[Isolation and characterization of holocellulose from Alfalfa]

Holocellulose isolated from the aerial parts of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) contains a polysaccharide complex of cellulose and hemicelluloses, the major structural components of cell walls. Holocellulose is highly hydrophilic and has a dense biopolymer packing. The carboxylic groups of hemicelluloses and cellulose determines the ability of holocellulose to adsorb polyvalent metal cations.