Structure Of Cell Wall Polysaccharides Research Articles

Novel cell wall polysaccharide genotypes and structures of lactococcal strains isolated from milk and fermented foods

The biosynthetic machinery for cell wall polysaccharide (CWPS) formation in Lactococcus lactis and Lactococcus cremoris is encoded by the cwps locus. The CWPS of lactococci typically consists of a neutral rhamnan component, which is embedded in the peptidoglycan, and to which a surface-exposed side chain oligosaccharide or polysaccharide pellicle (PSP) component is attached. The rhamnan component has been shown for several lactococcal strains to consist of a repeating rhamnose trisaccharide subunit, while the side chain is diverse in glycan content, polymeric status and glycosidic linkage architecture. The observed structural diversity of the CWPS side chain among lactococcal strains is reflected in the genetic diversity within the variable 3′ region of the corresponding cwps loci. To date, four distinct cwps genotypes (A, B, C, D) have been identified, while eight subtypes (C1 through to C8) have been recognized among C-genotype strains. In the present study, we report the identification of three novel subtypes of the lactococcal cwps C genotypes, named C9, C10 and C11. The CWPS of four isolates representing C7, C9, C10 and C11 genotypes were analysed using 2D NMR to reveal their unique CWPS structures. Through this analysis, the structure of one novel rhamnan, three distinct PSPs and three exopolysaccharides were elucidated. Results obtained in this study provide further insights into the complex nature and fascinating diversity of lactococcal CWPSs. This highlights the need for a holistic view of cell wall-associated glycan structures which may contribute to robustness of certain strains against infecting bacteriophages. This has clear implications for the fermented food industry that relies on the consistent application of lactococcal strains in mesophilic production systems.

Polysaccharides Analysis of Cell Wall Using Carbohydrate Gel Electrophoresis.

The plant cell wall is rich in polysaccharides with high heterogeneity. Investigating the composition and structure of cell wall polysaccharides is crucial for understanding the functionalities of plant cell walls. Carbohydrate electrophoresis is a sensitive and rapid method to analyze polysaccharides qualitatively and quantitatively. The process includes digesting thepolysaccharides with appropriate cleavage enzymes, labeling the reducing ends of the released oligosaccharides with a highly charged fluorophore, and separating the labeled oligosaccharides in a polyacrylamide gel via high-voltage electrophoresis. The generated fluorescence can be calculated ascompared to that of oligosaccharide standards. Therefore, this is a convenient method for polysaccharide characterization that can be performed in most laboratories. Here, we introduce the detailed operational steps and precautions, which are helpful for researchers to quickly obtain the structural information of polysaccharides.

Cell wall polysaccharides, phenolic extractability and mechanical properties of Aleatico winegrapes dehydrated under sun or in controlled conditions

Aleatico is an Italian red winegrape variety traditionally used partially dehydrated to produce Passito wines. The aim of this research is to assess the effect of two different off-vine withering techniques (natural sun-exposed: SUN, and controlled temperature and humidity conditions: CTR) on grapes physicochemical modifications, focusing on mechanical properties, phenolic profile, and cell-wall polysaccharide structures. The composition and extractability of polyphenols were studied before and after the two withering processes, differentiating the tissues (skin, pulp, seeds). A stronger effect on cell-wall polysaccharides composition pectin was highlighted by chemical and immunochemical approaches in SUN skins at the level of pectin chains and de-esterification, affecting grapes mechanical properties, especially for skin rigidity (<Esk). Sun-dehydrated grapes showed the highest pH (about 0.3 units more than FRESH and CTR), and the lowest acidity (−0.71 g/L vs FRESH) and anthocyanin content in wine-like solution (−41%), whereas these parameters were better preserved in controlled conditions. Instead, seeds tannins were higher in SUN than other samples, with a lower oligomers/polymers ratio. Indeed, after withering the phenolic extractability decreased in skins (total phenolics: from 60% for FRESH to 40% for SUN; anthocyanins: from 72% for FRESH to 46% for SUN) and increased in seeds (total phenolics: from 30% for FRESH to 41% for SUN) compared with fresh samples, in both cases more markedly for SUN than CTR. Skin phenolic composition after 10 days of simulated-maceration was affected by the combination of the loss/concentration balance, together with their modified release in the wine-like solution. As regards seeds, instead, the differences highlighted by the extractable profiles were due to the modified extractability as consequence of the different withering conditions and not to chemical quantitative/qualitative modifications of phenolic compounds caused by dehydration.

Characterization of cell wall polysaccharide from Cladosiphon okamuranus cultivated in different locations

SUMMARYCladosiphon okamuranus is an excellent source of fucoidan among any brown algae spp. However, the structure of polysaccharide varies significantly depending on the species, harvesting season and geographical location. To understand how geographic location affects the structure of cell wall polysaccharide, C. okamuranus cultivated in eight places (Bise, Katsuren, Yonashiro, Shikiya, Karimata, Nishihara, Hisamatsu and Ishigaki) in Ryukyu archipelago were collected during the peak harvesting time and the cell wall polysaccharide was analyzed physiochemically. The cell wall was sequentially fractionated into five fractions and its 80% was consisted of hot water fraction (HW) (60–70%) and hemicellulose‐I fraction (HC‐I) (15–20%), which mainly contained fucoidan composed of fucose (Fuc), glucuronic acid (GlcA) and sulfate (SO3−). Although the chemical composition and molecular weight of fucoidan in HW was slightly different at different places, the composition of Fuc, GlcA and SO3− was constant in the molar ratio of 1.0:0.5:0.7–1.0 respectively, suggesting that relatively similar structural fucoidan from C. okamuranus can be obtained from any geographical location in Okinawa Prefecture during peak time. However, considerable variation in the sugar composition in HC‐I was observed, despite the uniform molecular weight and SO3−. Particularly, HC‐I from Bise, where is the northern part of Okinawa Island, is composed of significantly higher amounts of Glc, Gal, Man, Xyl and morphologically thicker lateral branches compared to algae from the other parts of the island.

Cell Wall Changes of Papaya Fruit Treated with 1-Methylcyclopropene: Postharvest Analysis through SEM and FT-IR Spectroscopy

1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), is a widely researched and commercially used molecule to delay fruit ripening and improve the shelf life, both climacteric and non-climacteric fruits. Increasing the shelf life and keeping quality, especially of important climacteric fruits like papaya using 1-MCP, which undergoes a rapid softening during the ripening process required a detailed investigation of the structural changes of fruit cell wall. These changes include modifications in the cell wall polysaccharide structure due to increased activity of hydrolyzing enzymes, pectin, hemicellulose and cellulose degradation that results in fruit softening. Pectin degradation in papaya determines the extent of softening during ripening. Hence, the present investigation describes the role of 1-MCP in retaining the firmness, postharvest. The ultrastructural changes of papaya peel and pulp were studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The pectin degradation in untreated and 1-MCP treated fruits was analyzed through a rapid and reliable technique, FTIR spectroscopy (Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR)). The study revealed that postharvest application of 1-MCP at 900 ppb to papaya fruits, stored under cold storage (14°C) was effective in retaining higher fruit firmness by suppressing the rapid cell wall modifications and activity of pectin degradation, which are triggered by ethylene.

Candida albicans phosphate transport, facilitating nucleotide sugar biosynthesis, contributes to cell wall stability.

The Candida albicans high-affinity phosphate transporter Pho84 is required for normal Target of Rapamycin signaling, oxidative stress resistance and virulence of this fungal pathogen. It also contributes to C. albicans’ tolerance of two antifungal drug classes, polyenes and echinocandins. Echinocandins inhibit biosynthesis of a major cell wall component, beta-1,3-glucan. Cells lacking Pho84 were hypersensitive to other forms of cell wall stress beyond echinocandin exposure, while their cell wall integrity signaling response was weak. Metabolomics experiments showed that levels of phosphoric intermediates, including nucleotides like ATP and nucleotide sugars, were low in pho84 mutant compared to wild type cells recovering from phosphate starvation. Non-phosphoric precursors like nucleobases and nucleosides were elevated. Outer cell wall phosphomannan biosynthesis requires a nucleotide sugar,GDP-mannose. The nucleotide sugar UDP-glucose is the substrate of enzymes that synthesize two major structural cell wall polysaccharides, beta-1,3- and beta-1,6-glucan. Another nucleotide sugar, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, is the substrate of chitin synthases which produce a stabilizing component of the intercellular septum and of lateral cell walls. Lack of Pho84 activity, and phosphate starvation, potentiated pharmacological or genetic perturbation of these enzymes. Our model is that low substrate concentrations of beta-D-glucan- and chitin synthases diminish enzymatic reaction rates and potentiate pharmacologic inhibitors to decrease the yield of their cell wall-stabilizing products. Phosphate import is not conserved between fungal and human cells, and humans do not synthesize beta-D-glucans or chitin. Hence inhibiting these processes simultaneously could yield potent antifungal effects with low toxicity to humans.

Nucleotide-sugar metabolism in plants: the legacy of Luis F. Leloir.

This review commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to Luis F. Leloir 'for his discovery of sugar-nucleotides and their role in the biosynthesis of carbohydrates'. He and his co-workers discovered that activated forms of simple sugars, such as UDP-glucose and UDP-galactose, are essential intermediates in the interconversion of sugars. They elucidated the biosynthetic pathways for sucrose and starch, which are the major end-products of photosynthesis, and for trehalose. Trehalose 6-phosphate, the intermediate of trehalose biosynthesis that they discovered, is now a molecule of great interest due to its function as a sugar signalling metabolite that regulates many aspects of plant metabolism and development. The work of the Leloir group also opened the doors to an understanding of the biosynthesis of cellulose and other structural cell wall polysaccharides (hemicelluloses and pectins), and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Nucleotide-sugars also serve as sugar donors for a myriad of glycosyltransferases that conjugate sugars to other molecules, including lipids, phytohormones, secondary metabolites, and proteins, thereby modifying their biological activity. In this review, we highlight the diversity of nucleotide-sugars and their functions in plants, in recognition of Leloir's rich and enduring legacy to plant science.

Pretreatment of Rapeseed Meal Increases Its Recalcitrant Fiber Fermentation and Alters the Microbial Community in an in vitro Model of Swine Large Intestine.

The aim of current study was to investigate in an in vitro study how enzymatic and chemical pretreated rapeseed meal (RSM) influences the fiber fermentation and microbial community in the swine large intestine. RSM was processed enzymatically by a cellulase (CELL), two pectinases (PECT), or chemically by an alkaline (ALK) treatment. 16S rRNA gene sequencing data was performed to evaluate changes in the gut microbiota composition, whereas short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production (ion-chromatography) and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) composition (using monoclonal antibodies; mAbs) were used to assess fiber degradation. The results showed that ALK, CELL, PECT1, and PECT2 changed microbial community composition, increased the predicted abundance of microbial fiber-degrading enzymes and pathways, and increased acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and total SCFA production. The increased microbial genera positively correlated with SCFA production. Monoclonal antibody analyses showed that the cell wall polysaccharide structures of RSM shifted after ALK, CELL, PECT1, and PECT2 treatment. The degradation of NSP during the fermentation period was dynamic, and not continuous based on the epitope recognition by mAbs. This study provides the first detailed analysis of changes in the swine intestinal microbiota due to RSM modified by ALK, CELL, PECT1, and PECT2, which altered the microbial community structure, shifted the predicted functional metagenomic profile and subsequently increased total SCFA production. Our findings that ALK, CELL, PECT1, and PECT2 increased fiber degradability in RSM could help guide feed additive strategies to improve efficiency and productivity in swine industry. The current study gave insight into how enzymatic treatment of feed can alter microbial communities, which provides good opportunity to develop novel carbohydrase treatments, particularly in swine feed.

Interactions between cell wall polysaccharides and polyphenols: Effect of molecular internal structure.

Cell wall polysaccharides (CPSs) and polyphenols are major constituents of the dietary fiber complex in plant-based foods. Their digestion (by gut microbiota) and bioefficacy depend not only on their structure and quantity, but also on their intermolecular interactions. The composition and structure of these compounds vary with their dietary source (i.e., fruit or vegetable of origin) and can be further modified by food processing. Various components and structures of CPSs and polyphenols have been observed to demonstrate common and characteristic behaviors during interactions. However, at a fundamental level, the mechanisms that ultimately drive these interactions are still not fully understood. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the internal factors that influence CPS-polyphenol interactions, describes the different ways in which these interactions can be mediated by molecular composition or structure, and introduces the main methods for the analysis of these interactions, as well as the mechanisms involved. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview is provided of recent key findings in the area of CPS-polyphenol interactions. It is becoming clear that these interactions are shaped by a multitude of factors, the most important of which are the physicochemical properties of the partners: their morphology (surface area and porosity/pore shape), chemical composition (sugar ratio, solubility, and non-sugar components), and molecular architecture (molecular weight, degree of esterification, functional groups, and conformation). An improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive interactions between CPSs and polyphenols may allow us to better establish a bridge between food processing and the bioavailability of colonic fermentation products from CPSs and antioxidant polyphenols, which could ultimately lead to the development of new guidelines for the design of healthier and more nutritious foods.

Cereal root exudates contain highly structurally complex polysaccharides with soil-binding properties.

Rhizosheaths function in plant-soil interactions, and are proposed to form due to a mix of soil particle entanglement in root hairs and the action of adhesive root exudates. The soil-binding factors released into rhizospheres to form rhizosheaths have not been characterised. Analysis of the high-molecular-weight (HMW) root exudates of both wheat and maize plants indicate the presence of complex, highly branched polysaccharide components with a wide range of galactosyl, glucosyl and mannosyl linkages that do not directly reflect cereal root cell wall polysaccharide structures. Periodate oxidation indicates that it is the carbohydrate components of the HMW exudates that have soil-binding properties. The root exudates contain xyloglucan (LM25), heteroxylan (LM11/LM27) and arabinogalactan-protein (LM2) epitopes, and sandwich-ELISA evidence indicates that, in wheat particularly, these can be interlinked in multi-polysaccharide complexes. Using wheat as a model, exudate-binding monoclonal antibodies have enabled the tracking of polysaccharide release along root axes of young seedlings, and their presence at root hair surfaces and in rhizosheaths. The observations indicate that specific root exudate polysaccharides, distinct from cell wall polysaccharides, are adhesive factors secreted by root axes, and that they contribute to the formation and stabilisation of cereal rhizosheaths.

The CWPS Rubik's cube: Linking diversity of cell wall polysaccharide structures with the encoded biosynthetic machinery of selected Lactococcus lactis strains.

The biosynthetic machinery for cell wall polysaccharide (CWPS) production in lactococci is encoded by a large gene cluster, designated cwps. This locus displays considerable variation among lactococcal genomes, previously prompting a classification into three distinct genotypes (A-C). In the present study, the cwps loci of 107 lactococcal strains were compared, revealing the presence of a fourth cwps genotype (type D). Lactococcal CWPSs are comprised of two saccharidic structures: a peptidoglycan-embedded rhamnan backbone polymer to which a surface-exposed, poly/oligosaccharidic side-chain is covalently linked. Chemical structures of the side-chain of seven lactococcal strains were elucidated, highlighting their diverse and strain-specific nature. Furthermore, a link between cwps genotype and chemical structure was derived based on the number of glycosyltransferase-encoding genes in the cwps cluster and the presence of conserved genes encoding the presumed priming glycosyltransferase. This facilitates predictions of several structural features of lactococcal CWPSs including (a) whether the CWPS possesses short oligo/polysaccharide side-chains, (b) the number of component monosaccharides in a given CWPS structure, (c) the order of monosaccharide incorporation into the repeating units of the side-chain (for C-type strains), (d) the presence of Galf and phosphodiester bonds in the side-chain, and (e) the presence of glycerol phosphate substituents in the side-chain.

Extraction Methods Affect the Structure of Goji (Lycium barbarum) Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are considered to be the most important active substances in Goji. However, the structure of polysaccharides varies according to the extraction methods applied, and the solution used to prepare Goji polysaccharides (LBPs) were limited. Thus, it is important to clarify the connection between extraction methods and structure of Goji polysaccharide. In view of the complex composition of cell wall polysaccharides and the various forms of interaction, different extraction methods will release different parts of the cell wall. The present study compared the effects of different extraction methods, which have been used to prepare different types of plant cell wall polysaccharides based on various sources, on the structure of cell-wall polysaccharides from Goji, by the single separate use of hot water, hydrochloric acid (0.4%) and sodium hydroxide (0.6%), at both high and low temperatures. Meanwhile, in order to explore the limitations of single extraction, sequential extraction methods were applied. Structural analysis including monosaccharide analysis, GPC-MALLS, AFM and 1H-NMR suggested the persistence of more extensively branched rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) domains in the procedures involving low-temperature-alkali, while procedures prepared by high-temperature-acid contains more homogalacturonan (HG) regions and results in the removal of a substantial part of the side chain, specifically the arabinan. A kind of acidic heteropolysaccharide was obtained by hot water extraction. SEC-MALLS and AFM confirmed large-size polymers with branched morphologies in alkali-extracted polysaccharides. Our results provide new insight into the extraction of Goji polysaccharides, which differ from the hot water extraction used by traditional Chinese medicine.

Monoclonal Antibodies, Carbohydrate-Binding Modules, and Detection of Polysaccharides in Cell Walls from Plants and Marine Algae.

Plant and algal cell walls are diverse composites of complex polysaccharides. Molecular probes such as monoclonal antibodies (MABs) and carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) are important tools to detect and dissect cell wall structures in these materials. We provide an account of methods that can be used to detect cell wall polysaccharide structures (epitopes) in plant and marine algal materials and also describe treatments that can provide information on the masking of polysaccharides that may prevent detection. These masking phenomena may indicate potential interactions between sets of cell wall polysaccharides and methods to uncover them are an important aspect of cell wall immunocytochemistry.

Pectins from cashew apple fruit (Anacardium occidentale): Extraction and chemical characterization

The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical evergreen tree largely cultivated in Brazil, which produces the cashew apple, a peduncle rich in carbohydrates and considered an industrial waste of the nut production. Until now, there were no data available about the chemical structure of cell wall polysaccharides found in cashew apple. In this work, its pectic polysaccharides have been characterized through monosaccharide composition, HPSEC, methylation and 13C and 1H/13C HSQC-DEPT-NMR analyses. Highly methyl esterified homogalacturonan with a DE of 76% mixed with arabinogalactan were found. This latter was purified and presented a highly branched type II arabinogalactan (AG II) and small amounts of a type I rhamnogalacturonan in which the AG II could be anchored. These findings about the chemical structure of cashew apple pectins could contribute to develop future nutritional, biotechnological and pharmacological uses for this industrial waste from the cashew nut production.

Changes in the composition and structure of cell wall polysaccharides from Artemisia annua in response to salt stress

Artemisia annua is cultivated mainly for isolation of artemisinin, a potent antimalarial compound. Moderate salt stress has been proved to increase the artemisinin synthesis by the plant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of salt stress on physiological parameters and cell wall polysaccharides of A. annua. Plants subjected to salt stress displayed reduction in the biomass and length and showed high damage of cellular membranes. Cell wall polysaccharides extracted from aerial parts with hot water, EDTA and NaOH also exhibited modifications in the yield and monosaccharide composition. The main changes were found in the pectic polysaccharides: increase of homogalacturonan domain, increase of neutral side chains and increase in the methyl esterification. 1H NMR analyses of pectins indicated that for A. annua, arabinans have an important role in coping with salt stress. Hemicellulose domain was also modified under salt stress, with increased xylose contents. The results indicated adaptations in the cell wall of A. annua under salt stress.

Impact of acidic pH on plant cell wall polysaccharide structure and dynamics: insights into the mechanism of acid growth in plants from solid-state NMR

Acidification of plant primary cell walls causes cell wall expansion and plant growth. To understand how acidic pH affects the molecular structure and dynamics of wall polysaccharides, we have now characterized and compared Arabidopsis thaliana primary cell walls in neutral (pH 6.8) and acidic (pH 4.0) conditions using solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Quantitative 13C solid-state NMR spectra indicate that the pH 4.0 cell wall has neutral galacturonic acid residues in homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan (RG). 13C INEPT spectra, which selectively detect highly dynamic polymers, indicate that some of the HG and RG chains in the interfibrillar region have become more dynamic in the acidic wall compared to the neutral cell wall, whereas other chains have become more rigid. Consistent with this increased dynamic heterogeneity, C–H dipolar couplings and 2D 13C–13C correlation spectra indicate that some of the HG backbones are partially aggregated in the acidic cell wall. Moreover, 2D correlation spectra measured with long mixing times indicate that the acidic cell wall has weaker cellulose–pectin interactions, and water-polysaccharide 1H spin diffusion data show that cellulose microfibrils are better hydrated at low pH. Taken together, these results indicate a cascade of chemical and conformational changes of wall polysaccharides due to cell wall acidification. These changes start with neutralization of the pectic polysaccharides, which disrupts calcium crosslinking of HG, causes partial aggregation of the interfibrillar HG, weakens cellulose–pectin interactions, and increases the hydration of both cellulose microfibrils and matrix polysaccharides. These molecular-level structural and dynamical changes are expected to facilitate polysaccharide slippage, which underlies cell wall loosening and expansion, and may occur both independent of and as a consequence of protein-mediated wall loosening.

Determination of the cell wall polysaccharide and teichoic acid structures from Lactococcus lactis IL1403

In the lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis, a cell wall polysaccharide (CWPS) is the bacterial receptor of the majority of infecting bacteriophages. The diversity of CWPS structures between strains explains, at least partially, the narrow host range of lactococcal phages. In the present work, we studied the polysaccharide components of the cell wall of the prototype L. lactis subsp. lactis strain IL1403. We identified a rhamnose-rich complex polysaccharide, carrying a glycerophosphate substitution, as the major component. Its structure was analyzed by 2D NMR spectroscopy, methylation analysis and MALDI-TOF MS and shown to be distinctly different from currently known lactococcal CWPS structures. It contains a linear backbone of repeated α-l-Rha disaccharide subunits, which is irregularly substituted with a trisaccharide occasionally bearing a glycerophosphate group. A poly (glycerol phosphate) teichoic acid, another important carbohydrate component of the IL1403 cell wall, was also isolated and structurally characterized.

Action of multi-enzyme complex on protein extraction to obtain a protein concentrate from okara.

The objective of this study was to optimize the extraction of protein by applying a multi-enzymatic pretreatment to okara, a byproduct from soymilk processing. The multi-enzyme complex Viscozyme, containing a variety of carbohydrases, was used to hydrolyze the okara cell walls and facilitate extraction of proteins. Enzyme-assisted extraction was carried out under different temperatures (37-53°C), enzyme concentrations (1.5-4%) and pH values (5.5-6.5) according to a central composite rotatable design. After extraction, the protein was concentrated by isoelectric precipitation. The optimal conditions for maximum protein content and recovery in protein concentrate were 53°C, pH 6.2 and 4% of enzyme concentration. Under these conditions, protein content of 56% (dry weight basis) and a recovery of 28% were obtained, representing an increase of 17 and 86%, respectively, compared to the sample with no enzymatic pretreatment. The multi-enzyme complex Viscozyme hydrolyzed the structural cell wall polysaccharides, improving extraction and obtaining protein concentrate from the okara. An electrophoretic profile of the protein concentrate showed two distinct bands, corresponding to the acidic and basic subunits of the protein glycinin. There were no limiting amino acids in the protein concentrate, which had a greater content of arginine.

Methods for Xyloglucan Structure Analysis in Brachypodium distachyon.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has become an important tool for the analysis of biomolecules, such as DNA, peptides, and oligosaccharides. This technique has been developed as a rapid, sensitive, and accurate means for analyzing cell wall polysaccharide structures. Here, we describe a method using mass spectrometry to provide xyloglucan composition and structure information of Brachypodium plants which will be useful for functional characterization of xyloglucan biosynthesis pathway in Brachypodium distachyon.

Characterization of structural cell wall polysaccharides in cattail (Typha latifolia): Evaluation as potential biofuel feedstock

Second generation bioethanol produced from lignocellulosic biomass is attracting attention as an alternative energy source. In this study, a detailed knowledge of the composition and structure of common cattail (Typha latifolia L.) cell wall polysaccharides, obtained from stem or leaves, has been conducted using a wide set of techniques to evaluate this species as a potential bioethanol feedstock. Our results showed that common cattail cellulose content was high for plants in the order Poales and was accompanied by a small amount of cross-linked polysaccharides. A high degree of arabinose-substitution in xylans, a high syringyl/guaiacyl ratio in lignin and a low level of cell wall crystallinity could yield a good performance for lignocellulose saccharification. These results identify common cattail as a promising plant for use as potential bioethanol feedstock. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first in-depth analysis to be conducted of lignocellulosic material from common cattail.