Slice - Cut and Analyze Laser Microdissection (LMD): A method to produce sample material from modified wood for chemical quality analysis

IRG/WP 11-20478

K Zimmer, E Larnøy, A Treu, M Fongen

Wood modification with its various systems is an established way to enhance a wood products’ service life in outdoor applications. Per definition, selected material properties are enhanced by means of modification without producing toxic substances or residues during service life and combustion afterwards. The systems of impregnation modification include a physical and often chemical alteration of the cell wall by impregnation and a following polymerization of a monomer. As a result of evenly distributed modification agents within the wooden matrix, modified wood species show enhanced wood properties in all areas of the wooden sample. However, wood properties can vary within a wood sample due to an uneven distribution or polymerization of the modification agent. Laser microdissection (LMD) is a method for production of sample material for chemical quality analysis and was tested in this study. Untreated and furfurylated Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) sapwood material was processed with a razorblade and LMD each. The chemical composition of untreated and furfurylated Scots pine sapwood latewood areas was analyzed by means of thermogravimetric analysis. Sample material was produced both with a razor blade and with LMD. As a control, the chemical composition of untreated and furfurylated Scots pine sapwood was analyzed with TGA. Sample material from whole microtome slides as well as earlywood and latewood fractions separated with a razor blade were used. With LMD sample material from selected areas was possible to prepare. The method though was very time consuming and a minimum amount of 0.5-1 mg of sample material is necessary to obtain data in necessary accuracy. This method is only reasonable for analysing specific problems as exactly selected areas within a tissue can be collected and analyzed afterwards. During the sample preparation, a chemical alteration of the chemical properties occurred. Further research is necessary to verify laser microdissection as a method to prepare sample material for chemical analysis.


Keywords: LMD, TGA, TGA/DSC, quality analysis

Conference: 11-05-08/12 Queenstown, New Zealand


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