TITLE:
Characterization of Lignin before and after Exposure to the Gastrointestinal Tract of Ruminants
AUTHORS:
E. O. S. Saliba, D. Pilo-Veloso, N. M. Rodriguez, E. A. Capanema, J. S. Saliba, A. L. C. C. Borges, L. C. Gonçalves, I. Borges, D. G. Jayme, R. R. Silva
KEYWORDS:
Lignin, Eucalyptus grandis, Ruminant
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Analytical Chemistry,
Vol.7 No.11,
October
27,
2016
ABSTRACT: The aim
of this study was to investigate the structural composition of lignin (LIPE®)
extracted from Eucalyptus grandis,
before and after exposure to the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants. For this
study lignin was isolated, purified and characterized using 1H and 13C
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, nitrobenzene oxidation, functional
groups analysis and gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy. To have a better
understanding of lignin morphology and of its ultra structure, electron microscopy
in wood cell wall was utilized. The lignin fecal samples showed similar 1H
NMR spectrums and nitrobenzene oxidation products compared with LIPE®.
The result of the microanalysis of LIPE® was similar to data shown in the
literature. The ultra structure of lignin was similar to that of Bamboo (hard
wood). The lignin isolated from feces of sheep was identical to the original
LIPE®, which means that this product can be used as an external marker in
protein digestibility in sheep.