Cellulose Nanocrystals From Cactus Fruit Seeds for Production of Biomaterials

Date:Feb 1 2022

Application

• Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose microfibers (CMFs) derived from cactus fruit waste seeds (CWS) have potential applications in various industries, including nanomaterials, biocomposites, and pharmaceuticals. These materials are valuable due to their high surface area, biodegradability, and low cytotoxicity, making them suitable for use in products like smartphones, therapeutic diagnostics, and other cellulose-based applications.

Description

This project explores the potential of cactus fruit waste seeds (CWS) as a sustainable source of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose microfibers (CMFs). The researchers utilized alkali and whitening processes to extract CMFs from CWS, followed by sulfuric acid hydrolysis to produce CNCs. CWS, which contains approximately 27% cellulose, was found to be an excellent candidate for producing cellulose derivatives, offering a solution to agro-industrial waste while contributing to eco-friendly materials. The study establishes CWS as a valuable lignocellulosic biomass, with applications in various industries, such as nanomaterials and biocomposites.

Pathway Description:

The process used in this project involves extracting cellulose microfibers (CMFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from cactus fruit waste seeds (CWS). The process includes alkali and whitening treatments to isolate CMFs, followed by sulfuric acid hydrolysis to produce CNCs with needle-like structures. These steps help transform the waste seeds into valuable nanomaterials with high crystallinity and potential for various industrial applications.