## 3 Results and Discussion
### Van Soest Method
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c c c} \hline \hline
**References** & **Cellulose** & **Hemicelluloses** & **Lignin** & **Soluble Compounds** & **Proteins** & **Minerals** \\ \hline [PERSON] et al., 2018 [39] & 49.9 & 21.4 & 9.5 & 17.7 & & 0.6 \\ \hline [PERSON] et al., 2005 [40] & 48.0 & 21.0–25.0 & 17.0–19.0 & - & - & - \\ \hline [PERSON], 1995 [41] & 48.0 & 12.0 & 28.0 & 7.0 & 3.0 & 2.0 \\ \hline [PERSON] et al., 1995 [42] & 44.0 & 18.0 & 28.0 & 5.0 & 3.0 & 2.0 \\ \hline [PERSON] et al., 2001 [43] & 51.6 & 21.5 & 12.9 & & 12.9 & & 6.6 \\ \hline [PERSON] et al., 2010 [44] & 47.5 & 6.4 & 8.0 & & 29.4 & & 8.8 \\ \hline [PERSON] et al., 2013 [45] & 44.0 & 25.0 & 23.0 & & 4.0 & & 1.2 \\ \hline [PERSON] et al., 2018 [46] & 44.0 & 18.0–27.0 & 22.0–28.0 & 1.0–6.0 & - & 1.0–2.0 \\ \hline [PERSON] et al., 2021 [47] & 49.0 & 21.6 & 8.1 & & 17.2 & & 4.1 \\ \hline [PERSON] et al., 2021 [48] & 46.1 & 21.5 & 8.5 & & 21.1 & & 2.8 \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 4: Cell wall hemp shiv composition by Van Soest method (% \(w/w\)) according to literature bibliography. more susceptible to releasing substances that interfere with concrete setting processes, but these same properties could enhance its self-binding ability in binderless particle boards. Conversely, the higher lignin content in HS2 could contribute to greater structural stability, but with a reduced release of reactive soluble compounds during processing. Retting, an essential step in the processing of hemp fibers, has been shown to significantly influence the composition of the hemp shiv cell wall. According to [PERSON] et al. (2021) [48], extended retting, particularly over a 62-day period, results in a notable decrease in the levels of soluble compounds, minerals, and hemicelluloses. This reduction is largely due to the activity of microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria, that colonize the hemp during retting. These microorganisms produce specific enzymes, including cellulase, xylanase, xylosil-dase, mannanase, pectinase, and ligninases, which play a key role in breaking down the lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC) within the cell walls [30]. By disrupting the covalent bonds within this complex, these enzymes facilitate the degradation of hemicelluloses and pectins, leading to a more disorganized cell wall structure [30]. This enzymatic activity is crucial not only for the separation of fibers but also for altering the chemical profile of the hemp shiv, which can significantly impact its suitability for use in construction materials [48]. To better understand the potential influence of microbial activity on the hemp shiv used in this study, we conducted an analysis to quantify the microbial load in the HS1 and HS2 samples. This analysis is essential for determining how retting and microbial colonization may have affected the chemical composition of these materials, which could, in turn, explain their differing behaviors during the extraction simulations and their performance in applications such as agro-based concrete and binderless particle boards. The results of this microbial analysis will provide insights into the role of these biological processes in shaping the properties of the hemp shiv.