Extraction of microcrystalline cellulose from Ficus benghalensis leaf and its characterization

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a crucial component in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, culinary, and cosmetics. The growing demand for MCC has spurred research into extraction methods. This study focused on extracting MCC from Ficus benghalensis using acid hydrolysis to convert the alpha-cellulose content of its leaves into MCC. The solvent used in this process was recyclable for further use. The extracted MCC was characterized by its physicochemical properties, including density, yield percentage, and structural characteristics. The yield was approximately 39.68 %, and the density was low at 1.518 g/cm3, making it suitable for filler applications. Fourier transform spectroscopy and UV-visible analysis identified functional groups of cellulose. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a crystallite size of 1.560 nm and a crystallinity index of 66.43 %, indicating suitability for related applications. ImageJ determined a mean particle size of 36.545 μm, while scanning electron microscopy showed distinct surface orientations. Atomic force microscopy revealed surface roughness, root mean square, ten-point average roughness, skewness, and kurtosis. Elemental analysis indicated high concentrations of carbon (20.1 %) and oxygen (34 %). Based on these physicochemical features, the extracted MCC could be a valuable source for applications such as filler in reinforcement technology and coating material in pharmaceutical products.

Sustainable microcrystalline cellulose extracted from biowaste Albezia lebeck L. leaves: Biomass exfoliation and physicochemical characterization

There is a focus on sustainability when manufacturing materials. Utilizing biobased materials and replacing fossil-based products is the main research focus. Bio-composite materials are applied to packaging, filler coatings, and pharmaceuticals. Here, we used the leaves of the agro-waste plant Albizia lebeck L. to extract cellulose. Chemical treatment causing strong acid hydrolysis successfully extracted the cellulose content from the leaves. The cellulose obtained was then strengthened with polylactic acid to make a biobased film for future applications. Fourier transform spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis, particle size analysis, visible UV and elemental analysis were all used to characterize the extracted cellulose. SEM and mechanical property analysis were used to check and describe the quality of the reinforced biofilm. The greatest cellulose yield from this raw material was 50.2%. The crystallinity index and crystallite size (CI 70.3% and CS 11.29 nm) were high in the extracted cellulose. The TG (DTG) curve analysis derivative revealed cellulose particle breakdown was initiated around 305.2°C and can endure temperatures up to 600°C. Biofilms reinforced with polylactic acid cellulose (1, 2, 3, and 5% by weight %) exhibited a smooth and parallel surface. As the filler concentration increased, minor agglomeration occurred. The tensile strength of pure polylactic acid (PLA) (34.72 MPa) was extended up to 38.91 MPa for 5% filler. Similarly, Young's modulus also increased to 5.24 MPa. However, the elongation break decreases with the increase of filler content, and the least value of decrease is 7.5 MPa. Concerning prospective implementations, it is expected that the biobased film and cellulose particles will prove to be more functional.

Nanocellulose-Based Passivated-Carbon Quantum Dots (P-CQDs) for Antimicrobial Applications: A Practical Review

Passivated-carbon quantum dots (P-CQDs) have been attracting great interest as an antimicrobial therapy tool due to their bright fluorescence, lack of toxicity, eco-friendly nature, simple synthetic schemes, and possession of photocatalytic functions comparable to those present in traditional nanometric semiconductors. Besides synthetic precursors, CQDs can be synthesized from a plethora of natural resources including microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). Converting MCC into NCC is performed chemically via the top-down route, while synthesizing CODs from NCC can be performed via the bottom-up route. Due to the good surface charge status with the NCC precursor, we focused in this review on synthesizing CQDs from nanocelluloses (MCC and NCC) since they could become a potential source for fabricating carbon quantum dots that are affected by pyrolysis temperature. There are several P-CQDs synthesized with a wide spectrum of featured properties, namely functionalized carbon quantum dots (F-CQDs) and passivated carbon quantum dots (P-CQDs). There are two different important P-CQDs, namely 2,2'-ethylenedioxy-bis-ethylamine (EDA-CQDs) and 3-ethoxypropylamine (EPA-CQDs), that have achieved desirable results in the antiviral therapy field. Since NoV is the most common dangerous cause of nonbacterial, acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide, this review deals with NoV in detail. The surficial charge status (SCS) of the P-CQDs plays an important role in their interactions with NoVs. The EDA-CQDs were found to be more effective than EPA-CQDs in inhibiting the NoV binding. This difference may be attributed to their SCS as well as the virus surface. EDA-CQDs with surficial terminal amino (-NH2) groups are positively charged at physiological pH (-NH3+), whereas EPA-CQDs with surficial terminal methyl groups (-CH3) are not charged. Since the NoV particles are negatively charged, they are attracted to the positively charged EDA-CQDs, resulting in enhancing the P-CQDs concentration around the virus particles. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were found to be comparable to the P-CQDs in the non-specific binding with NoV capsid proteins, through complementary charges, π-π stacking, and/or hydrophobic interactions.

Protection of Mono and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids from Grapeseed Oil by Spray Drying Using Green Biopolymers as Wall Material

One of the most common ways to protect oils is microencapsulation, which includes the use of encapsulating agents. Due to the environmental problems facing humanity, this study seeks to combine green biopolymers (microcrystalline cellulose and whey protein isolate) that function as encapsulating agents for grapeseed oil. Grapeseed oil that is obtained from agro-industrial waste has shown health benefits, including cardioprotective, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. These health benefits have been mainly associated with monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids. In this sense, it has been observed that grapeseed oil can be easily modified by environmental factors such as oxygen, high temperatures, and light, showing the instability and easy degradation of grapeseed oil. In this study, grapeseed oil was encapsulated using the spray-drying technique to conserve its lipidic profile. Powder recovery of the grapeseed oil microcapsules ranged from 65% to 70%. The encapsulation efficiency of the microcapsules varied between 80% and 85%. The FTIR analysis showed chemical interactions that demonstrate chemisorption between the grapeseed oil and the encapsulating material, while the SEM micrographs showed a correct encapsulation in a spherical shape. Gas chromatography showed that the lipid profile of grapeseed oil is preserved thanks to microencapsulation. Release tests showed 80% desorption within the first three hours at pH 5.8. Overall, whey protein and microcrystalline cellulose could be used as a wall material to protect grapeseed oil with the potential application of controlled delivery of fatty acids microcapsules.

Corn Starch-Based Bionanocomposite Film Reinforced With ZnO Nanoparticles and Different Types of Plasticizers

Corn starch var. Paragon from Indonesia and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were used to develop bionanocomposite film containing different types of plasticizers [glycerol (G) or sorbitol (S)] incorporated with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) (0, 3, 5 wt.%) via casting method. The main objective of this study was to improve the properties of the bionanocomposite film with incorporated different types of plasticizers and ZnO NPs. The physicochemical properties of the film were systematically characterized. The results showed that the incorporation of sorbitol could significantly enhance the value of tensile strength, elongation, and Young's modulus than glycerol. In general, a higher concentration of ZnO NPs in the film could increase the tensile strength, reduce the water vapor permeability, decrease the water solubility, and influence the morphology, crystallinity, functional groups, and thermal stability of the films. The data showed that corn starch bionanocomposite film containing sorbitol with 5 wt% ZnO NPs was the most optimal film as compared to other formulations as the solubility and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) value significantly reduced, and also it increased the value of tensile strength, elongation, and Young's modulus. It can be concluded that the incorporation of glycerol or sorbitol plasticizers reinforced by ZnO NPs plays an important role in improving the properties of bionanocomposite film, hence the film has the potency to be used as sustainable and environmental friendly packaging.