Open research questions in Polysaccharides and Plant Cell Walls

What the literature leaves open

• This parallel with the vascular cambium literature strengthens the biological plausibility of this interpretation, while highlighting that direct evidence — for example, from time-course imaging of phellogen initials themselves, as has been achieved for the vascular cambium — remains to be obtained for the phellogen of either species.

  Contrasting phellem patterns associated with phellogen longevity in Quercus suber and Quercus rotundifolia (Fagaceae) · 2026 · DOI

• In conclusion, this study provides preclinical evidence supporting Nectin-4 as a therapeutic target in EOC and suggests that combination with acetalax may represent a promising strategy to enhance ADC efficacy, warranting further investigation.

  Nectin-4-directed therapeutic repositioning augments anti-tumor efficacy in epithelial ovarian carcinoma · 2026 · DOI

• Despite the promising findings outlined above, several limitations of the present study should be acknowledged. The mechanistic understanding of how ultrasound modification enhances the prebiotic properties of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides remains incomplete, particularly because the metabolites generated from probiotic fermentation of the treated polysaccharides were not characterized.

  Ultrasound-Treated Dendrobium officinale Polysaccharides as Functional Ingredients for Plant-Based Yogurt: Enhancing Gel Properties of Soy Protein Isolate · 2026 · DOI

• Together, these findings identify the CgMYC2-G-box module as a tractable target for engineering bitter-flavonoid traits in citrus; because the present validation relied on seedlings and leaves, fruit-stage regulation remains to be confirmed.

  CgMYC2 directly activates jasmonate-induced naringin biosynthesis in Citrus grandis 'Tomentosa' · 2026 · DOI

• In our assay system, CgMYC2 was sufficient to transactivate all five tested promoters; whether MYB or WD-repeat partners modulate this regulation remains to be determined.

  CgMYC2 directly activates jasmonate-induced naringin biosynthesis in Citrus grandis 'Tomentosa' · 2026 · DOI

• There are some limitations of these studies. One of them is the lack of explanation of the mechanisms responsible for the observed effects. Moreover, in many analyses, different strains of L. edodes have been used. In addition, divergent methods of cultivation, various isolation and purification techniques and different routes of administration are key factors that could have influenced the obtained results.

  Lentinula edodes as a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Therapeutical Potential in Intestinal Inflammation and Colorectal Cancer · 2025 · DOI

• However, systematic investigations into the relationships between these conditions and the structure, solubility, type, and pharmacological activities of HEPs are still lacking. Thirdly, while research on HEPs has progressed, there is insufficient exploration of their novel pharmacological activities, warranting further investigation into their potential and mechanisms of action.

  Bioactive Polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus: Extraction, Structure, Bioactivities, and Applications · 2025 · DOI

• Yet, many fundamental questions remain unanswered, presenting opportunities for future research across scales—from molecular regulation to crop-level applications. 6.1. Molecular Regulation, Enzymatic Mechanisms, and Structural Complexity HG methylesterification is regulated by a diverse set of factors, including PME/PMEI isoforms, TFs, phytohormones, and apoplastic pH.

  Homogalacturonan Methylesterification and Cell Wall Regulation: Integrating Biochemistry, Mechanics, and Developmental Signaling for Crop Improvement · 2025 · DOI

• Future research should focus on the stability of SL212 under different fermentation conditions and the specific in vivo mechanism of action of its polysaccharides.

  Breeding of High-Polysaccharide-Producing Volvariella volvacea Strains Based on Genome Shuffling Technology · 2025 · DOI

• Precision Fermentation and Strain Engineering Recent advances in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and systems biology offer promising avenues to overcome persistent limitations in EPS production (Table 8). Traditional fermentation processes often yield low and variable EPS quantities, which hinder industrial applications.

  Lactic Acid Bacteria-Derived Exopolysaccharides: Dual Roles as Functional Ingredients and Fermentation Agents in Food Applications · 2025 · DOI

• To our knowledge, the ability to support the adherence of beneficial or pathogenic microorganisms to collagen and mucous as a function of the molecular weight of POS fractions has not been extensively studied before.

  The Molecular Weight of Enzymatically Modified Pectic Oligosaccharides from Apple Pomace as a Determinant for Biological and Prebiotic Activity · 2024 · DOI

• The effects of different drying methods on the structural characteristics and bioactivities of Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit polysaccharides are not well understood. There is a need to investigate how different industrial drying techniques affect the properties and biological activities of the polysaccharides.

  Effects of Different Drying Methods on the Structural Characteristics and Multiple Bioactivities of Rosa roxburghii Tratt Fruit Polysaccharides · 2024 · DOI

• Traditional pectin extraction methods have limitations, such as low yields and harsh conditions. There is a need for a green and rapid technique for pectin extraction. The effects of temperature, time, and liquid/solid ratio on pectin yield are not well understood.

  Environmentally Friendly Approach to Pectin Extraction from Grapefruit Peel: Microwave-Assisted High-Pressure CO2/H2O · 2024 · DOI

• The need for an efficient extraction method to unlock the full potential of Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharides. The lack of a novel polysaccharide extraction technology that can increase extraction yields and efficiency.

  Steam Explosion-Assisted Extraction of Polysaccharides from Pleurotus eryngii and Its Influence on Structural Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity · 2024 · DOI

• The traditional hot water extraction method has low yield and efficiency. There is a need for more efficient and effective methods for extracting polysaccharides from Tricholoma matsutake. The structural characterization and therapeutic potential of the extracted polysaccharides are not well understood.

  Ultrasound-Assisted Enzymatic Extraction of Polysaccharides from Tricholoma matsutake: Optimization, Structural Characterization, and Inhibition of α-Synuclein Aggregation · 2024 · DOI

• The need for sustainable and efficient methods for pectin extraction from agricultural by-products. The lack of comprehensive characterization of pectin extracted from pumpkin peels. The potential of pumpkin peels as a novel source of pectin.

  Pectin Microwave Assisted Extraction from Pumpkin Peels: Process Optimization and Chemical-Physical and Rheological Characterization · 2024 · DOI

• The nutritional and commercial potential of Hizikia fusiformis remains underexploited. There is a lack of understanding of the tissue distribution and pharmacokinetics of polyphenol–polysaccharide complex.

  In Vivo Tissue Distribution and Pharmacokinetics of FITC-Labelled Hizikia fusiforme Polyphenol–Polysaccharide Complex in Mice · 2024 · DOI

• The relevant research is relatively old, and the techniques are traditional. Most current studies on Schizochytrium limacinum focus on the DHA algal oil, and there are limited studies on the polysaccharides from Schizochytrium limacinum meal.

  Enzyme-Assisted Ultrasonic Extraction and Antioxidant Activities of Polysaccharides from Schizochytrium limacinum Meal · 2024 · DOI

• High concentration of TP may result in flocculation and further the increasing of droplets size due to the depletion flocculation.

  The Emulsification and Stabilization Mechanism of an Oil-in-Water Emulsion Constructed from Tremella Polysaccharide and Citrus Pectin · 2024 · DOI

• The exact mechanism behind this association is not fully understood; however, chronic intestinal…

  Lentinula edodes as a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Therapeutical Potential in Intestinal Inflammation and Colorectal Cancer · 2025 · DOI

• This study applies the freeze–thaw method as an innovative strategy for the efficient extraction of PCP, laying a solid foundation for further research on its separation, purification, and application in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

  Optimization of Polysaccharide Extraction from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua by Freeze–Thaw Method Using Response Surface Methodology · 2024 · DOI

• Further studies regarding the mechanism of UAE in extracting TFPs - Determining the physico-chemical and structural properties of the extracted…

  Study on the Optimization, Extraction Kinetics and Thermodynamics of the Ultrasound-Assisted Enzymatic Extraction of Tremella fuciformis Polysaccharides · 2024 · DOI

• The physicochemical properties of the E. ulmoides polysaccharide-iron complex need to be further studied - The in vivo antioxidant capacity of the complex needs to be further…

  Preparation and Performance Evaluation of Polysaccharide–Iron Complex of Eucommia ulmoides · 2024 · DOI

• Further study the structure-activity relationship of the polysaccharide-iron complex - Further study the polysaccharide-iron complex to provide health support for the iron-deficiency anemia population - Study the anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing effects of the polysaccharide-iron complex - Study the pharmacological activity of the polysaccharide-iron…

  Preparation and Performance Evaluation of Polysaccharide–Iron Complex of Eucommia ulmoides · 2024 · DOI

• Limited understanding of the effects of modification conditions on the structure and biological activities of dandelion root polysaccharides - Need for novel modification methods to enhance the biological activities…

  Extraction, Purification, Sulfated Modification, and Biological Activities of Dandelion Root Polysaccharides · 2024 · DOI

Most-cited papers in Polysaccharides and Plant Cell Walls

• The cell wall in plant cell response to trace metals: polysaccharide remodeling and its role in defense strategy · Acta Physiologiae Plantarum · 2010 · 651 citations
• Polysaccharides; Classification, Chemical Properties, and Future Perspective Applications in Fields of Pharmacology and Biological Medicine (A Review of Current Applications and Upcoming Potentialities) · Journal of Polymers and the Environment · 2021 · 598 citations
• A review of NMR analysis in polysaccharide structure and conformation: Progress, challenge and perspective · Food Research International · 2021 · 465 citations
• Pectin in biomedical and drug delivery applications: A review · International Journal of Biological Macromolecules · 2021 · 373 citations
• Molecular insights into the complex mechanics of plant epidermal cell walls · Science · 2021 · 348 citations
• Structure and Applications of Pectin in Food, Biomedical, and Pharmaceutical Industry: A Review · Coatings · 2021 · 331 citations
• Extraction, structural analysis, derivatization and antioxidant activity of polysaccharide from Chinese yam · Food Chemistry · 2021 · 326 citations
• Resozialisierung und Rechtsstaat · Kriminologisches Journal · 1982 · 319 citations
• Structural characterization and immunological activity of pectin polysaccharide from kiwano (Cucumis metuliferus) peels · Carbohydrate Polymers · 2020 · 316 citations
• Pectins from fruits: Relationships between extraction methods, structural characteristics, and functional properties · Trends in Food Science & Technology · 2021 · 311 citations

Most recent work

• Polysaccharides from Cynomorium songaricum Rupr.: Extraction and purification strategies, structural features, bioactivities, and structure–activity relationships · Trends in Food Science & Technology · 2026
• Plant cell wall remodeling and peptide signaling under abiotic and biotic stress · Plant Communications · 2026
• Dual-configuration arabinogalactan-II synergizes with rhamnogalacturonan-I in Lycium barbarum pectin to construct an intestinal anti-inflammatory glycan scaffold · Carbohydrate Polymers · 2026
• Nano-selenium functionalized sodium alginate/pectin film with dual enzyme-like activity for antioxidant preservation of postharvest strawberries · Food Control · 2026
• Pectin under stress: Pectin methylesterases at the core of cell wall remodeling, integrity sensing, and signaling in plants · Plant Communications · 2026
• Cascade Valorisation of Lemon-Processing Residues (Part I): Current Trends in Green Extraction Technologies and High-Value Bioactive Recovery · Foods · 2026
• The function of the Arabidopsis receptor kinase THESEUS1 in plant cell wall integrity maintenance: from evolutionary origin to future perspectives · The Plant Journal · 2026
• Structural characteristics, antioxidant and immunological activities of polysaccharides from Ficus hirta Vahl based on different extraction methods · Industrial Crops and Products · 2026
• Novel pectic-dominated cell wall polysaccharides from fresh Rehmannia radix: Physicochemical and rheological characteristics, antioxidant-immunomodulation dual activities, and structure-activity relationship analysis · Food Bioscience · 2026
• Expansin-like A binds to pectin via electrostatic forces and remodels the plant cell wall · PLANT PHYSIOLOGY · 2026

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