Oxidative Polymerization of Sesquiterpenes in Agarwood – How Aquilaria Converts Defense Metabolites into High-Value Resin
Agarwood resin is not just liquid sap—it is a complex polymerized mixture of sesquiterpenes and chromones. Oxidative polymerization is the key biochemical process that transforms defense metabolites into aromatic, resinous agarwood.
1. What Are Sesquiterpenes?
- Sesquiterpenes are C15 terpenoids produced by Aquilaria as part of its defense response.
- Produced in response to:
- Biotic stress: Fusarium or fungal colonization (FusaPrime™, Harmonia™)
- Abiotic stress: Wounding, chemical elicitors (AgarStart™, ResinRush™)
- Serve as precursors for resin formation, eventually polymerizing to form dense aromatic compounds.
2. Oxidative Polymerization: The Process
Definition: The chemical transformation of monomeric sesquiterpenes into larger polymerized compounds through oxidation.
Mechanism:
- ROS Generation – Reactive oxygen species (H₂O₂, superoxide) produced via oxidative priming
- Enzymatic Activation – Tree enzymes (peroxidases, oxidases) catalyze sesquiterpene oxidation
- Polymer Formation – Monomers link into longer-chain molecules, creating:
- Dark, viscous resin
- Aromatic, stable compounds (chromones + sesquiterpene polymers)
- Resin Deposition – Polymerized sesquiterpenes accumulate in xylem around inoculation points
BarIno™ Insight:
- Controlled ROS via AgarStart™ and oxidative priming ensures polymerization without harming cambium.
- Biotic induction provides precursors and triggers for efficient polymerization.
3. Factors Affecting Oxidative Polymerization
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Sap flow & cambium vitality | Ensures metabolite transport and active enzymatic reactions |
| Tree stress (abiotic & biotic) | Triggers ROS bursts and enzyme activation |
| Seasonal conditions | Dry season favors polymer stability; wet season promotes precursor formation |
| Inoculation density & depth | Optimizes localized metabolite concentration for polymerization |
| BarIno™ sequencing | Sequential induction ensures staged polymerization and densification |
4. Visual / Sensory Indicators
- Resin darkening: yellow → brown → black
- Increased viscosity: thick, sticky sap around wounds
- Aroma intensification: sweet, woody, spicy notes
- Resin is harder and more compact after polymerization
Early resin may be semi-liquid; oxidative polymerization over weeks to months locks it into aromatic, high-value agarwood.
5. BarIno™ Sequential Strategy for Polymerization
- AgarStart™ – triggers ROS and oxidative priming
- FusaPrime™ – provides biotic metabolites and enzymatic triggers
- FusaTrinity™ / Harmonia™ – amplifies stress and defense response
- FusaBlaze™ / ResinRush™ – ensures dense resin deposition and final polymerization
Key Insight:
Oxidative polymerization is the chemical “locking step” that converts tree defense metabolites into commercially valuable agarwood resin.
6. Farmer-Friendly Summary
- Sesquiterpenes = “raw resin ingredients”
- ROS and oxidative priming = “catalyst”
- Polymerization = “resin solidification and aroma development”
- Sequential BarIno™ application = controlled process for maximum yield and quality