noncellulosic

Noncellulosic is an adjective used to describe substances that do not consist of cellulose or do not derive from cellulose. In botany and wood chemistry, it contrasts with cellulose, the glucose polymer that forms the bulk of plant cell walls. Noncellulosic components include lignin, hemicelluloses, pectins, gums, waxes, and various extractives. Together with cellulose they constitute plant cell walls, but noncellulosic constituents influence rigidity, porosity, and interactions with water and enzymes.

In the pulp and paper industry, noncellulosic materials are those that are not cellulose; lignin and extractives are considered noncellulosic and are typically removed during pulping to produce cellulose-rich paper pulp. The proportion of noncellulosic material affects bleaching, strength, and aging properties.

In textiles, noncellulosic fibers are fibers that are not based on cellulose. Examples include protein fibers such as wool and silk; mineral fibers such as glass; and synthetic polymers such as nylon, polyester, and acrylic. By contrast, cellulose fibers include cotton and viscose, among others.

In nutrition and biochemistry, noncellulosic polysaccharides are dietary fibers that are not cellulose, including starch, glycogen, pectins, gums, and some hemicelluloses. These components influence digestive properties and gut microbiota and are studied alongside cellulose as sources of dietary fiber.

Chitin and chitosan are examples of noncellulosic biopolymers; they are poly-N-acetylglucosamine and are found in arthropod exoskeletons and fungal cell walls.