Interactions between non-cellulosic plant cell wall polysaccharides and cellulose emerging from adsorption studies

Abstract

Recent studies on the plant cell wall assume that hemicellulosic polysaccharides interact closely with cellulose microfibrils through hydrophobic forces. In contrast, hydrogen bonds, which are still emphasized, play a significant role in stabilizing the conformation of the hemicellulose bound on the cellulose surface. However, there is still no consensus on the nature of the interactions between these polysaccharides and on potential interactions of pectins also with cellulose microfibrils. Since the natural plant cell wall is a very complex system, studies of model systems (in vitro) provide information about the interaction between plant polysaccharides. Adsorption studies, which describe the interactions between non-cellulosic polysaccharides and cellulose, are one of these methods. They help to determine the type of these interactions and characterize the adsorption process. This review aims to summarize the knowledge of the interactions between cellulose and representatives of hemicelluloses and pectins, which was mainly provided by adsorption studies. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]