High-throughput and highly sensitive analysis method for polyisoprene in plants by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(1):13-7. doi: 10.1271/bbb.80882. Epub 2010 Jan 7.

Abstract

Natural polyisoprene is a biopolymer consisting of isoprene units (C(5)H(8)) that is used commercially in household, medical, and industrial materials. For the management of natural polyisoprene production, the selection of high-yield polyisoprene-producing trees, and an understanding of polyisoprene biosynthesis, a high-throughput and highly sensitive screening method for the quantification of polyisoprene is required. In this study, we examined pyrolysates from polyisoprenes, polyprenols, carotenoids, ubiquinone (CoQ-10), and sterols by pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (PyGC/MS) and determined that the amounts of isoprene and limonene released from polyprenols and polyisoprenes were dependent upon their molecular weights. Based on these results, we developed a relative quantification method for polyisoprene in leaves by direct analysis of 1 mg of leaves using PyGC/MS. This novel quantification method eliminated extraction steps and can be used in the measurement of polyisoprene contents in Eucommia ulmoides and Hevea brasiliensis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Benzoquinones / chemistry
  • Butadienes / analysis
  • Butadienes / chemistry
  • Carotenoids / chemistry
  • Chlorophyll / chemistry
  • Cyclohexenes / analysis
  • Cyclohexenes / chemistry
  • Eucommiaceae / chemistry*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Hemiterpenes / analysis*
  • Hemiterpenes / chemistry*
  • Hevea / chemistry*
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays*
  • Latex / analysis*
  • Latex / chemistry*
  • Limonene
  • Molecular Weight
  • Pentanes / analysis
  • Pentanes / chemistry
  • Sterols / chemistry
  • Terpenes / analysis
  • Terpenes / chemistry

Substances

  • Benzoquinones
  • Butadienes
  • Cyclohexenes
  • Hemiterpenes
  • Latex
  • Pentanes
  • Sterols
  • Terpenes
  • isoprene
  • Chlorophyll
  • Carotenoids
  • quinone
  • 1,4-polyisoprene
  • Limonene