Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2025

Ultrafast Lignin Extraction from Unusual Mediterranean Lignocellulosic Residues
Published on: March 9, 2021
Energy-Resolved Mass Spectrometry as a Tool for Identification of Lignin Depolymerization Products
Xueming Dong1, Heather B Mayes1, Kris Morreel2
1Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, CO, 80401, USA.
Abstract:
Lignin is the largest source of bio-based aromatic compounds in nature, and its valorization is essential to the sustainability of lignocellulosic biorefining. Characterizing lignin-derived compounds remains challenging due to the heterogeneity of this biopolymer. Tandem mass spectrometry is a promising tool for lignin structural analytics, as fragmentation patterns of model compounds can be extrapolated to identify characteristic moieties in complex samples. This work extended previous resonance excitation-type collision-induced dissociation (CID) methods that identified lignin oligomers containing β-O-4, β-5, and β-β bonds, to also identify characteristics of 5-5, β-1, and 4-O-5 dimers, enabled by quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) CID with energy-resolved mass spectrometry (ERMS). Overall, QTOF-ERMS offers in-depth structural information and could ultimately contribute to tools for high-throughput lignin dimer identification.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI)
The analyte of interest, a biomolecule or a mixture of biomolecules, is mixed with a suitable matrix material. The...
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) is a commonly...
Mass Spectrometry: Molecular Fragmentation Overview
One type of fragmentation pattern is the cleavage of a single bond in the molecular ion. The cleavage leads to a radical and a cation. The cleavage can...
Mass Spectrometry: Branched Alkane Fragmentation
Mass Spectrometry: Aromatic Compound Fragmentation

