Team:CCU Taiwan/Our Plan

ANALYSIS



  We analyzed the lignin-like polymer we produced to confirm the work is successful. In the first stage of analysis, we started by analyzing the content and structure of our lignin-like polymer by UV-visible spectroscopy. For the second stage, we used NMR spectroscopy and Mass Spectroscopy to analyze information about the molecular structure and molecular weight of our polymer. In the last stage, Thermogravimetric analysis is used to analyze the melting or decomposition point of our product. After the above experiments are completed, we have a deeper understanding of the lignin-like polymer we have made. These experimental data also help us in the application and improvement of the products.



Reaction experiment


   There is a difference between samples of coniferyl alcohol without reacting with enzymes and smaples with Laccase and Peroxidase. From the result, we can prove that the reaction has occurred. The absorption peak shifted to the left, comparing with simulation from study (P. J. Salazar-Valencia et al. 2005), the wavelength of β-5 linkage absorption peak is shorter. Our results are similar to the results of the study, which means our product has β-5 linkage.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy , NMR

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is based on quantum magnetic properties at the atomic scale.The method of NMR observation of atoms is to place the sample under a large external magnetic field.Using such a process, molecular science research, such as molecular structure, dynamics, etc., can be performed.

In the NMR experiment, we measured the commercial lignin, coniferyl alcohol and the products we made.
First, we first dissolved the coniferyl alcohol in ethanol and measured NMR to obtain the 1H-NMR chart. The chemical shift of each H is derived by the structure of coniferyl alcohol. Then we predict the form of the bonds between each monomer and monomer, and take the product to measure 1H-NMR. Because of some peak changes and the others no changes, we find the most suitable bond to form of the product.
As a result, our product concentration is too low, peaks are not very obvious, and we can't confirm the correct and proper structural analysis, but there are still some small peaks similar to lignin, which proves that we successfully made similar bonds and indirectly explained our reaction. The successful reaction of the enzymes.


Figure1: UV-Visible spectrum of products

Figure2: Simulation of the electronic or ultraviolet spectra for the 3 Coniferyl Alcohol units, with β-O-4 and β-5 linkages. (P. J. Salazar-Valencia et al. 2005)



Figure3: Chemical shift of coniferyl alcohol

   Chemical shift

Figure4: NMR Spectrum of coniferyl alcohol

Figure5: NMR Spectrum of commercial dealkaline lignin

Figure6: NMR Spectrum of Laccase-involved reaction product

Figure7: NMR Spectrum of Laccase & Peroxidase-involved reaction product



Reference

P. J. Salazar-Valencia, S. T. P´erez-Merchancano, and L. E. Bol´ıvar-Marin´ez. (2005). Optical Properties in Biopolymers: Lignin Fragments. Brazilian Journal of Physics, vol. 36, no. 3B.