A structural evaluation method for lignocellulose using a multidimensional NMR method

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September 20, 2013

Toward the application of plant biomass as macromolecular feedstock

The RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resources Science Center researchers succeeded in comprehensively identifying 119 signals in 13C-labeled lignocellulose (which compose plant cell walls), using multidimensional NMR analysis normally employed for structural studies of proteins.

By comparing the chemical shifts of these signals (which indicate differences in frequencies) against solid-state NMR chemical shifts, researchers were able to evaluate the differences in conformations of polysaccharide in the solid state and in solution. Since conformational differences reflect different physical properties, the developed analytical method offers basic information of transformation of woody biomass into useful chemical resources, originating from non-food plant tissues such as stems and trunks.

This method can be applied to various plant samples, and the chemical shifts obtained in this research can be easily utilized as part of an informational database on plant cell wall components. Combining this method with complementary methods such as solid-state NMR, etc. is expected to further understanding of lignocellulose structure.

Original article
Analytical Chemistry doi: 10.1021/ac402197h
T. Komatsu, J. Kikuchi.
"Comprehensive Signal Assignment of 13C-Labeled Lignocellulose using Multidimensional Solution NMR and 13C Chemical Shift Comparison with Solid-State NMR".
Contact
Jun Kikuchi
Team Leader
Environmental Metabolic Analysis Research Team, Metabolomics Research Group