Birnessite catalysis of the Maillard Reaction: Its significance in natural humification

Although mineral colloids are known to play a significant role in transforming organic matter in soils and sediments, there still are many gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms of organic‐mineral interactions. In this study, we investigated the role of a major oxide‐mineral birnessite (a form of Mn(IV) oxide) in catalyzing the condensation reaction between sugars and amino acids, the Maillard reaction, for forming humic substances. The Maillard reaction is perceived to be a major pathway in natural humification. Using a suite of spectroscopic methods (including ESR, XANES, EXAFS and 13 C NMR), our results show that Mn(IV) oxide markedly accelerates the Maillard reaction between glucose and glycine at ranges of temperatures and pH typical of natural environments. These results demonstrate the importance of manganese oxide catalysis in the Maillard reaction, and its significance in the natural abiotic formation of humic substances.