Bicomponent lignocellulose thin films to study the role of surface lignin in cellulolytic reactions

Ultrathin bicomponent films of cellulose and lignin derivatives were deposited on silica supports by spin coating, and after conversion into the respective polymer precursor, they were used as a model system to investigate interfacial phenomena relevant to lignocellulose biocatalysis. Film morphology, surface chemical composition, and wettability were determined by atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and water contact angle, respectively. Phase separation of cellulose and lignin produced structures that resembled the cell wall of fibers and were used to monitor enzyme binding and cellulolytic reactions via quartz crystal microgravimetry. The rate and extent of hydrolysis was quantified by using kinetic models that indicated the role of the surface lignin domains in enzyme inhibition. Hydrophobic interactions between cellulases and the substrates and their critical role on irreversible adsorption were elucidated by using acetylated lignin films with different degrees of substitution. Overall, it is concluded that sensors based on the proposed ultrathin films of lignocellulose can facilitate a better understanding of the complex events that occur during bioconversion of cellulosic biomass.