BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT96-1624 - The Strength of Wood Fibres: Association Between Hemicellulose and Cellulose at the Molecular Level

FAIR-CT96-1624
The Strength of Wood Fibres: Association Between Hemicellulose and Cellulose at the Molecular Level

Contacts
Website: www.vtt.fi
Further Information

To find similar Items, click on a keyword below:
Biopolymers/Gums : FAIR Area 1.3 - Forestry-Wood Chain : Fibre : Pulping : Wood (Lignocellulose)

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	FAIR-CT96-1624
	Total Cost	1 716 658 ECU
	EC Contribution	1 066 300 ECU
	Start Date	01/01/1997
	Duration	36 months

Develop models of the interaction between hemicellulose components and cellulose at a molecular and atomic level using complementary physico-chemical methods

Objectives

Technical Approach

Study the molecular recognition of hemicellulose-cellulose complexes in varying degree of atomic detail to assess the binding mode and induced structural changes of the components. Assess the relative importance of enthalpic and entropic contribution to the binding methods association of 3H-labeled oligomers to cellulose under varying physico-chemical conditions to reveal energetic aspects of binding at a molecular level. Complementary structural data will be obtained via X-ray diffraction and Monte Carlo simulations. IR-spectroscopy, 13C-CP/MAS NMR, liquid state NMR, and Molecular Dynamics simulations will pursue information at an atomic level. Preparation of tritium-labelled oligomers and cellulose with varying surface-to-volume ration is an integral part of the project.

Expected Results

I. Direct Results

Using the integral approach sketched before, a comprehensive understanding of hemicellulose-cellulose association will be made.

II. Indirect Results

Models developed in this explorative research project will be used in further R&D projects aimed at optimising existing pulping methods or develop functional, carbohydrate-based polymers.

III. Preliminary Results

For one pentasaccharide binding to cellulose was found to be specific. The crystal surfaces of cellulose, which differ in relative hydrophilicity, have been identified by solid state NMR.

Applications

Applications of the project at hand are expected to be in the field of a rational evolution of the pulping process in an environmentally friendly manner, and development of designer-made fibres based on agricultural products.

Top view of a cellulose surface in contact with water. Yellow: carbon atoms (cellulose); red: oxygen atoms (cellulose); white: hydrogen atoms (cellulose); blue: solvent molecules

Artist's impression of the adsorption of cello-oligomers onto a cellulose surface

Contacts

Coordinating organisation

Arja PAANANEN / Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology FINLAND

EC Scientific Officer

Ignacio SEOANE / European Commission DG Research Theme 1 Key Action 5.3 / BELGIUM

Participant