Researchers at Rutgers University-New Brunswick have achieved a significant breakthrough in the study of cellulose synthesis, capturing images of plant cell wall formation over 24 hours. This discovery could lead to the development of more resilient plants, enhancing food production and reducing biofuel costs.
Published in Science Advances, the study offers new insights into cellulose’s dynamic process and potential applications for products like textiles, biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and medical products. It represents over six years of collaboration among three Rutgers schools: Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Environmental and Biological Sciences.
“This work is the first direct visualization of how cellulose synthesizes and self-assembles into a dense fibril network on a plant cell surface,” said Sang-Hyuk Lee from the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He added that it provides new insights into how simple mechanisms like diffusion lead to complex cellulose networks.
The research involved observing protoplasts from Arabidopsis cells sprouting cellulose fibers that form complex networks. “I was very surprised by the emergence of ordered structures out of the chaotic dance of molecules,” Lee noted.
Cellulose is Earth’s most abundant biopolymer used in various industries for products like paper and clothing. Eric Lam from Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences highlighted that this discovery opens avenues for genetic studies on cellulose biosynthesis. “The knowledge gained will provide new clues for approaches to design better plants for carbon capture,” he stated.
Shishir Chundawat from Rutgers School of Engineering expressed his long-standing fascination with plants’ ability to produce diverse forms through photosynthesis. His team developed techniques using fluorescent protein dye to tag emerging cellulose tendrils.
The researchers employed total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy for detailed imaging without damaging cells. Lee oversaw imaging efforts while Chundawat led protein engineering aspects. Lam’s team removed cell walls from Arabidopsis cells to facilitate observation.
Other contributors included Hyun Huh, Dharanidaran Jayachandran, Mohammad Irfan, and Junhong Sun from various departments at Rutgers. The study received funding primarily from the Department of Energy with additional support from the National Science Foundation.
Animations are available for young students interested in learning about plant processes, although this study shows that cellulose synthesis is more complex than previously understood.
Explore further how Rutgers research is shaping future advancements.
