Engineering Hemicelluloses: (Bio)technological Horizons for Enhanced Cereal Grain Properties

Hemicelluloses, such as arabinoxylans, glucomannans, and xyloglucans, are major non-starch polysaccharides in cereal grain cell walls. They play critical roles in determining grain texture, milling and baking performance, and storage stability. Beyond technological relevance, hemicelluloses are also key contributors to dietary fibre functionality and health-promoting properties of cereal-based foods. With the growing demand for sustainable and health-oriented food systems, understanding and harnessing hemicellulose structure–function relationship has become an important research frontier in cereal (bio)technology.

This Research Topic invite studies exploring the (bio)technological potential to engineer hemicelluloses in cereal grains with the aim of enhancing their structural, functional, and bioactive properties. Advances in carbohydrate chemistry, enzymatic synthesis, and plant molecular biology now enable precise modification of hemicellulose fine structures, including the design of tailored side chains and branching patterns. Such innovations could lead to improved dietary fibre functionality, better textural and sensory qualities, and enhanced bioactivity of cereal-based foods. The goal of this Research Topic is to stimulate interdisciplinary research linking cereal chemistry, plant biotechnology, and nutrition science toward the development of next-generation grain materials.

We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives covering molecular, biochemical, and (bio)technological aspects of cereal hemicelluloses. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

- Genetic or enzymatic engineering of hemicellulose biosynthesis
- Structure–function relationship of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides
- Plant physiology and grain development
- Analytical advances in hemicellulose characterization
- Implications for food quality, processing, and health.

Studies integrating omics tools, metabolite profiling, and in vitro or in vivo evaluation of bioactive properties are particularly encouraged. By addressing these topics, the collection aims to advance sustainable food production and contribute to the broader societal goals of Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-being.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: dietary fiber functionality, carbohydrate structure–function, bioactive polysaccharides, food biotechnology, plant cell wall, arabinoxylan, xyloglucan, food chemistry, cereal, polysaccharides, omics

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.