Properties of cellulose/pectins composites: Implication for structural and mechanical properties of cell wall

► Pectin/microfibrillated cellulose composite are used to model primary plant cell wall. ► Whatever the conditions, gelation of the composite was mainly controlled by cellulose. ► Cellulose/apple HM pectin systems exhibited interesting viscoelastic properties. ► Pectic neutral sugar side chains seem to interact with cellulose in water.