Physicochemical and biochemical characterization of non-biodegradable cellulose in Miocene gymnosperm wood from the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse, Southern Belgium

Abstract

Specimens of Miocene fossil wood from the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse karsts (southern Belgium) were examined using physicochemical and biochemical techniques in order to understand the reasons for the exceptional preservation of these fossilized remains after 15 million years. Structural and chemical changes were assessed by comparing the structural features of the fossil samples with those of their modern counterpart, Metasequoia. Solid state 13Cnuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and microscopic analysis showed good preservation of the cellulose structure in the fossil wood from the Florennes peat deposit. Despite the substantial cellulose fraction available in the fossil tissue, an enzymatic degradation test and a biochemical methane potential assay showed that the fossil cellulose could not be degraded by cellulases and anaerobic microorganisms usually involved in the biodegradation of organic matter. Moreover, the cellulose structure (crystallinity and surface area) seemed to have no effect on cellulose biodegradability in these Miocene fossil wood samples. On the basis of our observations, we suggest that the presence of a modified lignin structure could greatly influence cellulose preservation/biodegradability.

Differences in the chemical composition of organic‐walled dinoflagellate resting cysts from phototrophic and heterotrophic dinoflagellates

“…There is evidence for carbohydrate preservation relatively far back in the sedimentary record ([Miocene] e.g., Lechien et al. ), including well‐preserved glycolipids ([Eocene] Bauersachs et al. ) as well as spectra demonstrating good preservation of Group I compositional signals ([late Paleocene] Bogus et al.…”

Comparative biochemical analysis during the anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic biomass from six morphological parts of Williams Cavendish banana (Triploid Musa AAA group) plants

“…The total organic carbon (TOC) content was determined using a method based on that described by Allen et al (1974), but modified by others (Lechien et al 2006;CEAEQ, 2011). A total of 0.025 g DM of each sample was analyzed.…”

Comparative biochemical analysis after steam pretreatment of lignocellulosic agricultural waste biomass from Williams Cavendish banana plant (TriploidMusaAAA group)

“…The mixture comprised 5 volumes of celluzyme (85 and 200 mUI ml −1 of FPase and xylanase activity, respectively), 3 volumes of dialysed Viscozyme (62 and 100 mUI ml −1 of FPase and xylanase activity, respectively), 1.5 volumes of dialysed Celluclast (176 and 135 mUI ml −1 of FPase and xylanase activity, respectively) and 0.5 volumes of KH 2 PO 4 /Na 2 HPO 4 buffer (0.1 M) containing 0.05% NaN 3 . Monosaccharide contents (glucose and xylose) were then determined by HPLC as described by Rodriguez (2005) and Lechien et al (2006). Approximately 1 g (DM) of each fraction from treated WCLB (LF and SF) and RWCLB was hydrolysed at 40°C and pH 5.5 over 48 h of incubation according to the enzymatic cellulose degradation (ECD) method described by Rodriguez et al (2005).…”