Multi-scale model for the hierarchical architecture of native cellulose hydrogels

Marta Martínez-Sanz; Deirdre Mikkelsen; Bernadine Flanagan; Michael J Gidley; Elliot P Gilbert

doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.03.098

Multi-scale model for the hierarchical architecture of native cellulose hydrogels

Carbohydr Polym. 2016 Aug 20:147:542-555. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.03.098. Epub 2016 Apr 1.

Authors

Marta Martínez-Sanz¹, Deirdre Mikkelsen², Bernadine Flanagan², Michael J Gidley², Elliot P Gilbert³

Affiliations

¹ Bragg Institute, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls, Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
² ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls, Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
³ Bragg Institute, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia. Electronic address: elliot.gilbert@ansto.gov.au.

PMID: 27178962
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.03.098

Abstract

The structure of protiated and deuterated cellulose hydrogels has been investigated using a multi-technique approach combining small-angle scattering with diffraction, spectroscopy and microscopy. A model for the multi-scale structure of native cellulose hydrogels is proposed which highlights the essential role of water at different structural levels characterised by: (i) the existence of cellulose microfibrils containing an impermeable crystalline core surrounded by a partially hydrated paracrystalline shell, (ii) the creation of a strong network of cellulose microfibrils held together by hydrogen bonding to form cellulose ribbons and (iii) the differential behaviour of tightly bound water held within the ribbons compared to bulk solvent. Deuterium labelling provides an effective platform on which to further investigate the role of different plant cell wall polysaccharides in cellulose composite formation through the production of selectively deuterated cellulose composite hydrogels.

Keywords: Cellulose; Deuteration; Hydrogels; Komagataeibacter xylinus; Neutron scattering; Small angle scattering.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cell Wall / chemistry
Cellulose / chemistry*
Hydrogels / chemistry*
Molecular Structure
Polysaccharides / chemistry
Scattering, Small Angle

Substances

Hydrogels
Polysaccharides
Cellulose