Solid-state 13C NMR delineates the architectural design of biopolymers in native and genetically altered tomato fruit cuticles

Subhasish Chatterjee, Antonio J. Matas, Tal Isaacson, Cindie Kehlet, Jocelyn K.C. Rose, Ruth E. Stark

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Plant cuticles on outer fruit and leaf surfaces are natural macromolecular composites of waxes and polyesters that ensure mechanical integrity and mitigate environmental challenges. They also provide renewable raw materials for cosmetics, packaging, and coatings. To delineate the structural framework and flexibility underlying the versatile functions of cutin biopolymers associated with polysaccharide-rich cell-wall matrices, solid-state NMR spectra and spin relaxation times were measured in a tomato fruit model system, including different developmental stages and surface phenotypes. The hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance of the cutin ensures compatibility with the underlying polysaccharide cell walls; the hydroxy fatty acid structures of outer epidermal cutin also support deposition of hydrophobic waxes and aromatic moieties while promoting the formation of cell-wall cross-links that rigidify and strengthen the cuticle composite during fruit development. Fruit cutin-deficient tomato mutants with compromised microbial resistance exhibit less efficient local and collective biopolymer motions, stiffening their cuticular surfaces and increasing their susceptibility to fracture.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)215-224
Number of pages10
JournalBiomacromolecules
Volume17
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 11 Jan 2016

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Solid-state 13C NMR delineates the architectural design of biopolymers in native and genetically altered tomato fruit cuticles'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this