EXTRACTION OF SUBERIN AND LIGNIN FROM BEECH BARKS (FAGUS-SYLVATICA L)

We extracted lignin and suberin from Fagus sylvatica L. with a dioxane/H2O (9:1) solution according to the Bjorkman method. After precipitation of the lipin by ethyl ether, the material recovered was depolymerized and analyzed by gas chromatography. Short and long chain monobasic (C-12-C22) alkanoic acids constituted the major aliphatic monomers. In addition to these acids, phenolic compounds were detected in the phenolic fraction. As the soluble lipids, waxes and lignin had been removed, presence of fatty acids and phenolics proved the presence of suberin in the aqueous dioxane solution.