Work

Role of Extractable and Non-Extractable Polyphenols in the Formation of Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) Red Heartwood Chromophores

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Despite the long history of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) red heartwood research, there has been no experimental proof on the structure of the chromophores yet. For the first time, using high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection/multistage electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, it was evidenced that red heartwood chromophores are water/methanol solvent extractable high molecular weight (400–2200 Da) compounds, which are polymerized, transformed, and oxidized products of (epi)catechin and taxifolin. Acid soluble non-extractable polyphenols (flavonoids, tannins) were not evidenced in the cell wall structure, while alkaline soluble compounds (ferulic acid, dehydrodiferulic acid, p-coumaric acid) have been identified for the first time from the sapwood/red heartwood boundary tissues: these supposedly play a role in the structural reinforcement of the cell wall structure and in the antioxidant protection and have a lesser role in color formation. Results on the structure of chromophores and on cell wall composition may enhance color homogenization technologies and contribute to a better utilization of red-heartwooded timber in the future.

Source: Forests

DOI: 10.3390/f16101557

Authors: Tamás Hofmann, Eszter Visi-Rajczi, Levente Albert

Institution: University of Sopron

Language: English

Topic: Wood Treatment and Properties

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funder: Nemzeti Kutatási és Technológiai Hivatal