Abstract
Scanning probe microscopy has emerged as a powerful approach to a broader understanding of
the molecular architecture of cell walls, which may shed light on the challenge of efficient
cellulosic ethanol production. We have obtained preliminary images of both poplar and
switchgrass samples using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results show distinctive
features that are shared by switchgrass and poplar. These features may be attributable to the
lignocellulosic cell wall composition, as the collected images exhibit the characteristic
macromolecular globule structures attributable to the lignocellulosic systems. Using both AFM
and scanning near-field ultrasound holography (SNFUH), in the case of poplar, the images
clearly show the cell wall structure. The results are of importance in providing a better
understanding of the characteristic features of both mature plant cells as well as developing cells.
In addition, we present spectroscopic investigation of the same samples.
