils (total 0.2 wt.%) and dried under ambient conditions for 4 hours). Example products are shown in FIG. 22A.

[0243] Additional dry shampoo products containing the Example 1 processed plant biomass compositions and some specified comparative example compositions (MCC, com cob and kaolin) in the place of the Example 1 processed plant biomass composition were prepared using the above method. Properties of the different products, as supported by the following experiments, are summarized in Table 14. An unexpected advantage of the Example 1 processed plant biomass composition over kaolin and MCC, was that the residue left in the hair tresses after application was significantly less visible than the white flakes left by MCC or kaolin-containing products.

Table 14: Summary of properties of dry shampoo products containing different compositions a. Lipophilic solution absorption

[0244] The amount of a lipophilic solution absorbed was measured for dry shampoo products comprising example processed plant biomass composition or the following comparative compositions: Example 1 processed plant biomass composition; corn cob; MCC; and kaolin. Lipophilic solution (1:1:18 coconut oil: olive oil: acetone) was prepared. The amount of solution absorbed may be indicative of the amount of sebum the dry shampoo could absorb. Approximately 1 g of dry shampoo product sample was added to a pre- weighed 15 mL centrifuge tube, and the tube weighed again. 5 mL of the prepared lipophilic solution was then added, the mixtures were then mixed using a vortex and left overnight. The mixtures were then centrifuged at 4000 ref for 30 mins at 20 °C before the supernatant was removed. The centrifuge tube was weighed, and the absorption capacity was determined using Equation 3Error! Reference source not found.. The absorption was measured in triplicate for each product and the results are shown in Table 15.

Absorption capacity [%] =100 x ((solution absorbed by sample) / (weight of sample))

Equation 3: Calculation of absorption capacity

Table 15: The results for sebum absorption capacity [0245] The result for the Example 1 composition was similar to the comparative examples, though was notably better than the product containing kaolin. The interpretation is that Example 1 composition is likely an effective ingredient in personal care products that need to absorb (and hence remove) lipophilic substances like sebum, such as dry shampoo products. b. Sebum removal from hair tress

[0246] One mL of artificial sebum in hexane (prepared as follows: a mixture of sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, castor oil (1:1:1 by volume) was mixed with an equal volume of n-hexane) was applied to the hair tress and the hexane left to evaporate (FIG. 23A). 0.1 g of the dry shampoo product containing Example 1 processed plant biomass composition was added and spread by hand to the soiled hair tress. The soiled hair tress was brushed. The appearance of the tress after brushing is shown in FIG. 23B. It is evident visually that the shampoo was able to absorb artificial sebum from the tress, demonstrating applicability of Example 1 processed plant biomass composition in dry shampoo products. c. Flow test

[0247] Evaluation of dry shampoo products’ flow properties. Flow properties of a powder are measured by the angle of its repose: the smaller the angle, the better the flow; the larger the angle, the greater the stickiness of the powder and an increased resistance to flow. Interpretations of the measured repose angles are explained in Table 16.

[0248] Method: 2 g of dry shampoo were poured through a funnel and the contact angle between the product and the surface it had fallen upon was measured (by measuring diameter and height of the heap). The process was repeated for dry shampoos containing Example 1 processed plant biomass composition, kaolin (commercial replacement), ground corn cob and MCC and triplicate measurements were taken. The results are shown in Table 17Error! Reference source not found, and graphically in FIG. 24. The flow properties of the product made with Example 1 composition were Passable, but better than the product made with commonly used kaolin.

Table 16: Interpretation of repose angles to corresponding flow properties

Table 175: Repose angle values of dry shampoo powders (containing different compositions), corresponding to flow properties

Example 16 - Use of the compositions of Example 1 or Example 2 in shampoo bar compositions [0249] Shampoo bar products are environmentally advantageous over diluted liquid shampoos.

Powdered natural ingredients such as kaolin, talc and starches have various functions in hair products, bulking, texturizing, cleansing, and binding. However, the processed plant biomasses described in this application offer environmental benefits for reasons described previously.

[0250] A shampoo bar with 30 wt. % processed plant biomass composition was prepared (30 wt.% of Example 2 processed plant biomass composition was hand mixed under heating with decyl glucoside (10 wt.%), sodium cocoyl isethionate (30 wt.%), almond oil (12 wt. %), shikakai powder (2 wt.%) and bentonite clay (5 wt.%); the mixture was warmed with a water bath then shea butter (10 wt.%) was added; The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature then essential oil (1 wt.%) was added; finally, the mixture was molded at below 5 °C to the desired shape and left to stand for 24 h). An example product is shown in FIG. 22B.

[0251] Additional solid shampoo bars were prepared using the above method, with the following different compositions in the place of Example 2 composition: bentonite clay, non-hydrolyzed oat fiber and base formulation with no additional composition. The example product containing base formulation with no additional composition was not suitable for use as a shampoo bar due to its low structural integrity. Properties of the different products are summarized in Table 18Error!

Reference source not found.. Surprisingly, the shampoo bars containing Example 2 processed plant biomass compositions were tougher and more durable both when dry and in water, compared to the other bars tested. Table 18: Summary of properties of shampoo bar products containing different compositions a. Hardness test (Penetration)

[0252] Investigation of the impact of the processed plant biomass composition on the texture of the product.

[0253] Inclusion of powder compositions in the formulation can affect the hardness of the product and this was investigated using a texture analyser, using the method described in Example 14c. The results are depicted in Table 19Error! Reference source not found, and graphically in FIG. 25.

Table 19: The penetration hardness values (as calculated by area under curve from force-time measurements), for shampoo bar products containing different compositions

[0254] Surprisingly, the hardness of the shampoo bar containing Example 2 processed plant biomass composition was significantly greater than the other bar products containing alternative compositions, resulting in a sturdy product that does not crumble. As expected, the shampoo bar without any bulking agent was the softest by this measurement and broke during the test, and the product containing the common commercial replacement (bentonite clay) was similarly soft and unsuitable. The product containing comparative, non-hydrolysed oat fiber composition crumbled during the test, possibly due to its non-uniform texture. In conclusion, the test suggests that Example 2 processed plant biomass composition is the most suitable ingredient of those tested for imparting the desired structural integrity in shampoo bar compositions. b. Product durability in water

[0255] Investigation of the effect on durability of the shampoo bar products and the prevention of the shape-deformation and complete dissolution of the product, due to the composition.

[0256] Submergence of the entire product samples in water causes changes to the dimensions and remaining weight of the sample. The closer to the initial dimensions and weight the bar piece is and the lower mass of precipitate, the more durable the bar is in the context of intended use in water (baths or showers). More durable shampoo bars would likely be considered advantageous to the user, prolonging the useable lifetime of the product.

[0257] Method: a 1 g sample of the product with predetermined dimensions was placed into 10 mL of water and the measurements of its dimensions and weight were documented after 8 hours. The process was repeated for shampoo bars comprising Example 2 composition, base formulation without additional composition and with bentonite clay (popular commercial replacement) non-hydrolysed oat fiber and triplicate measurements were taken. Results are shown in Table 20, confirming that the shampoo bar containing Example 2 composition was the most durable in water of the products tested.

Table 20: Measurements of dimensions and masses of shampoo bars containing example process plant biomass or comparative compositions, before and after submerging in water.

Example 17 - Use of the compositions of Example 1 or Example 2 in blusher compositions

[0258] Blushers and other color cosmetics commonly use synthetic ingredients, but for environmental and health reasons, natural alternatives are becoming increasingly popular. Powdered natural ingredients such as kaolin, talc and starches have various functions in color cosmetics such as bulking, texturizing, and mattifying. However, traditional naturally-derived ingredients are often from mined finite resources or are derived from ingredients that have been diverted from the food system. Example compositions described herein overcome these disadvantages.

[0259] A facial blush product with 20 wt.% processed plant biomass compositions was prepared (candelilla wax (10 wt.%), cocoa butter (10 wt.%) and carnauba wax (8 wt.%) were combined with heating until melted, then a thoroughly pre-combined mixture of caprylic/capryl triglyceride (25 wt.%), sweet almond oil (3 wt.%), jojoba oil (3 wt.%), castor oil (3 wt.%), rosehip oil (3 wt.%), vitamin E (0.5 wt.%) and titanium oxide (7.5 wt.%) and red iron oxide (7.5 wt%) was incorporated portionwise by agitation with heat and stirring; upon reaching the desired uniform consistency, Example 2 composition (20 wt.%) was added gradually with mixing under heat and finally, the product was dispensed into the desired container). An example product is depicted in FIG. 17B.

[0260] Additional blusher products containing the Example 2 processed plant biomass composition or some different comparative compositions (corn starch, MCC, non-hydrolyzed oat and base formulation with no additional composition) were prepared using equivalent method to above. Properties of the different products, as determined in following experiments, are summarized in Table 21Error! Reference source not found.. Surprisingly, the products containing the Example 2 processed plant biomass composition displayed some performance advantages over those containing comparative examples. Particularly unexpected benefits imparted to the blushers by Example 2 composition were the good blendability, consistent texture, buildable pigmentation, matt appearance, and little alteration of product color. In contrast, products containing com starch gave a shinier appearance after application, rather than the desired “matt” finish, and products with the comparative non-hydrolyzed oat fiber lacked a consistent texture and left undesired fiber residues on application.

Table 21: Summary of properties of blusher products containing different compositions a. Blendability of blusher

[0261] A blusher product should be easily blended into the skin and impart a soft, even tint without harsh pigmentation.

[0262] Method: 0.1 g of sample blusher product was applied with the fingers onto the skin of a volunteer’s hand, until no solid was visible. Afterwards the product was blended to create a soft wash of color. The images of the product applied to the hand both after application of the product sample and after blending are depicted in FIG. 26 A-E. Visually, the desired effect was achieved by blusher products containing Example 2 composition (FIG. 26C) and com starch (FIG. 26D). The blusher containing MCC (FIG. 26E) and the blusher without any additional composition (FIG. 26A) were not properly blended (harsh pigmentation, rather than even color), while the one containing non-hydrolyzed oat fiber (FIG. 26B) left fibrous residue. It was unexpected that Example 2 composition outperformed MCC and non-hydrolyzed oat fiber as a blusher ingredient in this test. b. Hardness test (penetration)

[0263] Hardness test (Penetration): Investigation of the impact of the processed plant biomass composition on the texture of the product were measured using a texture analysis and methods set out in Example 14.

[0264] In this test, moderately high values can be thought to be the most desired for applicability; values too low and the product is not durable enough and values too high can indicate an unfavourably hard and unusable product. The results are depicted in Table 22Error! Reference source not found, and graphically in FIG. 27 A.

Table 22: The penetration hardness values (as calculated by area under curve from force-time measurements), for blusher products containing different compositions.

[0265] The base formulation with no additional composition product recorded the softest value (lowest hardness), with the product comprising com starch being comparable to it (Table 22). The blusher with Example 2 composition surprisingly showcased hardness that laid in between of MCC and non-hydrolysed oat, which correlatives with its favourable product texture as well as the example 2 processed plant biomass composition contributing hardness to the product (versus a product with base formulation and no additional composition) and avoiding the product being too soft for convenient application.

[0266] The results of hardness test (linear distance) to quantify fluctuations in the force/distance measurements are depicted graphically in FIG. 27B. c. Pay-off test

[0267] The effect of the Example 2 processed plant biomass composition on the “pay-off’ of the blusher was assessed using a similar method to that described in Example 14e. This was repeated for blushers containing: MCC, com starch, non-hydrolysed oat fiber, and a blusher that did not contain any powder inclusion. Triplicate measurements were taken. The results are shown in Table 23Error! Reference source not found.. The product with Example 2 processed plant biomass composition had the lowest, but a functionally desirable, pay-off value, yielding a product with buildable and blendable pigmentation. Additionally, the standard deviation was the lowest for the product containing Example 2 processed plant biomass composition, so this product is likely more consistent to use. The base formulation with no additional composition blusher was the softest one, explaining the high pay-off, while the comparative non-hydrolysed oat fiber and MCC blushers left visible particles on the carton that increased its weight, which would be undesired in a real- world application.

Table 23: Product “pay-off’ masses for blusher products containing different compositions. d. Break strength test

[0268] The durability of the sample can be assessed through that test, especially when the blusher is molded in a stick shape. Method: The “bend rig” probe was fixed on the texture analyser (TA-XT plus C, Stable Microsystems). Once the trigger force (20 g) is attained, the probe proceeds to move down 7 mm. During this time, the sample is bent until it breaks away from the main body of the sample. This is shown as the maximum force value, which provides an indication of the break- strength hardness of the sample. The gradient of the slope during the bending action can be referred to as the “stiffness” (or resilience) of the sample. The process was repeated for blushers containing Example 2 composition, MCC, com starch (commercial replacement), non-hydrolysed oat and a blusher that did not contain any powder inclusion and triplicate measurements were taken.

[0269] Results are depicted in Table 24Error! Reference source not found.. The blusher product containing Example 2 processed plant biomass composition was the stiffest product by this measurement, and one of the largest forces was required to break it. This unexpected result is a desirable effect, as the blusher product, in context of product with stick applicator, would be more durable and less likely to break during application.

Table 24: Maximum Break Force and stiffness values (calculated from force & displacement measurements) for blusher products containing different compositions. e. Colour

[0270] The colour of the blusher can be compared to a standard, using the defined CIELAB colour space coordinates, to investigate the extent to which example processed plant biomass composition and comparative compositions cause a deviation of the products’ color from the desired pigment, within the product formulation. It is generally desirable for a texturizing and bulking ingredient to not interfere the final product color.

[0271] Method: 0.3 g of product was smeared onto a cotton piece and the color difference (AE) was calculated using CIELAB color space coordinate colorimeter measurements, with the blusher product without powder composition as the reference. Each cloth was scanned using the instrument and the output values used to calculate the color difference using Equation 4. A colour difference > 1 suggests the colours should be distinguishable to the human eye. The larger the value, the more prominent the difference in the colour. The results are shown in Table 25Error! Reference source not found.. Equation 4: The calculated numerical color difference, where L* is the perceptual lightness (from 0- 100), a* describes the human perception of green and red and b* numerically describes the human perception of blue and yellow, as defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) CIELAB color space.

Table 25: The calculated color differences according to the specified definition and procedure

[0272] Result: For all the product samples the colour difference is perceptible versus a Base formulation with no additional composition product (colour difference >1) (Equation 4, Table 25). Surprisingly, the inclusion of Example 2 processed plant biomass composition in products had a lesser effect on the colour difference than the non-hydrolyzed oat fiber or corn starch.

Example 18 - Use of the compositions of Example 1 or Example 2 in a compact powder [0273] Example 1 processed plant biomass composition can be pressed into a pellet or compact powder for applications such as color cosmetics (e.g., face powder, blusher, bronzer, eyeshadow) such as those shown in FIG. 28A-B.

[0274] The processed plant biomass compositions can also be used for color cosmetics. E.g., Example 1 processed plant biomass composition was mixed with beetroot powder to produce a natural blusher. The compositions help to give the skin a smooth appearance, which is likely due to being able to fill fine lines. The fiber also gives a matt finish to the skin, partly due to high oil & water absorption. In the example depicted in FIG. 28B, beetroot powder (45 wt.%) and Example 1 composition (55 wt.%) were blended in an electronic coffee grinder until a uniform fine powder was obtained. In another example, beetroot powder (50 wt.%), Example 1 composition (33 wt.%) and corn starch (17 wt.%) were blended in an electronic coffee grinder until a uniform fine powder was obtained. In another example, beetroot powder (57 wt.%), Example 1 composition (29 wt.%) and kaolin (14 wt.%) were blended in an electronic coffee grinder until a uniform fine powder was obtained.

[0275] A layer of powder can be removed from the surface of the pellet made from Example 1 processed plant biomass composition easily with a brush. Conversely, Example 2 composition is less suitable for pressing into cosmetic pellets as it forms a mat of fibers with lower density. This is probably due to the more fibrous particles of Example 2 composition, which intertwine on packing and cannot be easily removed from the pellet in layers (either no fiber is removed, or with increasing force the pellet breaks).

Example 19 - Use of the compositions of Example 1 or Example 2 in face mask compositions [0276] Powdered natural ingredients such as clays, talc and starches have various functions in face masks such as, moisturizing, texturizing (providing or enhancing “mousse” texture), drying-time- modulation and mattifying, as well as being popular with consumers, based on the sensitive nature of the face area to apply the mask. However, unlike the processed biomass compositions described in this application, traditional naturally-derived ingredients are often from mined finite resources or are derived from edible ingredients that have been removed from the food system.

[0277] A face mask with 13.3 wt.% processed plant biomass composition was prepared as follows: rosehip seed oil (3.2 wt.%), avocado oil (3.3 wt.%), BTMS emulsifying wax (3.3 wt.%) and glyceryl stearate (2.7 wt.%) were melted and mixed at approximately 75 °C, added to hot distilled water (73.2 wt.%) and pulsed with a hand blender. The emulsion was cooled to approximately 40 °C before addition of Example 1 processed plant biomass composition (13.3 wt.%) and preservative eco (Aromantic Ltd) (1 wt.%). The powders were mixed into the cream thoroughly with a spatula to ensure even distribution).

[0278] Face mask products were prepared using the above method, with the following different compositions in the place of Example 1 processed plant biomass composition: bentonite clay, MCC and corn cob. Properties of the different products, as supported by the following experiments, as summarized in Table 26. Only products containing either Example 1 processed plant biomass composition or bentonite clay had the desired required for suitable products, which was unexpected given the products containing the comparative plant fiber compositions did not. The product containing Example 1 composition formed an airy, mousse-like texture. Additionally, it dried slower than the bentonite clay (so less likely to cause unwanted skin stripping) and there was no evidence of the discoloration (to a light brown color) caused by the bentonite clay. Table 26: Summary of properties of face mask products containing different compositions a. Drying time test

[0279] Investigation of the drying-timescale effect the processed plant biomass induces to a face mask product. The compositions are believed to increase the drying time in products compared to other compositions, such as clays. When the drying time is too short, this means that greater amounts of naturally present oils are removed from the skin, which can lead to dryness and is referred to as undesired stripping of the skin.

[0280] Method: 2 g of the product were smeared onto a carton paper and the time it took to dry was documented (the product was the to have dried at the time it was observed to have undergone a prominent change to a non-sticky substance (to nearest minute)). The process was repeated for face masks with the following comparative example compositions: a commercial replacement (bentonite), com cob and MCC. The results are shown in Table 27 and graphically in FIG. 29.

Table 27: The results for face-mask drying time with example processed plant biomass composition or comparative compositions

[0281] Result: The mask with Example 1 processed plant biomass composition surprisingly took longer to dry than the one containing the bentonite. Other products containing comparative compositions had unsuitable textures and took even longer to dry; these further increased times might not be considered an advantage as they could be less convenient to the user if remaining sticky for such long timescales.

Example 20 - Use of the compositions of Example 1 or Example 2 in Cleansing Compositions [0282] Powdered natural ingredients such as clays, talc and starches have various functions cleansing formulations such as, moisturizing, exfoliating, or cleansing by means of mild abrasion, as well as being popular with consumers, based on the sensitive nature of the skin to be applied to. However, traditional naturally-derived ingredients are often from mined finite resources or are derived from ingredients that have been diverted from the food system.

[0283] Several cleansing lotion washes with 3-10 wt.% processed plant biomass composition in a cleansing lotion base (3-10 wt.% of example processed plant biomass composition was hand mixed in a commercial cleansing lotion base (Aromantics, the remaining wt%)); a photograph of one such product is shown in FIG. 15B.

[0284] Testing sample products of Example 1 processed plant biomass composition added to a commercial bodywash gel (Happy naturals) were prepared, based on the above method. Comparison of eyeliner removal on skin using compositions with the previously described spray dried Example 1 processed plant biomass composition (denoted F15 here): F15G5 (5 weight % of spray dried Example 1 processed plant biomass composition) was added to a commercial bodywash gel (Happy Naturals) and stirred by hand, avoiding excessive bubble formation), F15G9 (9 weight % of spray dried Example 1 processed plant biomass composition) was added to a commercial bodywash gel (Happy Naturals) and stirred by hand, avoiding excessive bubble formation), and G (the commercial body wash gel without additional composition). See FIG. 30A. Photos in FIG. 30A show dried liquid eyeliner and gel before scrubbing (left), after 10 seconds of scrubbing in circular motion (middle), and after wiping off the products (right).

[0285] Additional results are depicted in FIG. 30 B. Repeat comparison of eyeliner removal on skin using F15G5 (5 weight % Example 1 processed plant biomass composition in a commercial bodywash gel), F15G9 (9 weight % Example 1 processed plant biomass composition in a commercial bodywash gel), and G (body wash gel without additional composition). Photos show dried liquid eyeliner and gel before scrubbing (left) and after 10 seconds of scrubbing in circular motion (right). The conclusion is that the addition of Example 1 processed plant biomass composition to the commercial bodywash gel in surprisingly small wt% quantities made a clear, demonstratable difference to the performance of the cleansing.

[0286] Bodywash gels containing processed plant biomass compositions described herein appeared better at removing dried liquid eyeliner with scrubbing. What was particularly unexpected was that the Example 1 composition appeared to absorb the makeup, forming a black fiber which could be easily peeled off the skin. This cleansing/peeling may also be useful in face masks as well as facial scrubs and confirms the Example 1 processed plant biomass composition is well-suited to this application.

[0287] The bodywash gel with 9% spray dried Example 1 composition (F15G9) was also compared to two commercial exfoliants, where LE = commercial gentle facial exfoliator; HN = commercial body scrub; and F15G9 = 9 weight % spray dried Example 1 processed plant biomass composition in commercial body wash. LE contains Jojoba beads and HN contains pumice as the exfoliant. The ability of each product to remove dried eyeliner on skin is shown in FIGS. 31A-31C, which shows the clumping of fiber with makeup for F15G9.

[0288] FIGS. 31A-31C show a comparison of eyeliner removal on skin using LE commercial facial exfoliator, HN commercial body scrub and gel with Example 1 processed plant biomass composition exfoliant (F15G9). Photos show dried liquid eyeliner and exfoliant before scrubbing (top, FIG. 31A), after 10 seconds of scrubbing in circular motion (middle, FIG. 31B), after wiping off the products (bottom, FIG. 31C). FIGS. 31A-31C overall unexpectedly shows that body gel formulation with Example 1 processed plant biomass composition product (F15G9) clears dried liquid eyeliner more effectively from skin than products containing the comparative examples: jojoba beads (LE) or pumice (HN). Top (FIG. 31A): Dried liquid eyeliner and exfoliant, Middle (FIG. 31B): After 10 second of massaging in circular motion, Bottom (FIG. 31C): After wiping off the products with one pass of tissue. This further supports that Example 1 processed plant biomass composition is an effective ingredient in cleansing compositions.

Example 21 - Preparation of further personal care products containing plant biomass fiber produced by methods of Example 1 or Example 2

[0289] The following additional product formulations were prepared: a) several cleansing gel washes with 3-10 wt.% Example 1 processed plant biomass composition in a gel wash base (3-10 wt.% of Example 1 processed plant biomass composition was hand mixed with a commercial body wash gel (Happy Naturals) or with a cleansing gel base which was by mixing 44 wt.% of Natural Surfactant Base (Aromantic Ltd) and 3.3 weight % of Natural Fat Restorer (Aromantic Ltd) in water (the remaining wt%). In some examples, the Example 1 composition was first mixed with 1% of preservative eco (Aromantic Ltd) before incorporating into the gel base); a photograph of one such product is shown in FIG. 15C.

[0290] b) Alternative clay & fiber masks with thick cream with up to 10 wt.% kaolin and up to 4 wt% processed plant biomass composition (one such example was prepared as follows: rosehip seed oil (3.2%), avocado oil (3.3%), BTMS emulsifying wax (3.3%) and glyceryl stearate (2.7%) were melted and mixed at approximately 75 °C, added to hot distilled water (73.2%) and pulsed with a hand blender. The emulsion was cooled to approximately 40 °C before addition of Example 2 processed plant biomass composition (3.1 %), kaolin (10.2%) and preservative eco (Aromantic Ltd) (1%). The powders were mixed into the cream thoroughly with a spatula to ensure even distribution); a photograph of this example product is shown in FIG. 15D.

[0291] c) a moisturizing lotion with 1-3 wt.% processed plant biomass composition (in preparation of one such example, 1 weight % of Example 2 processed plant biomass composition (<50 pm) was mixed by hand into a commercial moisturizer (Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream). The product resulted in a more mattified skin appearance compared with the same moisturizing cream with base formulation and no additional composition) and is depicted in FIG. 17C.

[0292] d) a mascara with 2.3 wt.% processed plant biomass composition (2.3 weight % of Example 2 processed plant biomass composition (<50 pm) was mixed with bentonite (7.8 wt.%) and activated charcoal (4.6 wt.%) and blended in an electronic coffee grinder. Beeswax (5.5 wt.%), shea butter (41.5 wt.%), carnauba wax (2.3 wt.%), VE emulsifier (Aromantic Ltd) (1.4%) and vegetable glycerine (34.6 wt.%) were melted in a microwave and stirred. The solids (Example 2 composition, charcoal, and bentonite) were added to the warm mixture and stirred thoroughly).

[0293] e) a body scrub with 2 wt.% example processed plant biomass composition was prepared (glycerine (2 wt.%), xanthan gum (0.5 wt.%) and guar gum (0.5 wt.%) were combined in water (83.3 wt.%) in a vortex mixture at 80 °C, then a prepared, preheated (80 °C), homogeneous mixture of sunflower oil (6 wt.%), emulsifying wax (3 wt.%), emulsifier (2 wt.%) was added to the stirring mixture, being stirred vigorously at the same temperature until sufficiently emulsified. Finally, the mixture was cooled to 40 °C and Example 1 composition (2 wt.%), preservative eco (Aromantic Ltd, 0.5 wt%.) and orange essential oil (0.2 wt%) were added; the mixture was stirred until observed homogeneity and cooled to room temperature under stirring). [0294] f) Another face mask product with 12 wt.% example processed plant biomass composition was prepared (water (66.3 wt.%), glycerine (2 wt.%), xanthan gum (0.5 wt.%) and guar gum (0.5 wt.%) were mixed vigorously at 80 °C until thick; separately, sunflower oil (6 wt.%), emulsifying wax (3 wt.%) and VE emulsifier (Aromantic ltd. 2 wt.%) were stirred at 80 °C briefly until combined then combined with the original mixture at this temperature to form a viscous, cream-like substance; the temperature of the resulting mixture was reduced to 40 °C and then Example 1 processed plant biomass composition (19 wt.%), “preservative eco” (Aromantic ltd. 0.5 wt.%), orange essential oil (0.2 wt.%) were added in sequence; the mixture was finally removed from heating and stirred until reaching ambient temperature).

[0295] g) A toothpaste product with 25 wt.% example processed plant biomass composition was prepared (sodium bicarbonate (30 wt.%), calcium carbonate (30 wt.%), Example 1 or Example 2 composition 0-50 pm (25 wt.%), sea salt (14 wt.%), peppermint essential oil (1 wt.%). An example product is shown in FIG. 22D.

Example 22 - Detecting presence of cellulose binding domain in partially hydrolysed plant biomass

[0296] Cellulases from Trichoderma reesei have a common structural organization. Each cellulase enzyme is composed of two functional domains, the core region containing the active site and the cellulose-binding domain (CBD). To facilitate the specific detection of the CBD a monoclonal antibody (mAb) is produced against the CBD (mAbcBDTr) following the procedure outlined in Aho 1991 Monoclonal antibodies against core and cellulose-binding domains of Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolases I and II and endoglucanase I or purchased commercially.

[0297] The ways of detecting the CBD with an mAb will be known to one skilled in the art and may be performed by the following method: Between 0.1-lg of partially hydrolysed plant biomass from Example 1 or 2 is saturated in a solution of 1% w/v bovine serum albumin (BSA) in solution 1 (solution 1: 50mM Phosphate Buffer, pH 7.0, containing 15mM NaCl, 0.005% Tween 20 and 0.002% sodium azide) at 37 °C for 1 hour to block non-specific binding of (mAbcBDTr). The BSA treated, partially hydrolysed plant biomass is sedimented by centrifugation and washed 3 times in 3 volumes / mass biomass of solution 1, with sedimentation by centrifugation between each wash. [0298] The blocked and washed partially hydrolysed plant biomass is incubated in 3 volumes of a serial dilution of mAbcBDTr in solution 1 for 2 hours at 37 °C and washed 3 times as above.

[0299] Bound antibodies are detected by incubation with alkaline phosphatase conjugated to rabbit anti-mouse IgG serum (available commercially) in solution 1 for 2 h at 37 °C. After washing three times with solution 1, the alkaline-phosphatase enzymatic activity is measured using p-nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate. The absorbance of the yellow product is measured in a microtiter plate reader at 405 nm (A405).

[0300] Plant biomass that has not been partially hydrolysed by cellulases from Trichoderma reesei serves as a negative control for the assay.

Example 23 - Determining inactivation of enzymes involved in enzymatic reactions.

[0301] Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts by accelerating chemical reactions. Enzyme denaturation occurs when an enzyme loses its native conformation, or three-dimensional structure, rendering it unable to bind to substrate and catalyze chemical reactions.

[0302] Methods to determine the inactivation of enzymes used in preparation of processed plant biomass in Example 1 and 2 will be known by one with ordinary skill in the art and may be performed as follows: a 5% w/w suspension of processed plant biomass from Example 1 or 2 in sodium acetate buffer (50 mM, pH 5.5) is prepared to which 5% w/w previously un-enzyme hydrolyzed plant biomass is added and a 2mL sample collected (time 0).

[0303] The reaction is incubated at 50 °C for 16 hours. 2mL of the resulting supernatant is sampled (time 16) and, with the sample collected at time 0, analysed by HPLC-RID to determine concentrations of monosaccharides in solution before and after incubation.

[0304] No change in monosaccharide concentration between sample time 0 and time 16 indicates inactivation of enzymes used in the enzymatic reaction to generate processed plant biomass, as per Example 1 and 2.

[0305] A reaction containing the same components but to which active cellulase enzyme is added serves as a positive control where more monosaccharides are expected to be measured by HPLC-RID between the time 0 and time 16 samples.

[0306] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations, or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

[0307] The term “partially hydrolyzed” as used herein typically means that an unprocessed plant biomass has been subjected to conditions that result in hydrolysis of at least some, but not all, of the functional groups within the biomass molecules that are susceptible to hydrolysis (e.g. an acetal linkage in a polysaccharide). The skilled person is aware of suitable conditions for hydrolysing such biomass substrates. In some embodiments, the partially hydrolysed form of the unprocessed plant biomass is insoluble saccharides with an average degree of polymerization of from at least about 18 to about 80. In some embodiments the average degree of polymerization of the insoluble saccharides may be at least about 18 to about 20, about 18 to about 24, about 18 to about 28, about 18 to about 32, about 18 to about 36, about 18 to about 40, about 18 to about 50, about 18 to about 60, about 18 to about 70, about 18 to about 80, about 20 to about 24, about 20 to about 28, about 20 to about 32, about 20 to about 36, about 20 to about 40, about 20 to about 50, about 20 to about 60, about 20 to about 70, about 20 to about 80, about 24 to about 28, about 24 to about 32, about 24 to about 36, about 24 to about 40, about 24 to about 50, about 24 to about 60, about 24 to about 70, about 24 to about 80, about 28 to about 32, about 28 to about 36, about 28 to about 40, about 28 to about 50, about 28 to about 60, about 28 to about 70, about 28 to about 80, about 32 to about 36, about 32 to about 40, about 32 to about 50, about 32 to about 60, about 32 to about 70, about 32 to about 80, about 36 to about 40, about 36 to about 50, about 36 to about 60, about 36 to about 70, about 36 to about 80, about 40 to about 50, about 40 to about 60, about 40 to about 70, about 40 to about 80, about 50 to about 60, about 50 to about 70, about 50 to about 80, about 60 to about 70, about 60 to about 80, or about 70 to about 80. In some embodiments the average degree of polymerization of the insoluble saccharides may be about 18, about 20, about 24, about 28, about 32, about 36, about 40, about 50, about 60, or about 70, or about 80. In some embodiments the average degree of polymerization of the insoluble saccharides may be at least about 18, about 20, about 24, about 28, about 32, about 36, about 40, about 50, about 60, or about 70. In some embodiments the average degree of polymerization of the insoluble saccharides may be at most about 20, about 24, about 28, about 32, about 36, about 40, about 50, about 60, or about 70, or about 80.

[0308] Typically, the “average particle diameter” refers to the D50 (also referred to as D(0,5) or the mass-median diameter (MMD)), i.e. the median particle diameter by mass of the particles. The average diameter of the particles may be determined by Laser Diffraction Measurement, e.g., Laser Diffraction Measurement using a Mastersizer 2000 or 3000 with software version 5.12G, wherein the sample is dispersed in water or an alcohol. In some embodiments the average diameter may be measured using the standard method ISO 13320:2020. Details of laser diffraction are discussed for example at https://www.nialvernpanalytical.com/en/products/technology/l ight-scatering/laser- diffraction (accessed 1 February 2023), the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.