Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis in applied cotton fiber and cottonseed research: a review

Authors: He, Zhongqi; Liu, Yongliang

Submitted to: Journal of Cotton Science
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/3/2021
Publication Date: 7/19/2021
Citation: He, Z., Liu, Y. 2021. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis in applied cotton fiber and cottonseed research: a review. Journal of Cotton Science. 25(2):167-183.

Interpretive Summary: Cotton is one of the most important and widely grown crops in the world. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is a non-destructive instrumental technique in cotton plant biomass research. In this review, we synthesized and analyzed the information on the advancing of FT-IR spectroscopic technique for cotton fiber and cottonseed research and application, including but not limited to FT-IR evaluation of fiber cellulosic formation, FT-IR coupled with micro imaging techniques for cotton fiber cellulose development and contaminant identification, FT-IR monitoring of cottonseed oil structural changes impacted by processing and application factors FT-IR characterization of cottonseed protein structures and its interaction mechanisms with additives in product formations, and FT-IR characteristics of cottonseed hull. Increased knowledge from this review may provide insight and vision in future FT-IR research for the chemistry and quality-evolving mechanisms of these cotton biomass products and their end-use qualities.

Technical Abstract: Cotton, one of the most important and widely grown crops in the world, is a well-traded agricultural commodity primarily for textile fiber purpose. In addition, cottonseed (a byproduct of fiber production) has been utilized as agro-based raw materials for manufacturing bio-friendly and sustainable products. Qualitative and quantitative characterization of cotton biomass products/byproducts is an important research area for their quality monitoring, improvement and enhanced utilization. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is one of the non-destructive and widely used instrumental techniques in applied cotton fiber and cottonseed research. Thus, this review synthesized and analyzed the latest developments of utilizing FT-IR spectroscopy in investigations of cotton fiber and three cottonseed components (oil, protein, hull) functionally structural features impacted by various genetic, cropping, post-harvest processing, and end-use parameters or and conditions. Increased knowledge from this review may provide insight and vision in future FT-IR research for the chemistry and quality-evolving mechanisms of these cotton biomass products and their end-use qualities.