Corn Stalk Structure Insights for Biofuel Production Optimization

Date: 21-Jan-2019

Country: United States

Application

• Improved biofuel production efficiency, specifically for ethanol from corn.
• Optimized biomass processing for other plants, enhancing industrial applications like paper production.

Description

Scientists at LSU have discovered a new molecular structure in corn, revealing that xylan, not lignin, acts as the glue connecting cellulose and lignin. This finding challenges previous beliefs and could improve the efficiency of biofuel production, particularly ethanol. By better understanding plant architecture at the atomic level, new methods for breaking down biomass could be developed. This research has potential applications in other plants and industries, such as paper production.

Pathway Description:

The process involves using high-resolution atomic-level techniques, such as solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, to analyze the molecular structure of corn and other plants. The research revealed that xylan, not lignin, connects cellulose and lignin in plant cells. This new understanding allows for the development of more efficient methods to break down plant biomass. These methods can be applied to improve biofuel production and other industrial applications.