Quantitative Analysis of Cell Wall Components

This chapter demonstrates that the GLC method can give useful correction factors for the gravimetric method when applied on various types of feed sources, in particular the cellulose determination. It discusses various methods for quantitative analysis of cell wall (CW) components and provides a brief discussion on various methods for extraction and purification of CW preparations. The oldest method for determining the amount of CW components is the crude fiber or Weende method. In the Uppsala method for dietary fiber in human food, correction is made for the ash content in the Klason lignin residue. Monosaccharides released by hydrolysis may be quantified by GLC of the alditol acetates, as in the Uppsala procedure, but other derivatives can also be used. It is interesting to compare how the gravimetric detergent methodology used in agricultural laboratories the world over correlated with the direct GLC method.