Fabrication of cellulose nanofibers from waste brown algae and their potential application as milk thickeners

Characterization and safety assessment of bamboo shoot shell cellulose nanofiber: Prepared by acidolysis combined with dynamic high-pressure microfluidization

The preparation of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) using traditional methods is currently facing challenges due to concerns regarding environmental pollution and safety. Herein, a novel CNF was obtained from bamboo shoot shell (BSS) by low-concentration acid and dynamic high-pressure microfluidization (DHPM) treatment. The resulting CNF was then characterized, followed by in vitro and in vivo safety assessments. Compared to insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), the diameters of HIDF (IDF after low-concentration acid hydrolysis) and CNF were significantly decreased to 167.13 nm and 70.97 nm, respectively. Meanwhile, HIDF and CNF showed a higher crystallinity index (71.32 % and 74.35 %). Structural analysis results indicated the successful removal of lignin and hemicellulose of HIDF and CNF, with CNF demonstrating improved thermostability. In vitro, a high dose of CNF (1500 μg/mL) did not show any signs of cytotoxicity on Caco-2 cells. In vivo, no death was observed in the experimental mice, and there was no significant difference between CNF (1000 mg/kg·bw) and control group in hematological index and histopathological analysis. Overall, this study presents an environmentally friendly method for preparing CNF from BSS while providing evidence regarding its safety through in vitro and in vivo assessments, laying the foundation for its potential application in food.

A 28-Day Repeated Oral Administration Study of Mechanically Fibrillated Cellulose Nanofibers According to OECD TG407

The impact of oral administration of mechanically fibrillated cellulose nanofibers (fib-CNF), a commonly used nanofiber, on toxicity and health remains unclear, despite reports of the safety and beneficial effects of chitin-based nanofibers. Thus, evaluating the oral toxicity of fib-CNF in accordance with OECD Test Guideline 407 (TG407) is essential. This study aimed to assess the safety of orally administered fib-CNF through an acute toxicity study in rats, following the OECD TG407 guidelines for 4 weeks. CNF "BiNFi-s" FMa-10005, derived from mechanically fibrillated pulp cellulose, was administered via gavage to male and female Crl:CD(SD) rats at doses of 50, 150, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day for 28 days, with a control group receiving water for injection. The study evaluated the toxic effects of repeated administration, and the rats were monitored for an additional 14 days post-administration to assess recovery from any toxic effects. The results showed no mortality in either sex during the administration period, and no toxicological effects related to the test substance were observed in various assessments, including general condition and behavioral function observations, urinalysis, hematological examination, blood biochemical examination, necropsy findings, organ weights, and histopathological examination. Notably, only female rats treated with 1000 mg/kg/day of CNF exhibited a consistent reduction in body weight during the 14-day recovery period after the end of treatment. They also showed a slight decrease in pituitary and liver weights. However, hematological and blood biochemical tests did not reveal significant differences, suggesting a potential weight-suppressive effect of CNF ingestion.

Assessing the Safety of Mechanically Fibrillated Cellulose Nanofibers (fib-CNF) via Toxicity Tests on Mice: Single Intratracheal Administration and 28 Days' Oral Intake

Mechanically fibrillated cellulose nanofibers, known as fib-CNF (fiber length: 500 nm; diameter: 45 nm), are used in composites and as a natural thickener in foods. To evaluate their safety, we conducted a 28-day study in mice with inhalation exposure at 0.2 mg/body and oral administration of 400 mg/kg/day. Inhalation exposure to fib-CNF caused transient weight loss, changes in blood cell counts, and increased lung weights. These changes were attributed to adaptive responses. The oral administration of fib-CNF for 28 days resulted in no apparent toxic effects except for a slight decrease in platelet counts. The fib-CNF administration using the protocols studied appears to be safe in mice.

Extraction of Cellulose from Ulva lactuca Algae and Its Use for Membrane Synthesis

Green algae are a sustainable source of biopolymers for the global demand due to their high photosynthetic efficiency. This article describes the extraction of cellulose from plant systems represented by Ulva lactuca species. In order to extract various substances, algae were finely ground with the help of solvents (liquid media). This was carried out to achieve the necessary conditions that help reduce the resistance this phase shows in regard to the transport and transfer of the species being extracted. The highest yield of extracted cellulose (20,944%) was obtained for the following factors: S/L = 1/20; conc. ethanol = 90%, conc. salts = 4 g/L. Hydrogel membranes are a unique class of macromolecular networks that contain a large fraction of aqueous solvent within their structure. With the cellulose extracted from algae, we obtained membranes which underwent the process of swelling in liquid media (ethyl alcohol) of different concentrations. The swelling of biocellulose membranes in alcoholic solutions of high concentrations was investigated. It was observed that the process of absorption of the alcoholic solution by the membrane occurred rapidly in the first part. After stabilization, the membranes continued to absorb at a slower rate until stabilization or saturation concentration was reached.

Enzyme-based green synthesis, characterisation, and toxicity studies of cellulose nanocrystals/fibres produced from the Vetiveria zizanioides roots agro-waste

Vetiver zizanioides roots are considered the most useful part of the plant. It is widely used to extract oil. The aromatic oil is used in perfumery, food-flavouring and cosmetic industries. However, presently, there are no reports available for the usage of vetiver roots agro-waste after oil extraction in nano-based products. Considering the concept of value-added products and green-chemistry approaches, synthesising cellulose nanoparticles (CNPs) using enzymatic treatment from agro-waste has emerged as a viable option. CNP's non-toxicity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility have sparked the industry's interest in its production. Therefore, in the present study, 3 enzymes, cellulase, pectinase, and viscozymes, were used for the green synthesis of CNP. The characterisation of CNP was done using techniques like DLS, FTIR, TEM, SEM, AFM, and TG/DTG, and cytotoxicity of CNP was studied in human skin cell-line (HaCaT) using MTT assay. Results show that CNPs synthesised using viscozyme and pectinase were of crystalline nature (2.0-3.0 nm) and cellulase were of fibres (40-60 nm). The FTIR confirmed that CNPs were devoid of lignin/hemicellulose. The AFM pictures revealed thick and thin nanoparticles with a variety of morphologies. The thermal stability of cellulose was higher compared to CNP. All the synthesised CNPs were crystaline, with a 60-70% crystallinity index. Furthermore, CNP did not show cytotoxic effect on HaCaT cells upto 500 µg/mL concentrations. In conclusion, pectinase and viscosyme may be used for synthesing cellulose-nanocrystals and cellulase enzyme for cellulose-nanofibers from the vetiver roots agro-waste. The findings revealed that Vetiveria zizanioides agro-waste-derived CNP is a sustainable material that can be used as a reinforcing agent/nanocarrier in textile and drug-delivery systems.

Banana biomass waste: A prospective nanocellulose source and its potential application in food industry - A review

Bananas are among the most produced and consumed fruit all over the world. However, a vast amount of banana biomass is generated because banana trees bear fruit only once in their lifetime. This massive amount of biomass waste is either disposed of in agricultural fields, combusted, or dumped at plantations, thus posing environmental concerns. Nanocellulose (NC) extraction from this source can be one approach to improve the value of banana biomass. Owing to its superb properties, such as high surface area and aspect ratio, good tensile strength, and high thermal stability, this has facilitated nanocellulose application in the food industry either as a functional ingredient, an additive or in food packaging. In this review, two different applications of banana biomass NC were identified: (i) food packaging and (ii) food stabilizers. Relevant publications were reviewed, focusing on the nanocellulose extraction from several banana biomass applications as food additives, as well as on the safety and regulatory aspects. Ultimately, further research is required to prompt a perspicuous conclusion about banana biomass NC safety, its potential hazards in food applications, as well as its validated standards for future commercialization.

Fundamentals in applications of algae biomass: A review

Algae play an extremely important ecological role. They form the basis of trophic webs, produce oxygen that allows the respiration of many of the organisms in aquatic environments, absorb CO₂, and serve as refuge areas and habitats for thousands of species. Many species can also absorb organic pollutants from seawater. Algae have been used for many centuries by humans as a source of food, fertilizer, fodder, and for the extraction of compounds with antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, and antibacterial properties. More recently, some species have been used for the production of biofuels. It has been shown that mixing small proportions of algae with the feed of cattle can reduce methane emissions from their digestive activity by more than 95%. One of the most widespread but least known applications of algae is the extraction of their phycocolloids for utilization in food, pharmaceutical, wine, and textile industries, among others. These compounds have gelling, stabilizing, and thickening properties and are therefore frequently included in creams, ice creams, cheeses, jellies, flavored milks, sauces, shampoos, medications, toothpaste, and many other products. The phycocolloids agar and carrageenan are extracted from red algae, whereas alginate is extracted from brown algae, being used in dental impressions, emulsifying lotions, and paints, among others, and in the preparation of wine and beer. Algae are of particular interest in the research and development of new biosorbent materials, not only because of their high adsorption capacity, but also because they are present in the seas and oceans in abundant and easily accessible quantities. Marine algae are a promising biosorbent for the removal of heavy metals and various pollutants and, due to their intrinsic characteristics, have received increasing attention in recent decades. Their application as biosorbents for the sorption of heavy metals and radionuclides could be interpreted as the use of waste to remove waste. Algae have attracted particular interest in the field of biotechnology for economic reasons, given that large amounts are naturally produced and left lying on beaches as waste material. The composition of algae biomass makes it a promising candidate for an extensive list of applications that continues to lengthen. The development of appropriate technologies and policies can transform the presence of algae in coastal ecosystems from an unpleasant and potentially harmful phenomenon into a source of major benefits. This review discusses the capacity of algae biomass to remove pollutants and also delves into its applicability in the production of dyes, oils, and biofuels and for animal feed and fertilizer industries, among others. Further research is warranted on strategies to convert a biomass that is currently considered waste into a means of addressing environmental problems.

Design of a biomimetic cellulose nanofibre-based double information encryption sensor for fingerprint imaging

The development of double encryption system enables information to switch reversibly between "False" and "True", which helps to ensure information security in the transmission process. Herein, a biomimetic cellulose nanofibre-based double information encryption sensor (CNF-DIES) with an excellent pH response and fluorescence colour-switching performance was prepared with fluorescein isothiocyanate and protoporphyrin IX modified acetylated cellulose nanofibres (ACNF) as the pH response switch and background, respectively. Interestingly, with the addition of cellulose, CNF-DIES can be regarded as both a dye and an ink binder, which can realize direct writing function. The fluorescein grafted to ACNF guaranteed the stability of writing and avoided the "coffee ring" phenomenon. The handwriting written by CNF-DIES processes excellent light/pH double encryption performance. Besides, the film prepared by CNF-DIES can realize high resolution fingerprint imaging. This work demonstrated a strategy for pH-responsive colour-tunable materials for sensors and double information encryption.

Potential issues specific to cytotoxicity tests of cellulose nanofibrils

Cellulose nanofibrils (also called cellulose nanofibers or nanofibrillated cellulose [CNFs]) are novel polymers derived from biomass with excellent physicochemical properties and various potential applications. However, the introduction of such new materials into the market requires thorough safety studies to be conducted. Recently, toxicity testing using cultured cells has attracted attention as a safety assessment that does not rely on experimental animals. This article reviews recent information regarding the cytotoxicity testing of CNFs and highlights the issues relevant to evaluating tests. In the literature, we found that a variety of cell lines and CNF exposure concentrations was evaluated. Furthermore, the results of cytotoxicity results tests differed and were not necessarily consistent. Numerous reports that we examined had not evaluated endotoxin/microbial contamination or the interaction of CNFs with the culture medium used in the tests. The following potential specific issues involved in CNF in vitro testing, were discussed: (1) endotoxin contamination, (2) microbial contamination, (3) adsorption of culture medium components to CNFs, and (4) changes in aggregation/agglomeration and dispersion states of CNFs resulting from culture medium components. In this review, the available measurement methods and solutions for these issues are also discussed. Addressing these points will lead to a better understanding of the cellular effects of CNFs and the development of safer CNFs.

Algal Polysaccharides-Based Hydrogels: Extraction, Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications

Hydrogels are three-dimensional crosslinked hydrophilic polymer networks with great potential in drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound dressing, agrochemicals application, food packaging, and cosmetics. However, conventional synthetic polymer hydrogels may be hazardous and have poor biocompatibility and biodegradability. Algal polysaccharides are abundant natural products with biocompatible and biodegradable properties. Polysaccharides and their derivatives also possess unique features such as physicochemical properties, hydrophilicity, mechanical strength, and tunable functionality. As such, algal polysaccharides have been widely exploited as building blocks in the fabrication of polysaccharide-based hydrogels through physical and/or chemical crosslinking. In this review, we discuss the extraction and characterization of polysaccharides derived from algae. This review focuses on recent advances in synthesis and applications of algal polysaccharides-based hydrogels. Additionally, we discuss the techno-economic analyses of chitosan and acrylic acid-based hydrogels, drawing attention to the importance of such analyses for hydrogels. Finally, the future prospects of algal polysaccharides-based hydrogels are outlined.

Biomaterials from the sea: Future building blocks for biomedical applications

Marine resources have tremendous potential for developing high-value biomaterials. The last decade has seen an increasing number of biomaterials that originate from marine organisms. This field is rapidly evolving. Marine biomaterials experience several periods of discovery and development ranging from coralline bone graft to polysaccharide-based biomaterials. The latter are represented by chitin and chitosan, marine-derived collagen, and composites of different organisms of marine origin. The diversity of marine natural products, their properties and applications are discussed thoroughly in the present review. These materials are easily available and possess excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and potent bioactive characteristics. Important applications of marine biomaterials include medical applications, antimicrobial agents, drug delivery agents, anticoagulants, rehabilitation of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, bone diseases and diabetes, as well as comestible, cosmetic and industrial applications.

The Food-Materials Nexus: Next Generation Bioplastics and Advanced Materials from Agri-Food Residues

The most recent strategies available for upcycling agri-food losses and waste (FLW) into functional bioplastics and advanced materials are reviewed and the valorization of food residuals are put in perspective, adding to the water-food-energy nexus. Low value or underutilized biomass, biocolloids, water-soluble biopolymers, polymerizable monomers, and nutrients are introduced as feasible building blocks for biotechnological conversion into bioplastics. The latter are demonstrated for their incorporation in multifunctional packaging, biomedical devices, sensors, actuators, and energy conversion and storage devices, contributing to the valorization efforts within the future circular bioeconomy. Strategies are introduced to effectively synthesize, deconstruct and reassemble or engineer FLW-derived monomeric, polymeric, and colloidal building blocks. Multifunctional bioplastics are introduced considering the structural, chemical, physical as well as the accessibility of FLW precursors. Processing techniques are analyzed within the fields of polymer chemistry and physics. The prospects of FLW streams and biomass surplus, considering their availability, interactions with water and thermal stability, are critically discussed in a near-future scenario that is expected to lead to next-generation bioplastics and advanced materials.

Rational Design of Cellulose Nanofibrils Separator for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) with high thermal stability and excellent electrolyte wettability attracted tremendous attention as a promising separator for the emerging sodium-ion batteries. The pore structure of the separator plays a vital role in electrochemical performance. CNF separators are assembled using the bottom-up approach in this study, and the pore structure is carefully controlled through film-forming techniques. The acid-treated separators prepared from the solvent exchange and freeze-drying demonstrated an optimal pore structure with a high electrolyte uptake rate (978.8%) and Na⁺ transference number (0.88). Consequently, the obtained separator showed a reversible specific capacity of 320 mAh/g and enhanced cycling performance at high rates compared to the commercial glass fiber separator (290 mAh/g). The results highlight that CNF separators with an optimized pore structure are advisable for sodium-ion batteries.

Surface and Interface Engineering for Nanocellulosic Advanced Materials

How do trees support their upright massive bodies? The support comes from the incredibly strong and stiff, and highly crystalline nanoscale fibrils of extended cellulose chains, called cellulose nanofibers. Cellulose nanofibers and their crystalline parts-cellulose nanocrystals, collectively nanocelluloses, are therefore the recent hot materials to incorporate in man-made sustainable, environmentally sound, and mechanically strong materials. Nanocelluloses are generally obtained through a top-down process, during or after which the original surface chemistry and interface interactions can be dramatically changed. Therefore, surface and interface engineering are extremely important when nanocellulosic materials with a bottom-up process are fabricated. Herein, the main focus is on promising chemical modification and nonmodification approaches, aiming to prospect this hot topic from novel aspects, including nanocellulose-, chemistry-, and process-oriented surface and interface engineering for advanced nanocellulosic materials. The reinforcement of nanocelluloses in some functional materials, such as structural materials, films, filaments, aerogels, and foams, is discussed, relating to tailored surface and/or interface engineering. Although some of the nanocellulosic products have already reached the industrial arena, it is hoped that more and more nanocellulose-based products will become available in everyday life in the next few years.

Enzymatic Preparation and Characterization of Spherical Microparticles Composed of Artificial Lignin and TEMPO-Oxidized Cellulose Nanofiber

A one-pot and one-step enzymatic synthesis of submicron-order spherical microparticles composed of dehydrogenative polymers (DHPs) of coniferyl alcohol as a typical lignin precursor and TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNFs) was investigated. Horseradish peroxidase enzymatically catalyzed the radical coupling of coniferyl alcohol in an aqueous suspension of TOCNFs, resulting in the formation of spherical microparticles with a diameter and sphericity index of approximately 0.8 μm and 0.95, respectively. The ζ-potential of TOCNF-functionalized DHP microspheres was about -40 mV, indicating that the colloidal systems had good stability. Nanofibrous components were clearly observed on the microparticle surface by scanning electron microscopy, while some TOCNFs were confirmed to be inside the microparticles by confocal laser scanning microscopy with Calcofluor white staining. As both cellulose and lignin are natural polymers known to biodegrade, even in the sea, these woody TOCNF-DHP microparticle nanocomposites were expected to be promising alternatives to fossil resource-derived microbeads in cosmetic applications.

Preparation of cellulose microfibril (CMF) from Gelidium amansii and feasibility of CMF as a cosmetic ingredient

Cellulose microfibrils (CMF) were successfully isolated from the red alga, Gelidium amansii. G. amansii was processed in two stages, microwave digestion and high-speed blending to remove agar and extract microfibrils, respectively. After pretreatment at 180 °C for 10 min, G. amansii containing 40.1 % glucan was microfibrillated through homogenization. Morphological analysis by SEM and FTIR, and analysis of the degree of fibrillation with water retention, sedimentation, and CtCBD3 protein binding of G. amansii-derived CMF were investigated. Functional analysis of CMF showed suppression of cyclooxygenase-2 expression in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Additionally, suppression was evident in the: i) epidermal thickness of mice skin; ii) presence of proinflammatory cytokines; and iii) inhibition of JNK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Such activity demonstrates its anti-inflammatory properties. The results in this study showed the possibility of using CMF derived from a red alga as an anti-inflammation material.

Hydrogel-Forming Algae Polysaccharides: From Seaweed to Biomedical Applications

With the increasing growth of the algae industry and the development of algae biorefinery, there is a growing need for high-value applications of algae-extracted biopolymers. The utilization of such biopolymers in the biomedical field can be considered as one of the most attractive applications but is challenging to implement. Historically, polysaccharides extracted from seaweed have been used for a long time in biomedical research, for example, agarose gels for electrophoresis and bacterial culture. To overcome the current challenges in polysaccharides and help further the development of high-added-value applications, an overview of the entire polysaccharide journey from seaweed to biomedical applications is needed. This encompasses algae culture, extraction, chemistry, characterization, processing, and an understanding of the interactions of soft matter with living organisms. In this review, we present algae polysaccharides that intrinsically form hydrogels: alginate, carrageenan, ulvan, starch, agarose, porphyran, and (nano)cellulose and classify these by their gelation mechanisms. The focus of this review further lays on the culture and extraction strategies to obtain pure polysaccharides, their structure-properties relationships, the current advances in chemical backbone modifications, and how these modifications can be used to tune the polysaccharide properties. The available techniques to characterize each organization scale of a polysaccharide hydrogel are presented, and the impact on their interactions with biological systems is discussed. Finally, a perspective of the anticipated development of the whole field and how the further utilization of hydrogel-forming polysaccharides extracted from algae can revolutionize the current algae industry are suggested.

Polysaccharides-based bio-nanostructures and their potential food applications

Polysaccharides are omnipresent biomolecules that hold great potential as promising biomaterials for a myriad of applications in various biotechnological and industrial sectors. The presence of diverse functional groups renders them tailorable functionalities for preparing a multitude of novel bio-nanostructures. Further, they are biocompatible and biodegradable, hence, considered as environmentally friendly biopolymers. Application of nanotechnology in food science has shown many advantages in improving food quality and enhancing its shelf life. Recently, considerable efforts have been made to develop polysaccharide-based nanostructures for possible food applications. Therefore, it is of immense importance to explore literature on polysaccharide-based nanostructures delineating their food application potentialities. Herein, we reviewed the developments in polysaccharide-based bio-nanostructures and highlighted their potential applications in food preservation and bioactive "smart" food packaging. We categorized these bio-nanostructures into polysaccharide-based nanoparticles, nanocapsules, nanocomposites, dendrimeric nanostructures, and metallo-polysaccharide hybrids. This review demonstrates that the polysaccharides are emerging biopolymers, gaining much attention as robust biomaterials with excellent tuneable properties.

One-step electrochemically induced counterion exchange to construct free-standing carboxylated cellulose nanofiber/metal composite hydrogels

The fabrication of polymeric composite hydrogel with hierarchical structure in a simple, controllable, and straightforward process poses great importance for manufacturing nanomaterials and subsequent applications. Herein, we report a one-step and template-free counterion exchange method to construct free-standing carboxylated cellulose nanofiber composite hydrogels. Metal ions were electrochemically and locally released from the electrode and chelated with carboxylated cellulose nanofibers, leading to the in-situ formation of composite hydrogels. The properties of composite hydrogels can be easily programmed by the type of electrode, current density, and electrodeposited suspension. Significantly, the composited hydrogels exhibited interconnected nanoporous structure, enhanced thermal degradation, improved mechanical strength and antibacterial activity. The results suggest great potential of anodic electrodeposition to fabricate nanofiber/metal composite hydrogels.

Investigation of food microstructure and texture using atomic force microscopy: A review

We review recent applications of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to characterize microstructural and textural properties of food materials. Based on interaction between probe and sample, AFM can image in three dimensions with nanoscale resolution especially in the vertical orientation. When the scanning probe is used as an indenter, mechanical features such as stiffness and elasticity can be analyzed. The linkage between structure and texture can thus be elucidated, providing the basis for many further future applications of AFM. Microstructure of simple systems such as polysaccharides, proteins, or lipids separately, as characterized by AFM, is discussed. Interaction of component mixtures gives rise to novel properties in complex food systems due to development of structure. AFM has been used to explore the morphological characteristics of such complexes and to investigate the effect of such characteristics on properties. Based on insights from such investigations, development of food products and manufacturing can be facilitated. Mechanical analysis is often carried out to evaluate the suitability of natural or artificial materials in food formulations. The textural properties of cellular tissues, food colloids, and biodegradable films can all be explored at nanometer scale, leading to the potential to connect texture to this fine structural level. More profound understanding of natural food materials will enable new classes of fabricated food products to be developed.

A review on polysaccharides from Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch seeds, their extraction, modification, structure, and applications

Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch (ASK) is an important member of Compositae (Asteraceae) family. Its seeds have been widely used as traditional medicine and to improve the quality of food. Water soluble and water insoluble polysaccharides are found in the seeds of this plant. Research has been conducted on the extraction of polysaccharides, their modification and determination of their structure. To date different techniques for extraction purposes have been applied which are reviewed here. Antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-obesogenic, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities have been explored using in vivo and in vitro methods. Moreover, these polysaccharides have been used as packaging material and as a sensing component for monitoring the freshness of packaged food. Some experimental results have shown that the quality of foods is also improved by using them as a food additive. We have also indicated some of the potential areas that are needed to be explored.

Reinforcement of Refined and Semi-Refined Carrageenan Film with Nanocellulose

Carrageenans obtained from seaweeds can be processed into films for a range of applications including food packaging. The level of carrageenan refinement during extraction can influence the key properties, with semi-refined carrageenan (SRC) containing more impurities than the more refined carrageenan (RC). Further refinement steps, however, result in higher costs associated with the production of RC. In order to obtain a lower cost and more ecofriendly, bio-based material for food packaging applications, SRC was used in this investigation to produce a thin film reinforced with nanocellulose fibrils (NCF). Films derived from RC containing NCF were also investigated with water sensitivity and physico-mechanical and thermal properties among the properties tested. Levels of NCF were varied from 1% to 7% (w/w), and in general, the NCF reinforcement improved the overall properties of both the SRC and RC films, including the water sensitivity and moisture barrier. However, NCF inclusion in SRC film was less effective with regard to the mechanical and thermal properties compared with NCF inclusion in RC film. The enhancement in properties was attributed to the greater cohesiveness of the reinforced polymer structure and the crystalline regions formed in the structures of SRC and RC films by NCF incorporation.

Cellulose Nanocrystals Derived from Textile Waste through Acid Hydrolysis and Oxidation as Reinforcing Agent of Soy Protein Film

More than 10 million tons of textile waste are disposed through landfill every year in North America. The disposal of textile waste via landfill or incineration causes environmental problems and represents a waste of useful resources. In this work, we explored the possibility to directly extract cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from untreated textile waste through two methods, namely sulfuric acid hydrolysis and three-step oxidization. CNCs with cellulose I_β crystalline structure and rod-like shape were successfully obtained. The aspect ratios of CNCs prepared from acid hydrolysis and oxidization were 10.00 ± 3.39 and 17.10 ± 12.85, respectively. Their application as reinforcing agent of soybean protein isolate (SPI) film was evaluated. With the addition of 20% CNCs, the composite film maintained the high transparency, while their water vapor barrier property, tensile strength, and Young’s modulus were significantly improved. This research demonstrates a promising approach to recycle textile waste, and more value-added applications based on the derived CNCs could be expected.

Construction of cellulose nanofibers/quaternized chitin/organic rectorite composites and their application as wound dressing materials

Traumatic injury is a major cause of mortality, and poor wound healing affects millions of people. Thus, the development of effective wound dressings is essential for speeding up wound healing and decreasing mortality. In this study, a suspension of carboxylated brown algae cellulose nanofibers (BACNFs) with a high aspect ratio was freeze dried to prepare a sponge. The sponge showed high porosity and water absorption capacity; thus, it can absorb wound exudates when used as a wound dressing. In addition, quaternized β-chitin (QC) with antibacterial properties was intercalated into the interlayer space of the organic rectorite (OREC) via electrostatic interactions to obtain composite suspensions (QCRs) with improved antimicrobial activity compared to that of QC alone. Subsequently, the BACNF sponge was soaked in the QCR suspension to absorb QCRs via electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding from which cellulose nanofiber/quaternized chitin/organic rectorite composite (BACNF/QCR) sponges were constructed via freeze-drying. The in vivo animal tests demonstrated that the BACNF/QCR sponges rapidly induced hemostasis in a rat tail amputation test, making them superior to the traditional hemostatic materials. Furthermore, BACNFs/QCRs could substantially promote collagen synthesis and neovascularization, thereby accelerating wound healing 3 days earlier than gauze. This multi-functional biomedical material, fabricated using natural substances, shows great potential to be used for wound healing.

Cellulose nanofibers from lignocellulosic biomass of lemongrass using enzymatic hydrolysis: characterization and cytotoxicity assessment

BACKGROUND

The lemongrass (LG) leaves could be a useful source of cellulose after its oil extraction, which is still either dumped or burned, not considered as a cost-effective approach. The synthesis of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) from LG waste has emerged as a beneficial alternative in the value-added applications. The non-toxicity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility of CNF have raised the interest in its manufacturing.

METHOD

In the present study, we have isolated and characterized CNFs using enzymatic hydrolysis. We also explored the cytotoxic properties of the final material. The obtained products were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric/differential thermal gravimetric analysis (TG/DTG). The cytotoxicity of CNF was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against three different cancer cell lines NCIH460, PA1, and L132 cells.

RESULTS

The FT-IR results showed that the resulting sample was of cellulose species, and CNF was found free from the non-cellulosic components like lignin and hemicellulose. The SEM micrographs of the cellulose showed a bundle like structure. The TEM micrographs of CNF showed diverse long fibers structure with 105.7 nm particle size analysed using DLS. The TGA analysis revealed that the thermal stability was slightly lower, compared to cellulose. Additionally, CNF did not show the cytotoxic effect at the tested concentrations (~10-1000 μg/ml) in any of the cell lines.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the results concluded that LG waste-derived CNF is a potential sustainable material and could be employed as a favourable reinforcing agent or nanocarriers in diverse areas, mainly in food and drug delivery sectors. Graphical abstract Systematic representation of the synthesis of the cellulose nanofibers: The lignocellulosic waste of lemongrass (after oil extraction) was pretreated for the isolation of raw cellulose, followed by enzyme hydrolysis for the synthesis of pure cellulose nanofibers.

Nano-scale polysaccharide materials in food and agricultural applications

Potential applications of nanotechnology in food and agriculture include: (1) the encapsulation of functional compounds; (2) production of reinforcing materials; (3) delivery of nutraceuticals in foods; (4) food safety, for detection and control of chemical and microbiological risks; (5) active and intelligent food packaging; (6) incorporation of protective substances of seeds; (7) addition of nutrients in the soil; (8) use of controlled release pesticides. Natural polysaccharides and their derivatives are widely used in the production of nano-scale materials. This chapter examines, the use of polysaccharides, such as starch, cellulose, lignin, pectin, gums, and cyclodextrins for the production of nano-scale materials, including nanocrystals, nanoemulsions, nanocomplexes, nanocapsules, and nanofibers.

Top-down Approach to Produce Protein Functionalized and Highly Thermally Stable Cellulose Fibrils

Protein-functionalized cellulose fibrils, having various amounts of covalently bonded proteins at their surface, were successfully extracted from the tunic of Pyura chilensis tunicates using successive alkaline extractions. Pure cellulose fibrils were also obtained by further bleaching and were used as reference material. Extraction yields of protein-functionalized cellulose fibrils were within the range of 62-76% by weight based on the dry initial tunic powder. Fourier-transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the preservation of residual protein at the surface of cellulose fibrils, which was then quantified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The protein-functionalized cellulose fibrils were found to have relatively high crystallinity and their cellulose I crystalline structure was preserved upon applying alkaline treatments. The extracted cellulosic materials were found to be constituted of fibrils having a ribbon-like morphology with widths ranging from ∼30 nm up to ∼400 nm. These protein-functionalized cellulose fibrils were found to have outstanding thermal stability with one of them having onset and peak degradation temperatures of ∼350 and 374 °C, respectively. These values were found to be 24 and 41 °C higher than for bleached cellulose.