The discrete role of ferulic acid in the assembly of lignified cell wall

The plant cell walls properties are dramatically affected by lignification. Exploring the highly variable structure, deposition mode and interaction capabilities of lignins in plant cell walls makes it possible to formulate methods for limiting the adverse effect of these aromatic polymers on biomass-to-biofuel conversion processes. In partnership with chemists (John Ralph, USDA, Madison, WI, USA) and molecular biologists (Lise Jouanin, Cellular Biology Unit, INRA Versailles, France), we studied cell wall lignins in normal plants and in plants affected in their lignification by focusing on the parameters involved in the interactions between lignins and polysaccharides.