Bio‐Tribology and Bio‐Lubrication of Plant Cell Walls

Abstract

This article considers the underpinning role of interactive forces at the cell wall and cellulose–fibre interfaces in the physiological and biophysical functionality of the various non‐cellulosic components that are present within the plant cell walls. We specifically introduce the use of tribological science (friction and lubrication) to obtain new insights into relative movements occurring between cells and between cellulose fibrils within the cell walls, and the potential influence on friction forces by pectin, hemicelluloses, and expansins. This approach may provide a basis for describing physical phenomena which define the system's behaviour during growth, morphogenesis, and mechanical deformation of plants.

Probing adhesion between nanoscale cellulose fibres using AFM lateral force spectroscopy: The effect of hemicelluloses on hydrogen bonding

“…A special class of PCWs is primary cell walls in which cell growth is permitted; these walls are highly deformable and typically contain no lignin. Within the primary PCW fibre network, cellulose is the main load-bearing component and hemicelluloses act as a water holding matrix (Dolan, Yakubov & Stokes, 2018). In addition, hemicelluloses play the role of cellulose deposition 'managers' influencing fibre orientation and association, and are responsible for tuning the microstructure of the cellulose sub-network (Johnson, Gidley, Bacic & Doblin, 2018).…”

Bioinspired, Recyclable, Stretchable Hydrogel with Boundary Ultralubrication

“…Lipocalin is amphiphilic and therefore assists in tear film spreading . In addition, plants can generate wall protein expansins with hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts, which contribute to the biolubrication of plant cell walls during growth . Bacteria can produce biosurfactants, including 3-(3-hydroxyalkanoyloxy) alkanoic acid and lipids, to lubricate the flagellar propeller .…”

“…35 In addition, plants can generate wall protein expansins with hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts, which contribute to the biolubrication of plant cell walls during growth. 36 Bacteria can produce biosurfactants, including 3-(3-hydroxyalkanoyloxy) alkanoic acid and lipids, to lubricate the flagellar propeller. 37 It seems that amphipathic molecules or structures play prominent roles in biolubrication.…”

Tribological Effect of Palm Sterin and Engine Oil (Cmeo) on Pure Aluminium Pin Steel Disc With Varies Speed and Constant Load

“…This is due to PS having a low resistance to oxidative degradation and poor low temperature properties, whereas CMEO has the existence of the additives [9]. However, some researchers indicate that petroleum-based mineral oils, those which are still pure and without additives, have lower lubricity and natural viscosity temperature properties compared to vegetable oils such as PS [11]. By comparing the viscosity of both oils, clearly palm stearin has a lower value.…”