Biomass Surface Characterization Laboratory

Biomass Surface
Characterization Laboratory
Multi-scale, multi-mode imaging tools to
understand the recalcitrant nature of biomass
feedstocks and the performance of techniques
to deconstruct biomass
The Biomass Surface Characterization

Laboratory (BSCL) is an integrated 2,800
square foot facility dedicated to advanced In the cellular visualization room of the BSCL, NREL scientists
can look at different views of the ultra-structures of pretreated
characterization of biomass substrates. biomass materials. Photo by Dennis Schroeder, NREL/PIX 17880
NREL’s BSCL provides: Equipment Specifications

•Multi-scale imaging tools including light, electron, System Capabilities
and scanning probe microscopes
Confocal microscopes Laser wavelengths of 407 nm, 488 nm,
• Micron- to nanometer-scale structural analysis of Nikon E800 C1 543nm
plant, algal, and microbial cells Nikon Eclipse C1si Modular photomultiplier detector unit
• Spatial, chemical, and time domain information. Spectral Confocal (PMT)
All of these features contribute to understanding the Raman microscope
Fast Raman imaging modules with
recalcitrant nature of biomass feedstocks. Horiba Scientific acquisition times down to <5 ms/point
LabRAM HR
BSCL imaging capabilities include: High-vacuum, low-vacuum and ESEM
Confocal microscopy and Raman microscopy
• modes
Scanning electron In-situ imaging at temperatures up to
• Transmission electron microscopy and tomography microscope 1,200°C
• Scanning electron microscopy and energy FEI Quanta FEG 400
60 mm motorized z-range of the stage
dispersive spectroscopy Energy dispersive X-ray analysis
• Atomic force microscopy. 200 kV LaB6 filament
Biomass specific preparation and microtomy Gatan Ultrascan 2K x 2K CCD digital
Transmission electron camera with 4 port output
techniques to optimize imaging include: microscope
FEI G20 Tecnai 200kV High-tilt 360° rotation holder to acquire ±
- High-resolution carbon coating and sputter 70° tilt series
coating Energy dispersive X-ray analysis
- Critical point drying and freeze drying Atomic force
microscopes Force-measurement features and proven
- Cryo-preservation and embedding Veeco MultiMode SPM technology
- Thin and ultra-thin microtomy PicoForce and Veeco NanoScope software
BioScope
- Chemical and immunological staining.
Image processing and EZ C1, AutoQuant, Nikon Elements, Image
analysis Pro Plus, ImageJ, IMOD, Chimera, MatLab
NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy,

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.
Biomass Surface Characterization Laboratory
Imaging Applications
Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM)
Eliminates image degrading out-of-focus information
•
Performs serial, optical sectioning through thick

•
specimens
• Monitors tissue-scale cellular dislocation.
Confocal Raman microscopy
Non-destructive technique generating chemical
•
images using the sample’s Raman spectrum

• Allows direct overlay of chemical and spatial data
• Maps cell wall chemistry without stains or labels.
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
Leading imaging technique for nano-scale biological
•
BSCL scientists use antibody and carbohydrate binding module
research probes to map the distribution of specific cell wall components
Allows the user to visualize the internal structure of
• within biomass samples, as shown in this confocal scanning laser
microscope image of a cross section of a corn stover stem. Image by
materials of biological or non-biological origin BSCL, NREL/PIX 20331
• Detects cell wall decontruction.
Associated publications
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
The most versatile and widely used tool for surface
• Donohoe, B.S., et al. (2011) “Surface and Ultrastructural
characterization Characterization of Raw and Pretreated Switchgrass.”
• Allows the study of the surface morphology of both Bioresour. Technol. (102); pp. 11097-11104.
biological and non-biological materials Haas, T.J., et al. (2009). “Real-Time and Post-Reaction
• Analyzes changes in surface area. Microscopic Structural Analysis of Biomass Undergoing
Pyrolysis.” Energy Fuels (23); pp. 3810-3817.
Atomic force microscopy (AFM)
Images the topography of the sample surface at
• Donohoe, B.S., et al. (2009). “Detecting Cellulase
nanometer resolution Penetration into Corn Stover Cell Walls by Immuno-Electron
Measures the attractive and repulsive forces between
• Microscopy.” Biotechnol. Bioeng. (103); pp. 480-489.
the scanning probe tip and the sample surface Brunecky, R., et al. (2009). “Redistribution of Xylan in Maize
Images surface exposed cellulose microfibrils.
•
Cell Walls during Dilute Acid Pretreatment.” Biotechnol.
Bioeng. (102); pp. 1537-1543.
Donohoe, B.S., et al. (2008). “Visualizing Lignin
Coalescence and Migration through Maize Cell Walls
Following Thermochemical Pretreatment.” Biotechnol.
Bioeng. (101); pp. 913-925.
For more information, contact:

Bryon Donohoe, 303-384-7773, Bryon.Donohoe@nrel.gov
Todd Vinzant, 303-384-7760, Todd.Vinzant@nrel.gov
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy
15013 Denver West Parkway Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Golden, CO 80401 Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
303-275-3000 • www.nrel.gov NREL/FS-5100-54589 • April 2012
Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at
least 50% wastepaper, including 10% post consumer waste.

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Biomass Surface

The Biomass Surface Characterization

NREL’s BSCL provides: Equipment Specifications

NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy,

Performs serial, optical sectioning through thick

images using the sample’s Raman spectrum

For more information, contact:

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