Solid-state 13C and 1H spin diffusion NMR analyses of the microfibril structure for bacterial cellulose

On the Mechanism of the Ionizing Radiation-Induced Degradation and Recycling of Cellulose

The use of ionizing radiation offers a boundless range of applications for polymer scientists, from inducing crosslinking and/or degradation to grafting a wide variety of monomers onto polymeric chains. This review in particular aims to introduce the field of ionizing radiation as it relates to the degradation and recycling of cellulose and its derivatives. The review discusses the main mechanisms of the radiolytic sessions of the cellulose molecules in the presence and absence of water. During the radiolysis of cellulose, in the absence of water, the primary and secondary electrons from the electron beam, and the photoelectric, Compton effect electrons from gamma radiolysis attack the glycosidic bonds (C-O-C) on the backbone of the cellulose chains. This radiation-induced session results in the formation of alkoxyl radicals and C-centered radicals. In the presence of water, the radiolytically produced hydroxyl radicals (●OH) will abstract hydrogen atoms, leading to the formation of C-centered radicals, which undergo various reactions leading to the backbone session of the cellulose. Based on the structures of the radiolytically produced free radicals in presence and absence of water, covalent grafting of vinyl monomers on the cellulose backbone is inconceivable.

Comparison and assessment of methods for cellulose crystallinity determination

The degree of crystallinity in cellulose significantly affects the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of cellulosic materials, their processing, and their final application. Measuring the crystalline structures of cellulose is a challenging task due to inadequate consistency among the variety of analytical techniques available and the lack of absolute crystalline and amorphous standards. Our article reviews the primary methods for estimating the crystallinity of cellulose, namely, X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Raman and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, sum-frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG), as well as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and evolving biochemical methods using cellulose binding molecules (CBMs). The techniques are compared to better interrogate not only the requirements of each method, but also their differences, synergies, and limitations. The article highlights fundamental principles to guide the general community to initiate studies of the crystallinity of cellulosic materials.

Solid State NMR a Powerful Technique for Investigating Sustainable/Renewable Cellulose-Based Materials

Solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) is a powerful and attractive characterization method for obtaining insights into the chemical structure and dynamics of a wide range of materials. Current interest in cellulose-based materials, as sustainable and renewable natural polymer products, requires deep investigation and analysis of the chemical structure, molecular packing, end chain motion, functional modification, and solvent–matrix interactions, which strongly dictate the final product properties and tailor their end applications. In comparison to other spectroscopic techniques, on an atomic level, ssNMR is considered more advanced, especially in the structural analysis of cellulose-based materials; however, due to a dearth in the availability of a broad range of pulse sequences, and time consuming experiments, its capabilities are underestimated. This critical review article presents the comprehensive and up-to-date work done using ssNMR, including the most advanced NMR strategies used to overcome and resolve the structural difficulties present in different types of cellulose-based materials.

Selective One-Dimensional 13C-13C Spin-Diffusion Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Methods to Probe Spatial Arrangements in Biopolymers Including Plant Cell Walls, Peptides, and Spider Silk

Two-dimensional (2D) and 3D through-space ¹³C-¹³C homonuclear spin-diffusion techniques are powerful solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tools for extracting structural information from ¹³C-enriched biomolecules, but necessarily long acquisition times restrict their applications. In this work, we explore the broad utility and underutilized power of a chemical shift-selective one-dimensional (1D) version of a 2D ¹³C-¹³C spin-diffusion solid-state NMR technique. The method, which is called 1D dipolar-assisted rotational resonance (DARR) difference, is applied to a variety of biomaterials including lignocellulosic plant cell walls, microcrystalline peptide fMLF, and black widow dragline spider silk. 1D ¹³C-¹³C spin-diffusion methods described here apply in select cases in which the 1D ¹³C solid-state NMR spectrum displays chemical shift-resolved moieties. This is analogous to the selective 1D nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) experiment utilized in liquid-state NMR as a faster (1D instead of 2D) and often less ambiguous (direct sampling of the time domain data, coupled with increased signal averaging) alternative to 2D NOESY. Selective 1D ¹³C-¹³C spin-diffusion methods are more time-efficient than their 2D counterparts such as proton-driven spin diffusion (PDSD) and dipolar-assisted rotational resonance. The additional time gained enables measurements of ¹³C-¹³C spin-diffusion buildup curves and extraction of spin-diffusion time constants T_SD, yielding detailed structural information. Specifically, selective 1D DARR difference buildup curves applied to ¹³C-enriched hybrid poplar woody stems confirm strong spatial interaction between lignin and acetylated xylan polymers within poplar plant secondary cell walls, and an interpolymer distance of ∼0.45-0.5 nm was estimated. Additionally, Tyr/Gly long-range correlations were observed on isotopically enriched black widow spider dragline silks.

Mechanochemical Decomposition of Crystalline Cellulose in the Presence of Protonated Layered Niobium Molybdate Solid Acid Catalyst

Direct depolymerization of crystalline cellulose into water-soluble sugars by solvent-free ball milling was examined in the presence of a strongly acidic layered metal oxide, HNbMoO₆ , resulting in full conversion with 72 % yield of water-soluble sugars. Measurements by ¹³ C cross-polarization magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction revealed that amorphization of cellulose occurred rapidly within 10 min. Scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray indicated that the substrate and the catalyst were well mixed during milling. The time course of the product distribution showed that most of the resultant water-soluble sugars were produced not by successive degradation of oligosaccharides but by direct depolymerization of cellulose chains. The products included glucose, mannose, and cello-oligomers, as well as anhydrosugars. Addition of small amounts of polar solvents increased the sugar yield, whereas further addition of water decreased the selectivity to anhydrosugars. Calculations of the mechanical energy required for the ball-milling process showed that 0.02 % was utilized for the chemical transformation under the conditions examined in this study.

2H-13C correlation solid-state NMR for investigating dynamics and water accessibilities of proteins and carbohydrates

Site-specific determination of molecular motion and water accessibility by indirect detection of ²H NMR spectra has advantages over dipolar-coupling based techniques due to the large quadrupolar couplings and the ensuing high angular resolution. Recently, a Rotor Echo Short Pulse IRrAdiaTION mediated cross polarization (^RESPIRATIONCP) technique was developed, which allowed efficient transfer of ²H magnetization to ¹³C at moderate ²H radiofrequency field strengths available on most commercial MAS probes. In this work, we investigate the ²H-¹³C magnetization transfer characteristics of one-bond perdeuterated CD _n spin systems and two-bond H/D exchanged C-(O)-D and C-(N)-D spin systems in carbohydrates and proteins. Our results show that multi-bond, broadband ²H-¹³C polarization transfer can be achieved using ²H radiofrequency fields of ~50 kHz, relatively short contact times of 1.3-1.7 ms, and with sufficiently high sensitivity to enable 2D ²H-¹³C correlation experiments with undistorted ²H spectra in the indirect dimension. To demonstrate the utility of this ²H-¹³C technique for studying molecular motion, we show ²H-¹³C correlation spectra of perdeuterated bacterial cellulose, whose surface glucan chains exhibit a motionally averaged C6 ²H quadrupolar coupling that indicates fast trans-gauche isomerization about the C5-C6 bond. In comparison, the interior chains in the microfibril core are fully immobilized. Application of the ²H-¹³C correlation experiment to H/D exchanged Arabidopsis primary cell walls show that the O-D quadrupolar spectra of the highest polysaccharide peaks can be fit to a two-component model, in which 74% of the spectral intensity, assigned to cellulose, has a near-rigid-limit coupling, while 26% of the intensity, assigned to matrix polysaccharides, has a weakened coupling of 50 kHz. The latter O-D quadrupolar order parameter of 0.22 is significantly smaller than previously reported C-D dipolar order parameters of 0.46-0.55 for pectins, suggesting that additional motions exist at the C-O bonds in the wall polysaccharides. ²H-¹³C polarization transfer profiles are also compared between statistically deuterated and H/D exchanged GB1.

A novel solid-state NMR method for the investigation of trivalent lanthanide sorption on amorphous silica at low surface loadings

The modelling of radionuclide transport in the subsurface depends on a comprehensive understanding of their interactions with mineral surfaces. Spectroscopic techniques provide important insight into these processes directly, but at high concentrations are sometimes hindered by safety concerns and limited solubilities of many radionuclides, especially the actinides. Here we use Eu(iii) as a surrogate for trivalent actinide species, and study Eu(iii) sorption on the silica surface at pH 5 where sorption is fairly limited. We have applied a novel, surface selective solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique to provide information about Eu binding at the silica surface at estimated surface loadings ranging from 0.1 to 3 nmol m(-2) (<0.1% surface loading). The NMR results show that inner sphere Eu(iii) complexes are evenly distributed across the silica surface at all concentrations, but that at the highest surface loadings there are indications that precipitates may form. These results illustrate that this NMR technique may be applied in solubility-limited systems to differentiate between adsorption and precipitation to better understand the interactions of radionuclides at solid surfaces.

Probing the molecular architecture of Arabidopsis thaliana secondary cell walls using two- and three-dimensional (13)C solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

The plant secondary cell wall is a thickened polysaccharide and phenolic structure, providing mechanical strength to cells, particularly in woody tissues. It is the main feedstock for the developing bioenergy and green chemistry industries. Despite the role that molecular architecture (the arrangement of biopolymers relative to each other, and their conformations) plays in dictating biomass properties, such as recalcitrance to breakdown, it is poorly understood. Here, unprocessed dry (13)C-labeled stems from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana were analyzed by a variety of (13)C solid state magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance methods, such as one-dimensional cross-polarization and direct polarization, two-dimensional refocused INADEQUATE, RFDR, PDSD, and three-dimensional DARR, demonstrating their viability for the study of native polymer arrangements in intact secondary cell walls. All carbon sites of the two main glucose environments in cellulose (previously assigned to microfibril surface and interior residues) are clearly resolved, as are carbon sites of the other major components of the secondary cell wall: xylan and lignin. The xylan carbon 4 chemical shift is markedly different from that reported previously for solution or primary cell wall xylan, indicating significant changes in the helical conformation in these dried stems. Furthermore, the shift span indicates that xylan adopts a wide range of conformations in this material, with very little in the 31 conformation typical of xylan in solution. Additionally, spatial connections of noncarbohydrate species were observed with both cellulose peaks conventionally assigned as "surface" and as "interior" cellulose environments, raising questions about the origin of these two cellulose signals.

Advances in solid-state NMR of cellulose

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a well-established analytical and enabling technology in biofuel research. Over the past few decades, lignocellulosic biomass and its conversion to supplement or displace non-renewable feedstocks has attracted increasing interest. The application of solid-state NMR spectroscopy has long been seen as an important tool in the study of cellulose and lignocellulose structure, biosynthesis, and deconstruction, especially considering the limited number of effective solvent systems and the significance of plant cell wall three-dimensional microstructure and component interaction to conversion yield and rate profiles. This article reviews common and recent applications of solid-state NMR spectroscopy methods that provide insight into the structural and dynamic processes of cellulose that control bulk properties and biofuel conversion.

Nanostructured composites obtained by ATRP sleeving of bacterial cellulose nanofibers with acrylate polymers

Novel nanostructured composite materials based on bacterial cellulose membranes (BC) and acrylate polymers were prepared by in situ atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). BC membranes were functionalized with initiating sites, by reaction with 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide (BiBBr), followed by atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and n-butyl acrylate (BA), catalyzed by copper(I) bromide and N,N,N',N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA), using two distinct initiator amounts and monomer feeds. The living characteristic of the system was proven by the growth of PBA block from the BC-g-PMMA membrane. The BC nanofiber sleeving was clearly demonstrated by SEM imaging, and its extent can be tuned by controlling the amount of initiating sites and the monomer feed. The ensuing nanocomposites showed high hydrophobicity (contact angles with water up to 134°), good thermal stability (initial degradation temperature in the range 241-275 °C), and were more flexible that the unmodified BC membranes.

Structure of cellulose microfibrils in primary cell walls from collenchyma

In the primary walls of growing plant cells, the glucose polymer cellulose is assembled into long microfibrils a few nanometers in diameter. The rigidity and orientation of these microfibrils control cell expansion; therefore, cellulose synthesis is a key factor in the growth and morphogenesis of plants. Celery (Apium graveolens) collenchyma is a useful model system for the study of primary wall microfibril structure because its microfibrils are oriented with unusual uniformity, facilitating spectroscopic and diffraction experiments. Using a combination of x-ray and neutron scattering methods with vibrational and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we show that celery collenchyma microfibrils were 2.9 to 3.0 nm in mean diameter, with a most probable structure containing 24 chains in cross section, arranged in eight hydrogen-bonded sheets of three chains, with extensive disorder in lateral packing, conformation, and hydrogen bonding. A similar 18-chain structure, and 24-chain structures of different shape, fitted the data less well. Conformational disorder was largely restricted to the surface chains, but disorder in chain packing was not. That is, in position and orientation, the surface chains conformed to the disordered lattice constituting the core of each microfibril. There was evidence that adjacent microfibrils were noncovalently aggregated together over part of their length, suggesting that the need to disrupt these aggregates might be a constraining factor in growth and in the hydrolysis of cellulose for biofuel production.

Exploring the conformational space of amorphous cellulose using NMR chemical shifts

(13)C-labeled amorphous cellulose and (13)C NMR chemical shifts by 2D (13)C-(13)C correlation spectroscopy were obtained in the regenerated solid-state from ionic liquids. On the basis of the assigned chemical shifts, combined with information from molecular dynamics and quantum chemistry computer simulations a twisted structure for amorphous cellulose is proposed exposing more hydrophilic surface than that of extended crystalline cellulose.

Solid-state selective (13)C excitation and spin diffusion NMR to resolve spatial dimensions in plant cell walls

The average spatial dimensions between major biopolymers within the plant cell wall can be resolved using a solid-state NMR technique referred to as a (13)C cross-polarization (CP) SELDOM (selectively by destruction of magnetization) with a mixing time delay for spin diffusion. Selective excitation of specific aromatic lignin carbons indicates that lignin is in close proximity to hemicellulose followed by amorphous and finally crystalline cellulose. (13)C spin diffusion time constants (T(SD)) were extracted using a two-site spin diffusion theory developed for (13)C nuclei under magic angle spinning (MAS) conditions. These time constants were then used to calculate an average lower-limit spin diffusion length between chemical groups within the plant cell wall. The results on untreated (13)C enriched corn stover stem reveal that the lignin carbons are, on average, located at distances ∼0.7-2.0 nm from the carbons in hemicellulose and cellulose, whereas the pretreated material had larger separations.

Cotton Fibers Encapsulated with Homo- and Block Copolymers: Synthesis by the Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Grafting-From Technique and Solid-State NMR Dynamic Investigations

Cotton fibers were modified by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of ethyl acrylate (EA) followed by copolymerization with styrene. Either ethyl 2-bromopropionate as a sacrificial free initiator or Cu(II) as a deactivator was used to optimize the EA grafting yield and to preserve the livingness of the chain ends for the subsequent growth of a poly(styrene) (PSty) block from the poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA) grafts. The polymer-encapsulated cotton fibers were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis, and solid-state NMR (high-resolution 13C cross-polarization magic angle spinning, 1H spin-lattice relaxation times, and 1H free induction decay analysis NMR). The latter allowed the detection of the dynamic modifications associated with the presence of homo- and block copolymer grafts. In particular, the results of the DSC and NMR investigations suggest a heterogeneous morphology of the g-PEA-b-PSty grafted skin, which could be described as an inner layer of g-PEA sandwiched between the semicrystalline cellulose of the core fiber and the high glass transition temperature PSty of the covalently linked outer layer. Such morphology results in a reduced molecular mobility of the PEA chains.

Measurement of the elastic modulus of single bacterial cellulose fibers using atomic force microscopy

The ability of the atomic force microscope to measure forces with subnanonewton sensitivity at nanometer-scale lateral resolutions has led to its use in the mechanical characterization of nanomaterials. Recent studies have shown that the atomic force microscope can be used to measure the elastic moduli of suspended fibers by performing a nanoscale three-point bending test, in which the center of the fiber is deflected by a known force. We extend this technique by modeling the deflection measured at several points along a suspended fiber, allowing us to obtain more accurate data, as well as to justify the mechanical model used. As a demonstration, we have measured a value of 78 +/- 17 GPa for Young's modulus of bacterial cellulose fibers with diameters ranging from 35 to 90 nm. This value is considerably higher than previous estimates, obtained by less direct means, of the mechanical strength of individual cellulose fibers.