Impact of Nonthermal Atmospheric Plasma on the Structure of Cellulose: Access to Soluble Branched Glucans

Abstract We have investigated the effect of non‐thermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) on the structure of microcrystalline cellulose. In particular, by means of different characterization methods, we demonstrate that NTAP promotes the partial cleavage of the β‐1,4 glycosidic bond of cellulose leading to the release of short‐chain cellodextrins that are reassembled in situ, preferentially at the C6 position, to form branched glucans with either a glucosyl or anhydroglucosyl terminal residue. The ramification of cellulosic chain induced by NTAP yields branched glucans that are soluble in DMSO or in water, thus opening a straightforward access to processable glucans from cellulose. Importantly, the absence of solvent and catalyst considerably facilitates downstream processing as compared to (bio)catalytic processes which typically occur in diluted conditions.

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