Selective structure fractionation combined with periodic peristalsis was exploited to improve the conversion performance of corn stover. The increase of glucan and lignin content and the decrease of xylan content in stem pith were highest after SE, whereas they were lowest in stem node. Glucan conversion increased in this order: steam node < stem rind < whole corn stover (WCS) < stem pith < leaf sheath < leaf. Glucan conversion using periodic peristalsis increased by 10-17% before 24 h compared with that using incubator shaker. Stem pith, leaf sheath, leaf, and WCS showed lower hardness and total work in texture profile analysis, resulting in higher glucan conversion compared with stem node and stem rind. Periodic peristalsis reduced hardness and total work before 24 h, which was consistent with increased glucan conversion. Periodic peristalsis was an effective strategy to increase high solids enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of different corn stover morphological fractions. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.