Abstract
Neutron scattering of deuterated plants can provide fundamental insight into the structure of lignocellulosics in plant cell walls and its deconstruction by pretreatment and enzymes. Such plants need to be characterized for any alterations to lignocellulosic structure caused by growth in deuterated media. Here we show that glucose yields from enzymatic hydrolysis at lower enzyme loading were 35% and 30% for untreated deuterated and protiated switchgrass, respectively. Lignin content was 4% higher in deuterated switchgrass but there were no significant lignin structural differences. Transmission electron microscopy showed differences in lignin distribution and packing of fibers in the cell walls that apparently increased surface area of cellulose in deuterated switchgrass, increasing cellulose accessibility and lowering its recalcitrance. These differences in lignification were likely caused by abiotic stress due to growth in deuterated media.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 13226 |
Journal | Scientific Reports |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1 2018 |
Funding
This research was funded by the U. S. Department of Energy Office of Science through the Genomic Science Program, Office of Biological and Environmental Research, under contract FWP ERKP752. Use of transmission electron microscopy and ultramicrotomy was provided by the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), a U. S. Department of Energy Office of Science User Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, Tennessee, under proposal no. CNMS2016-R83. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is managed by UT-Battelle, LLC, for the U. S. Department of Energy under Contract DE-AC05-00OR22725. The views and opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights.