Cellulose-based composites as models for primary plant cell walls of cereals and grasses [ 2006-01-09 - 2009-04-30 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Dr Gary Dykes (Chief Investigator) ,  Emeritus Professor Mike Gidley (Chief Investigator) ,  Emeritus Professor Mike Gidley (Chief Investigator)

Brief description Cellulose-based composites as models for primary plant cell walls of cereals and grasses. Cereals and grasses are the lynchpins of the Australian Agri-Food industry. Cell walls provide shape, form and barrier properties to the plant and are the basis for both post-harvest mechanical properties and direct nutritional benefits. There is as yet no validated model for the molecular assembly, architecture and mechanical behaviour of cereal/grass cell walls. This project aims to derive such a model, so that predictions can be made concerning the effects of tailoring either plant composition (e.g. at the gene level) or post-harvest treatment in order to achieve desired plant or food properties. The findings will also be relevant to understanding how individual features of cell walls affect digestibility and nutritional properties.

Funding Amount $245,000

Funding Scheme Discovery Projects

View this grant in the ARC Data Portal