Lignin-polysaccharide interactions in plant secondary cell walls revealed by solid-state NMR

Lignin is a complex aromatic biopolymer that strengthens and waterproofs plant secondary cell walls, enabling mechanical stability in trees and long-distance water transport in xylem. Lignin removal is a key step in paper production and biomass conversion to biofuels, motivating efforts to re-engineer lignin biosynthesis. However, the physical nature of lignin's interactions with wall polysaccharides is not well understood. Here we show that lignin self-aggregates to form highly hydrophobic and dynamically unique nanodomains, with extensive surface contacts to xylan. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy of intact maize stems, supported by dynamic nuclear polarization, reveals that lignin has abundant electrostatic…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: 1229170, 1644779, DMR-1644779, 1833040, NSF/DMR-1644779, CHE-1229170
• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy

  Awards: DE-SC0001090, DMR-1644779
• NH
  National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

  Awards: DMR-1644779, NSF/DMR-1644779, 1644779
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: S10 OD018519, OD018519
• OO
  Office of Science

  Award: DE-SC0001090
• DO
  Division of Materials Research

  Awards: 1644779, DMR-1644779, NSF/DMR-1644779
• OO
  Office of Integrative Activities
• DO
  Division of Chemistry

  Awards: DMR-1644779, CHE-1229170
• BE
  Basic Energy Sciences

  Award: DE-SC0001090
• HM
  High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences
• EF
  Energy Frontier Research Centers
• CF
  Center for Lignocellulose Structure and Formation

  Awards: DE-SC0001090, SC0001090