Nanometrology of Lignin Deposition on Cellulose Nanofibrils: Paving the Way for Advanced Bioenergy and Quantum Bioimaging Studies
Authors:
Ali Passian1* ([email protected]), Sam Bhagia1, Rubye Farahi1, Patrick Snyder2, Xu Yi3 (PI)
Institutions:
1Oak Ridge National Laboratory; 2University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; 3University of Virginia
Abstract
Cellulose and lignin, the primary constituents of plant biomass, are essential to the development of sustainable bioenergy solutions and the advancement of the bioeconomy. Their abundant availability and renewable nature make them ideal candidates for biofuel production, biocomposite materials, and as models in cutting-edge characterization. This team investigates the synthesis and deposition of guaiacyl lignin on cellulose nanofibrils, emulating the process of secondary cell wall formation in plants. Such a focus is crucial for enhancing understanding of plant biomass’s resilience and efficiency in bioenergy conversion processes. Utilizing coniferyl alcohol and employing biocatalysis with horseradish peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide, the team mimics the natural polymerization of lignin, offering a controlled environment to study its interaction with cellulose at the highest achievable nanoscale classical resolution.
By combining Micro-Infrared Spectroscopy, Confocal Raman Spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, and Nano-IR Spectroscopy, the team aims to provide a broad understanding of the bulk and nanoscale properties of these biopolymer composites. Such polymer-scale bioimaging and chemical characterization are indispensable for revealing the molecular-level interactions and structural arrangements, enabling bio-based material science. Moreover, this work serves as a foundational study for exploring the properties of tension wood, which exhibits unique characteristics in its mechanical, cell-level structure, and compositional behavior.
Using these cellulose and lignin samples as control systems, the team can achieve tension and compression in a controlled manner, establishing baseline data crucial for understanding the material response in grown tension wood measurements. This approach not only aids in studying the complex polymers within tension wood but also sets the stage for comparing these natural systems with these bioengineered samples, enhancing understanding of plant biomass mechanics. The group’s motivation extends beyond traditional studies, aiming to bridge the gap between classical and quantum bioimaging techniques. By establishing a solid understanding of the classical Raman spectroscopy limits and characteristics of cellulose-lignin interactions, this study paves the way for research in quantum bioimaging. This biosystem will allow researchers to explore the quantum features of Raman measurements, providing a biomolecular framework for addressing the limitations faced by current imaging methodologies. Furthermore, in preparation for quantum microscopy studies of enzyme-plant cell interactions, the group will introduce enzymes to these cellulose and lignin films. Such preliminary characterizations are vital for understanding how enzymatic actions modify the plant cell walls at the nanoscale, ultimately informing the quantum bioimaging of real enzyme-plant sample interactions.
This sequential approach, from classical imaging to quantum measurements, offers a comprehensive strategy for dissecting the complex dynamics of plant biomass at the forefront of bioenergy research and quantum science. This investigation contributes to the fundamental understanding of plant biomass structure and introduces a methodological approach towards utilizing quantum bioimaging for bioenergy applications. By elucidating the interactions between lignin and cellulose, this study unlocks potential avenues for optimizing biomass conversion into biofuels and developing sustainable materials, aligning with the goals of a circular economy and pushing the boundaries of material science into the quantum realm.