Characterization of biomass by force microscopy

Abstract

Scanning probe microscopy has emerged as a powerful approach to a broader understanding of the molecular architecture of cell walls, which may shed light on the challenge of efficient cellulosic ethanol production. We have obtained preliminary images of both poplar and switchgrass samples using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results show distinctive features that are shared by switchgrass and poplar. These features may be attributable to the lignocellulosic cell wall composition, as the collected images exhibit the characteristic macromolecular globule structures attributable to the lignocellulosic systems. Using both AFM and scanning near-field ultrasound holography (SNFUH), in the case of poplar, the images clearly show the cell wall structure. The results are of importance in providing a better understanding of the characteristic features of both mature plant cells as well as developing cells. In addition, we present spectroscopic investigation of the same samples.