Huang F., Qiu H., Guo W., Microstructures and mechanical properties of fiber cells from Echinocactus grusonii cactus spine, Science China Technological Sciences, 2014, 57(4):706-712, doi: 10.1007/s11431-014-5504-6
Studies of individual fibrous spine cells using X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and nanoindentation. A comparison of natural material with cells after removal of hemicelluloses and lignin shows how these components contribute to structural stiffness. The abstract was accessible.