Alkaline pretreatment of intact biomass yields two process streams: a carbohydrate enriched solid fraction and a lignin-enriched aqueous black liquor fraction. Analysis of the black liquor fraction has been challenging due to its complexity in lignin degradation products of both high and low molecular weight species. In this talk we will describe the application of Gradient Elution Moving Boundary Electrophoresis1 (GEMBE) for the analysis of black liquor. GEMBE is an injectionless analytical separations technique that is particularly well suited for analysis of complex samples in difficult matrices. The method described here requires minimal pre-treatment (dilution), can be conducted in a separation time on the order of 15 minutes, and analytes can be quantified via external calibration. Results discussed will demonstrate the quantification of approximately 15 compounds present in APL with a characteristic limit of detection on the order of 100 micromolar. The talk will demonstrate the utility of the method for tracking individual compounds as a function of pretreatment conditions, and during fermentation. 1. (a) Shackman, J. G.; Munson, M. S.; Ross, D., Gradient elution moving boundary electrophoresis for high-throughput multiplexed microfluidic devices. Analytical Chemistry 2007, 79 (2), 565-571; (b) Strychalski, E. A.; Henry, A. C.; Ross, D., Microfluidic Analysis of Complex Samples with Minimal Sample Preparation Using Gradient Elution Moving Boundary Electrophoresis. Analytical Chemistry 2009, 81 (24), 10201-10207; (c) Strychalski, E. A.; Henry, A. C.; Ross, D., Expanding the Capabilities of Microfluidic Gradient Elution Moving Boundary Electrophoresis for Complex Samples. Analytical Chemistry 2011, 83 (16), 6316-6322.

Gradient elution moving boundary electrophoresis for analysis of alkaline pretreatment liquor

251st National Meeting (2016)

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