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

Xue Kang, Alex Kirui, Malitha C. Dickwella Widanage, Frederic Mentink-Vigier, Daniel J. Cosgrove and Tuo Wang ()
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Xue Kang: Louisiana State University
Alex Kirui: Louisiana State University
Malitha C. Dickwella Widanage: Louisiana State University
Frederic Mentink-Vigier: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Daniel J. Cosgrove: Pennsylvania State University
Tuo Wang: Louisiana State University

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract 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 interactions with the polar motifs of xylan. Lignin preferentially binds xylans with 3-fold or distorted 2-fold helical screw conformations, indicative of xylans not closely associated with cellulose. These findings advance our knowledge of the molecular-level organization of lignocellulosic biomass, providing the structural foundation for optimization of post-harvest processing for biofuels and biomaterials.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08252-0

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