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Proteomic analysis reveals a novel set of cell wall proteins in a transformed tobacco cell culture that synthesises secondary walls as determined by biochemical and morphological parameters.

A cell suspension culture of a tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Petit Havana) cell line derived from a cultivar transformed with the Tcyt gene from Agrobacterium, which leads to high endogenous levels of cytokinin, has been established. This cell line shows increased cell aggregation, elongated cells and a 5-fold increase in wall thickness. If allowed to carry on growing it can form a single mass without shedding cells into the medium. When analysed at an earlier growth stage, these cultures were found to produce improved levels of vascular nodule formation than in other systems that employ exogenous cytokinin. This differentiation was optimised with respect to sucrose and auxin signals in order to induce maximum production of cells with thickened walls and a morphology characteristic of fibre cells and tracheids, in addition to cells that remain meristematic. In order to establish the validity of this system for studying secondary wall formation, the walls and associated biosynthetic changes were analysed in these cells by chemical analysis of the walls, changes in activities of enzymes of xylan and monolignol synthesis, and expression of mRNAs coding for enzymes of lignin biosynthesis. The wall composition of the transformed cells was compared with that determined for primary walls from a typical untransformed tobacco cell line. Recovery of wall material was 50% greater in the transformed culture. In this material a major difference was found in the pectin fraction where there was a distinct difference in size distribution together with a lower level of methylation for the transformed line, which may be related to increased adhesiveness. There were increased amounts of xylan, although the ratio of xyloglucan to xylan content was not substantially different due to the mixture of cell types. There was also an increase in cellulose and phenolic components. Increased activity of enzymes involved in the synthesis of xylan as a marker for the secondary wall occurred around the time of tracheid differentiation and coincided with a broad peak of cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase activity. The expression of mRNAs coding for enzymes of the general phenylpropanoid pathway, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamate 4-hydroxylase, catechol O-methyl transferase was relatively constitutive in the cultures while transcripts of ferulate 5-hydroxylase, cinnamoyl CoA-reductase, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase and lignin peroxidase were induced. The walls of the transformed cells also showed considerable differences in the subset of extractable proteins from that found in primary walls of tobacco when these were subjected to proteomic analysis. Many of these proteins appear to be novel and not present in primary walls. However an Mr-32,000 chitinase, an Mr-34,000 peroxidase, an Mr-65,000 polyphenoloxidase/laccase and possibly an Mr-68,000 xylanase could be identified as well as structural proteins.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

Isozymes of lignin peroxidase and manganese(II) peroxidase from the white-rot basidiomycete Trametes versicolor. II. Partial sequences, peptide maps, and amino acid and carbohydrate compositions.

The basidiomycete Trametes versicolor, a white-rot fungus and potent degrader of lignin, produces multiple forms of extracellular peroxidases. Nine of these forms, six lignin peroxidases and three manganese(II) peroxidases, purified as described in the preceding paper, were characterized by amino-terminal sequencing, amino acid analyses, carbohydrate analyses, or peptide mapping. For two of the lignin peroxidase forms, tryptic peptides were isolated and sequenced to an extent corresponding to about 40 and 30%, respectively, of the primary structure. Eight of the nine peroxidases investigated were found to possess unique amino-terminal regions. A comparison of the sequences shows 57% of the residues to be identical, indicating a common ancestry for the lignin peroxidase and the manganese(II) peroxidase. The degree of identity among the five lignin peroxidases is about 80% and among the three manganese(II) peroxidases about 70%. Pairwise comparisons of the sequences disclosed that some of the lignin peroxidases are very closely related, either identical or differing only in a single amino acid residue of the thirty-five investigated. These close relationships are also supported by peptide mapping and by similarities in amino acid compositions. Tyr is absent in all isozymes. Lignin and manganese(II) peroxidases showed the presence of glucosamine and mannose in an amount corresponding to 3 to 6% of the molecular mass of the proteins. The carbohydrate compositions are compatible with the presence of 1, 2, and 3 sites of N-glycosylation. The results obtained strongly suggest that the complexity in the peroxidase pattern displayed by the fungus (T. Johansson and P.O. Nyman, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 300, 49-56, 1993) can largely be accounted for by a heterogeneity at the gene level, probably in the form of multiple structural genes. Two recently published genes from genomic clones of T. versicolor are identical in sequence to two of the lignin peroxidases characterized here.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Chemical composition of apoplastic transport barriers in relation to radial hydraulic conductivity of corn roots (Zea mays L.).

The hydraulic conductivity of roots (Lp(r)) of 6- to 8-d-old maize seedlings has been related to the chemical composition of apoplastic transport barriers in the endodermis and hypodermis (exodermis), and to the hydraulic conductivity of root cortical cells. Roots were cultivated in two different ways. When grown in aeroponic culture, they developed an exodermis (Casparian band in the hypodermal layer), which was missing in roots from hydroponics. The development of Casparian bands and suberin lamellae was observed by staining with berberin-aniline-blue and Sudan-III. The compositions of suberin and lignin were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively after depolymerization (BF(3)/methanol-transesterification, thioacidolysis) using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Root Lp(r) was measured using the root pressure probe, and the hydraulic conductivity of cortical cells (Lp) using the cell pressure probe. Roots from the two cultivation methods differed significantly in (i) the Lp(r) evaluated from hydrostatic relaxations (factor of 1.5), and (ii) the amounts of lignin and aliphatic suberin in the hypodermal layer of the apical root zone. Aliphatic suberin is thought to be the major reason for the hydrophobic properties of apoplastic barriers and for their relatively low permeability to water. No differences were found in the amounts of suberin in the hypodermal layers of basal root zones and in the endodermal layer. In order to verify that changes in root Lp(r) were not caused by changes in hydraulic conductivity at the membrane level, cell Lp was measured as well. No differences were found in the Lp values of cells from roots cultivated by the two different methods. It was concluded that changes in the hydraulic conductivity of the apoplastic rather than of the cell-to-cell path were causing the observed changes in root Lp(r).

Biological Transport↗

Plant glycoside hydrolases involved in cell wall polysaccharide degradation.

The cell wall plays a key role in controlling the size and shape of the plant cell during plant development and in the interactions of the plant with its environment. The cell wall structure is complex and contains various components such as polysaccharides, lignin and proteins whose composition and concentration change during plant development and growth. Many studies have revealed changes in cell walls which occur during cell division, expansion, and differentiation and in response to environmental stresses; i.e. pathogens or mechanical stress. Although many proteins and enzymes are necessary for the control of cell wall organization, little information is available concerning them. An important advance was made recently concerning cell wall organization as plant enzymes that belong to the superfamily of glycoside hydrolases and transglycosidases were identified and characterized; these enzymes are involved in the degradation of cell wall polysaccharides. Glycoside hydrolases have been characterized using molecular, genetic and biochemical approaches. Many genes encoding these enzymes have been identified and functional analysis of some of them has been performed. This review summarizes our current knowledge about plant glycoside hydrolases that participate in the degradation and reorganisation of cell wall polysaccharides in plants focussing particularly on those from Arabidopsis thaliana.

Arabidopsis↗

Hydroxyproline-Rich Protein Material in Wood and Lignin of Fagus sylvatica.

The nitrogen content, distribution, and amino acid composition of protein material were determined in wood and lignin of Fagus sylvatica. The data indicated that the nitrogen originated from hydroxyproline-rich cell wall glycoprotein, about half of which may be bound to the lignin polymer. The implications for lignocellulose biodegradation are discussed.

Journal Article↗

Alterations in the biosynthesis of lignin in transgenic plants with chimeric genes for 4-coumarate: coenzyme A ligase.

The introduction of chimeric sense and antisense gene constructs for 4-coumarate:coenzyme A ligase into tobacco plants caused the reduction of the 4CL activity in the transgenic plants. In the transgenic plants, the cell walls of the xylem tissue in stems were brown and the molecular structure of lignin in the colored cell walls was dramatically different from that in the control plants. Analysis with different types of stain revealed that levels of cinnamyl aldehyde residues and syringyl units in lignin were depressed in the brownish cell walls. Furthermore, the lignin content in colored tissue was lower than that in the normal tissue. Our results indicate that 4CL has important roles in the determination of the composition and the amount of lignin in tobacco plants.

Blotting, Northern↗

Trends in lignin modification: a comprehensive analysis of the effects of genetic manipulations/mutations on lignification and vascular integrity.

A comprehensive assessment of lignin configuration in transgenic and mutant plants is long overdue. This review thus undertook the systematic analysis of trends manifested through genetic and mutational manipulations of the various steps associated with monolignol biosynthesis; this included consideration of the downstream effects on organized lignin assembly in the various cell types, on vascular function/integrity, and on plant growth and development. As previously noted for dirigent protein (homologs), distinct and sophisticated monolignol forming metabolic networks were operative in various cell types, tissues and organs, and form the cell-specific guaiacyl (G) and guaiacyl-syringyl (G-S) enriched lignin biopolymers, respectively. Regardless of cell type undergoing lignification, carbon allocation to the different monolignol pools is apparently determined by a combination of phenylalanine availability and cinnamate-4-hydroxylase/"p-coumarate-3-hydroxylase" (C4H/C3H) activities, as revealed by transcriptional and metabolic profiling. Downregulation of either phenylalanine ammonia lyase or cinnamate-4-hydroxylase thus predictably results in reduced lignin levels and impaired vascular integrity, as well as affecting related (phenylpropanoid-dependent) metabolism. Depletion of C3H activity also results in reduced lignin deposition, albeit with the latter being derived only from hydroxyphenyl (H) units, due to both the guaiacyl (G) and syringyl (S) pathways being blocked. Apparently the cells affected are unable to compensate for reduced G/S levels by increasing the amounts of H-components. The downstream metabolic networks for G-lignin enriched formation in both angiosperms and gymnosperms utilize specific cinnamoyl CoA O-methyltransferase (CCOMT), 4-coumarate:CoA ligase (4CL), cinnamoyl CoA reductase (CCR) and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) isoforms: however, these steps neither affect carbon allocation nor H/G designations, this being determined by C4H/C3H activities. Such enzymes thus fulfill subsidiary processing roles, with all (except CCOMT) apparently being bifunctional for both H and G substrates. Their severe downregulation does, however, predictably result in impaired monolignol biosynthesis, reduced lignin deposition/vascular integrity, (upstream) metabolite build-up and/or shunt pathway metabolism. There was no evidence for an alternative acid/ester O-methyltransferase (AEOMT) being involved in lignin biosynthesis. The G/S lignin pathway networks are operative in specific cell types in angiosperms and employ two additional biosynthetic steps to afford the corresponding S components, i.e. through introduction of an hydroxyl group at C-5 and its subsequent O-methylation. [These enzymes were originally classified as ferulate-5-hydroxylase (F5H) and caffeate O-methyltransferase (COMT), respectively.] As before, neither step has apparently any role in carbon allocation to the pathway; hence their individual downregulation/manipulation, respectively, gives either a G enriched lignin or formation of the well-known S-deficient bm3 "lignin" mutant, with cell walls of impaired vascular integrity. In the latter case, COMT downregulation/mutation apparently results in utilization of the isoelectronic 5-hydroxyconiferyl alcohol species albeit in an unsuccessful attempt to form G-S lignin proper. However, there is apparently no effect on overall G content, thereby indicating that deposition of both G and S moieties in the G/S lignin forming cells are kept spatially, and presumably temporally, fully separate. Downregulation/mutation of further downstream steps in the G/S network [i.e. utilizing 4CL, CCR and CAD isoforms] gives predictable effects in terms of their subsidiary processing roles: while severe downregulation of 4CL gave phenotypes with impaired vascular integrity due to reduced monolignol supply, there was no evidence in support of increased growth and/or enhanced cellulose biosynthesis. CCR and CAD downregulation/mutations also established that a depletion in monolignol supply reduced both lignin contents supply reduced both lignin contents and vascular integrity, with a concomitant shift towards (upstream) metabolite build-up and/or shunting. The extraordinary claims of involvement of surrogate monomers (2-methoxybenzaldehyde, feruloyl tyramine, vanillic acid, etc.) in lignification were fully disproven and put to rest, with the investigators themselves having largely retracted former claims. Furthermore analysis of the well-known bm1 mutation, a presumed CAD disrupted system, apparently revealed that both G and S lignin components were reduced. This seems to imply that there is no monolignol specific dehydrogenase, such as the recently described sinapyl alcohol dehydrogenase (SAD) for sinapyl alcohol formation. Nevertheless, different CAD isoforms of differing homology seem to be operative in different lignifying cell types, thereby giving the G-enriched and G/S-enriched lignin biopolymers, respectively. For the G-lignin forming network, however, the CAD isoform is apparently catalytically less efficient with all three monolignols than that additionally associated with the corresponding G/S lignin forming network(s), which can more efficiently use all three monolignols. However, since CAD does not determine either H, G, or S designation, it again serves in a subsidiary role-albeit using different isoforms for different cell wall developmental and cell wall type responses. The results from this analysis contrasts further with speculations of some early investigators, who had viewed lignin assembly as resulting from non-specific oxidative coupling of monolignols and subsequent random polymerization. At that time, though, the study of the complex biological (biochemical) process of lignin assembly had begun without any of the (bio)chemical tools to either address or answer the questions posed as to how its formation might actually occur. Today, by contrast, there is growing recognition of both sophisticated and differential control of monolignol biosynthetic networks in different cell types, which serve to underscore the fact that complexity of assembly need not be confused any further with random formation. Moreover, this analysis revealed another factor which continues to cloud interpretations of lignin downregulation/mutational analyses, namely the serious technical problems associated with all aspects of lignin characterization, whether for lignin quantification, isolation of lignin-enriched preparations and/or in determining monomeric compositions. For example, in the latter analyses, some 50-90% of the lignin components still cannot be detected using current methodologies, e.g. by thioacidolysis cleavage and nitrobenzene oxidative cleavage. This deficiency in lignin characterization thus represents one of the major hurdles remaining in delineating how lignin assembly (in distinct cell types) and their configuration actually occurs.

Gene Expression Regulation, Plant↗

Ligninolytic enzyme production by Phanerochaete chrysosporium in plastic composite support biofilm stirred tank bioreactors.

Phanerochaete chrysosporium (ATCC 24725) produced lignin peroxidase (LiP) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) in defined medium in plastic composite support (PCS) biofilm stirred tank reactors. Laccase was not detected. The formation of the Ph. chrysosporium biofilm on the PCS was essential for the production of MnP and LiP. The bioreactor was operated as a repeat batch, and no reinoculation was required between batches. Peroxidase production was influenced by 5 min purging of the bioreactor with pure oxygen or continuous aerating with a mixture of air and oxygen at a flow rate of 0.005 vvm. Continuous aeration and 300 rpm agitation with 3 mM veratryl alcohol addition on days 0 and 3 demonstrated the highest lignin peroxidase production on day 6 with means of 50.0 and 47.0 U/L. Addition of veratryl alcohol and MnSO(4) on day 0 with 300 rpm agitation and continuous aeration at 0.005 vvm (air flow rate in L/min divided by the reactor working volume in liters) hastens the production of MnP with final yield of 63.0 U/L after 3 days. Fourteen repeated batches fermentation were performed without contamination due to low pH (4.5) and aseptic techniques employed.

Biofilms↗

Molecular weight distribution of Pinus radiata kraft mill wastewater treated by anaerobic digestion.

Kraft mill is responsible for massive discharge of highly polluted effluents. The main characteristics of this effluent are high toxicity and low biodegradability due to tannin, lignin and chlorophenol compounds. The composition may vary dramatically depending, for instance, on the utilised feedstock and process. The purpose of this work was to investigate the molecular weight distribution of Pinus radiata kraft pulping wastewater treated by anaerobic digestion by using two types of anaerobic reactors: fixed bed and sludge blanket. Anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) and anaerobic filter (AF) were operated. In both reactors, the total alkalinity ranged between 1.0 and 1.5 g CaCO3/l, while the organic load rate (OLR) was increasing during operation from 1.2 to 3.3 gCOD/l d. COD and total phenolic compounds (UV215) removal ranged between 30-50% and 13-20%, respectively, while the BOD5 removal ranged 60-90%. However only a partial biodegradation (10-43%) of tannin and lignin was observed. Results from ultrafiltration analyses indicated that the fraction with a molecular weight (MW) < 1000, COD and colour decreased after anaerobic treatment, but the total phenolic compounds increased. In the 1000 < MW < 10,000 fraction, there was no change in COD, UV215 and colour. In the > 10,000 MW fraction, colour and COD fraction increased by 14% and 5%, respectively, after anaerobic treatment. It can be concluded from this study, that treatment with UASB or AF reactors is not enough, under the conditions tested, for a large COD removal from Pinus radiata wastewater.

Anaerobiosis↗

Molecular characterization of biodegradable dissolved organic matter using bioreactors and [12C/13C] tetramethylammonium hydroxide thermochemolysis GC-MS.

Little is known about the molecular composition of the biodegradable fraction of dissolved organic matter (BDOM) in stream ecosystems. We combined plug-flow biofilm reactors, tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) thermochemolysis GC-MS, and 13C-labeled TMAH thermochemolysis GC-MS to study the molecular composition of BDOM from two stream ecosystems. TMAH products derived from fatty acids, lignin, and other aromatic molecules were quantified using an internal standard approach. We applied the 13C-TMAH thermochemolysis procedure to differentiate between compounds in dissolved organic matter (DOM) that had natural methoxyl groups from those that acquired methoxyl groups during the TMAH reaction. In Rio Tempisquito, a stream draining a tropical evergreen forest, and White Clay Creek, a stream draining a temperate deciduous woodlands, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and lignin contributed to the DOM and BDOM molecular composition. We observed 97 different peaks in the chromatograms of streamwater, with 57% of the peaks common to both streams. The DOM and BDOM pools from each site also contained a unique suite of compounds. Our combined use of TMAH and 13C-TMAH thermochemolysis revealed that heterotrophic bacteria can selectively degrade and demethylate different types of compounds in the lignin residues of DOM. This demonstration of bacterial demethylation of lignin, an abundant and refractory plant molecule, has potential implications for global carbon cycling.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Biodegradation of lignocellulose in Bermuda grass by white rot fungi analyzed by solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance.

Following the solid-state fermentation of Bermuda grass by two lignin-degrading white rot fungi, compositional changes have been observed in situ by utilization of cross-polarization and magic angle spinning 13C nuclear magnetic resonance difference spectra and interrupted decoupling spectra. Intensity differences in the 13C resonances assigned to specific components of the cell wall were used to observe these changes. Bermuda grass treated with Phanerochaete chrysosporium K-3 exhibited losses primarily in the polysaccharide components, with a smaller proportion of phenolic components also being degraded. In contrast, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora FP 90031-sp removed a proportionate amount of phenolic components compared with polysaccharide components. The results also indicated that C. subvermispora preferentially removes guaiacyl phenolic components relative to syringyl phenolic components, while P. chrysosporium was nonspecific in its attack on phenolic components.

Animal Feed↗

Physical and biochemical properties of green banana flour.

Banana flour prepared from two cooking banana varieties, namely 'Alukehel' and 'Monthan', were evaluated for their physical and biochemical characteristics. The yields of flour averaged 31.3% for 'Alukehel' and 25.5% for 'Monthan'. The pH of the flour ranged from 5.4 to 5.7. The bulk density and particle size distribution were also measured. The average chemical composition (% dry matter) of the flours were as follows: crude protein, 3.2; crude fat, 1.3; ash, 3.7; neutral detergent fiber, 8.9; acid detergent fiber, 3.8; cellulose, 3.1; lignin, 1.0 and hemicellulose, 5.0. Carbohydrate composition indicated the flour to contain 2.8% soluble sugars, 70.0% starch and 12.0% non-starch polysaccharides. Potassium is the predominant mineral in banana flour. Fresh green banana is a good source of vitamin C, but almost 65% is lost during the preparation of flour. Oxalate content (1.1-1.6%) of banana flour is probably nutritionally insignificant. The overall results are suggestive of the potential of green bananas as a source of flour.

Ascorbic Acid↗

The poly(phenolic) domain of potato suberin: a non-lignin cell wall bio-polymer.

Suberized plant cell walls have three distinguishing features: (1) tissue specificity, (2) a poly(aliphatic) domain and (3) a unique, "lignin-like" poly(phenolic) domain. With respect to the latter, comparisons have often been made to lignin, but the unique phenolic composition of suberized cells yields a unique polymer better designated as a poly(phenolic) domain. Potato tubers that have been induced to suberize through wounding make an excellent model system with which the chemistry, biochemistry and macromolecular assembly of the suberin poly(phenolic) domain can be monitored. For example, wound healing potato tubers have been used to determine the unique hydroxycinnamic acid nature of its poly(phenolic) domain using specific carbon-13 labeling studies and specific chemical degradation techniques (e.g. thioacidolysis). Furthermore, a suberization-associated anionic peroxidase has been purified from suberizing potato tubers and subsequently shown to oxidize hydroxycinnamic acids (and their derivatives) in preference to monolignols, as well as yield an unique polymer in vitro. We have since extended these studies to begin analyzing the macromolecular assembly process leading to the deposition of this suberized tissue specific domain. To this end we have begun to describe an H(2)O(2)-generating system with NAD(P)H-dependent oxidase-like properties that is temporally associated with the formation of potato suberin poly(phenolics) during suberization. Herein we describe our progress to date.

Biopolymers↗

NMR characterization of lignins in Arabidopsis altered in the activity of ferulate 5-hydroxylase.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of isolated lignins from an Arabidopsis mutant deficient in ferulate 5-hydroxylase (F5H) and transgenic plants derived from the mutant by overexpressing the F5H gene has provided detailed insight into the compositional and structural differences between these lignins. Wild-type Arabidopsis has a guaiacyl-rich, syringyl-guaiacyl lignin typical of other dicots, with prominent beta-aryl ether (beta-O-4), phenylcoumaran (beta-5), resinol (beta-beta), biphenyl/dibenzodioxocin (5-5), and cinnamyl alcohol end-group structures. The lignin isolated from the F5H-deficient fah1-2 mutant contained only traces of syringyl units and consequently enhanced phenylcoumaran and dibenzodioxocin levels. In fah1-2 transgenics in which the F5H gene was overexpressed under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter, a guaiacyl-rich, syringyl/guaiacyl lignin similar to the wild type was produced. In contrast, the isolated lignin from the fah1-2 transgenics in which F5H expression was driven by the cinnamate 4-hydroxylase promoter was almost entirely syringyl in nature. This simple lignin contained predominantly beta-aryl ether units, mainly with erythro-stereochemistry, with some resinol structures. No phenylcoumaran or dibenzodioxocin structures (which require guaiacyl units) were detectable. The overexpression of syringyl units in this transgenic resulted in a lignin with a higher syringyl content than that in any other plant we have seen reported.

Arabidopsis↗

Diet, nutrition intake, and metabolism in populations at high and low risk for colon cancer. Composition, intake, and excretion of fiber constituents.

The role of fiber in human diet in preventing a number of chronic diseases has been a widely debated topic in recent years. The claim that populations at low risk for colon cancer generally consume a more fiber-rich diet than those at high risk, has been used to postulate a protective role for this group of substances. In this study we asked the question whether populations leading different dietary lifestyles and who are at varying risks for colon cancer show marked differences in their dietary and fecal profiles of various fiber components. Four study groups consisting of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) pure vegetarians, SDA lacto-ovo vegetarians, SDA nonvegetarians, and a group of general population nonvegetarians were selected from the greater Los Angeles Basin area. Three-day composite diets, and stools were analyzed for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), hemi-cellulose, lignin, cellulose, cutin + silica, and pectin. The percentage composition and the daily intake and output of each of these components were computed for each population group. The dietary profile revealed a trend (not statistically significant) toward generally higher daily intake values among the vegetarian subgroups, neutral detergent fiber values in g/day: SDA pure vegetarians, 63.0 +/- 7.9; SDA-lacto-ovo vegetarians, 55.8 +/- 3.5; SDA nonvegetarians, 57.2 +/- 3.5; general population nonvegetarians, 52.5 +/- 4.9), lignin, cellulose, and pectin being the major contributors to this difference.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Useful byproducts from cellulosic wastes of agriculture and food industry--a critical appraisal.

Cellulose, an important cell wall polysaccharide, which is replenished constantly in nature by photosynthesis, goes waste in a lion's share in the form of pre-harvest and post-harvest agricultural losses and wastes of food processing industry. These cellulose wastes have an immense potential to be utilized for the production and recovery of several products and ingredients in food application. In this present study, a wide spectrum of researches in the arena of properties of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin; their degradation; sources and composition of cellulosic and lignocellulosic wastes of agriculture and food industry; present status of converting them into value-added products of food applications; constraints in their conversions and future prospects therein has been reviewed in details. The study has encompassed production of biomass for various utilization and production and recovery of protein and amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, organic acids, foods & feeds and other miscellaneous products.

Agriculture↗

The maize Brown midrib1 locus affects cell wall composition and plant development in a dose-dependent manner.

The four brown midrib (bm) mutants of maize have a reduced content and altered subunit composition of the cell wall polymer lignin. The bm mutations have traditionally been considered completely recessive, because the brown midrib phenotype is only apparent in plants homozygous for the mutation. In addition to an effect on cell wall composition, some bm mutations have been shown to affect flowering time. We had preliminary evidence for a dosage effect of the Bm1 locus on flowering time, which prompted this detailed study on the Bm1 locus. In this study, near-isogenic lines (in an A619 background) with zero, one or two bm1 mutant alleles were compared. The bm1 heterozygotes flowered significantly earlier than both the wild-type plants and bm1 mutants. This difference can at least be partly attributed to an accelerated growth rate in the later stages of plant development. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the cell wall composition of the bm1 heterozygous plants is distinct from both the bm1 and wild-type homozygotes. The combination of the data on flowering time and the data on cell wall composition provide evidence for a dosage effect at the Bm1 locus.

Cell Wall↗

Compositional changes of cottonseed hull substrate during P. ostreatus growth and the effects on the feeding value of the spent substrate.

The dry matter and composition of cottonseed hull substrate for P. ostreatus cultivation were tested at different growth stages. As protein, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin were used by P. ostreatus, the compositional profiles of the substrate were changed greatly, but their rates of change varied at different growing stages. The increase of protein content and the reduction of lignocellulose content contributed to the increase in the dry matter digestibility of the spent substrate, making it possibly acceptable as a potential ruminant feed. This could provide an alternative to environmentally sound use of P. ostreatus spent substrate.

Animal Feed↗