Chemical composition and potential bioactivity of volatile from fast pyrolysis of rice husk

• Analysis of compounds from volatiles and biochar extract by GC/MS.
• The experiment was firstly used bioinformational method for biochar analysis.
• The combination of experimental research and bioinformational analysis.
• 2-Acetyl-5-methylfuran was deduced for the effects on plant growth.

Volatile components remaining on the surface of biochar may contribute to its effects on plant growth. To identify the potential bioactivity of these substances, the chemical composition of volatiles from fast pyrolysis of rice husks was analyzed by Py-GC/MS and verified in the Plant Metabolic Network database. A total of 81 compounds, primarily aromatic (38.60%) and ether (6.53%), were identified among the volatiles produced using various pyrolysis conditions. Moreover, among the 13 compounds identified to play important roles in plant metabolic processes, three (eugenol, 4-hydroxybenzoate, and salicyl alcohol) are known to be involved in plant defense mechanisms; these were analyzed in further detail. Analysis using AutoDock 4.2 showed that eugenol and salicyl alcohol interact with 3SOE and 3VIL, which are important proteins in plant defense against herbivores. Thus, biochar may influence plant growth and development through volatile components that remain on its surface.