HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -The polysaccharide components of plant cell walls are highly hydrophilic and thus permeable to water, whereas lignin is more hydrophobic. The crosslinking of polysaccharides by lignin is an obstacle for water absorption to the cell wall.

Detailed explanation-2: -The lignin adds compressive strength and stiffness to the plant cell wall and is believed to have played a role in the evolution of terrestrial plants by helping them withstand the compressive forces of gravity. Lignin also waterproofs the cell wall, facilitating the upward transport of water in xylem tissues.

Detailed explanation-3: -Previous studies have investigated valorizing lignin into value-added products in the form of WSPs. While lignin is insoluble in water, its hydrophilicity can be improved by grafting ionizable chemical functionalities to its polymeric framework.