Improvements and scale-up of spherical nanocellulose production via enzymatic hydrolysis and hydrodynamic cavitation

• Grant number: 24/10503-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Valdeir Arantes
• Grantee: Sergio Luis Yupanqui Mendoza
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/07023-2 - Development of an enzyme-based platform technology for production and modulation of nanocellulose: validation for biomedical and food packaging applications, AP.JP2

Abstract

A spherical nanocellulose (CNS) represents a new type of nanocellulose with significant attractive potential due to its diverse properties and shape-dependent applications. Despite its remarkable characteristics, which may even surpass other types of nanocellulose, reports on production conditions are not concrete and present values that are not adaptable for profitable commercial-scale production. In this regard, the current project aims to develop an enzyme-based technology to efficiently and profitably produce CNS. However, while process conditions can be optimized, there remains a gap in adapting the process to specific properties. Furthermore, the primary challenge in achieving a profitable and commercially attractive nanocellulose type continues to be energy consumption. Therefore, this project aims to investigate the entire process sequence for CNS production: 1) pretreatment, 2) enzymatic hydrolysis, and 3) post-treatment, with the objective of determining suitable operational conditions that result in lower energy consumption. Additionally, alternative biomass treatment techniques will be employed, such as hydrodynamic cavitation, an innovative technique that will be used for the first time as cellulose biomass treatment to reduce energy requirements. Finally, the optimized and improved conditions will serve as experimental data for the implementation of a CNS pilot production plant. Concurrently, validation tests, modeling, and economic analysis of the entire process will be conducted to ensure its viability in a commercial setting.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

YUPANQUI-MENDOZA, SERGIO LUIS; DIAS, ISABELA KAROLINE; DOS SANTOS, JULIO CESAR; ARANTES, VALDEIR. A novel approach for producing stable cellulose nanocrystal colloidal suspensions via hydrodynamic cavitation. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING, v. 209, p. 11-pg., 2025-03-01. (21/07023-2, 24/10503-4)