Monosaccharide composition of lignocellulosic matrix—Optimization of microwave-assisted acid hydrolysis condition

Compositional analysis of polysaccharides is crucial in many applications of analytical chemistry, and typically involves hydrolysis as initial step, to break glycosidic bonds and release individual monosaccharide units. We developed a new method for the microwave-assisted acid hydrolysis of polysaccharides, here applied for determining the composition of the polysaccharide fraction within the lignocellulosic matrix of Pinus sylvestris. The optimisation of reaction conditions was carried out using a GC–MS method after a double-step sugar derivatization process.

Under the optimized conditions, specifically, employing 2 M TFA, 40 min, and 120 °C, a high depolymerisation yield was achieved with minimal degradation. Furthermore, the amount of polysaccharides detected in pine wood aligns with the results in existing literature, substantiating the determined chemical composition.

The synergy of microwave-assisted acid hydrolysis and full factorial design not only facilitated the determination of the optimal hydrolysis conditions but also enabled the assessment of the parameters influencing the polysaccharide hydrolysis process and their relationships. This approach made it feasible to achieve maximum hydrolysis efficiency while minimizing analyte degradation, employing a method that reduces environmental impact through the use of microwave energy. This strategy effectively reduced the required reaction temperature, time, and reagent quantities.