Evaluation of a high throughput starch analysis optimised for wood
Chandra Bellasio1, Alessio Fini2, Francesco Ferrini2
1Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom ; Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|February 14, 2014
Summary
This study optimized a standard starch analysis method for woody samples, improving precision and accuracy. The new protocol enables high-throughput analysis of starch reserves in various plant tissues.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Starch analysis in trees provides crucial physiological insights.
- Existing wood starch analysis methods are lengthy and have limitations.
- Standard food/feed starch assays are not optimized for woody sample characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize a standard food/feed starch analysis method (AOAC 996.11) for woody samples.
- To enhance precision and accuracy for analyzing starch content in trees.
- To develop a high-throughput protocol for routine wood starch analysis.
Main Methods:
- Modified digestion conditions and glucose assay steps of AOAC standard method 996.11.
- Validated the optimized protocol using known starch standards and diverse plant samples.
- Included matrix polysaccharides and wood from different organs and species.
Main Results:
- Achieved remarkable precision and accuracy (3%) for wood starch quantification.
- Protocol is suitable for high-throughput analysis (35 samples/day).
- Effective for starch content ranging from 40 mg to 21 µg.
Conclusions:
- The optimized protocol offers a precise, accurate, and efficient method for wood starch analysis.
- Applicable to lignified and non-lignified plant tissues across various species.
- Facilitates routine, high-throughput assessment of tree starch reserves.
