High-yield production of rod-like and spherical nanocellulose by controlled enzymatic hydrolysis of mechanically pretreated cellulose

Author(s)

Dias, Isabella K. R. ; Lacerda, Bruna K. ; Arantes, Valdeir

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules; v. 242, p. 15-pg., 2023-06-07.

Abstract

In this study, a simple and scalable mechanical pretreatment was evaluated as means of enhancing the acces-sibility of cellulose fibers, with the objective of improving the efficiency of enzymatic reactions for the pro-duction of cellulose nanoparticles (CNs). In addition, the effects of enzyme type (endoglucanase - EG, endoxylanase - EX, and a cellulase preparation - CB), composition ratio (0-200UEG:0-200UEX or EG, EX, and CB alone), and loading (0 U-200 U) were investigated in relation to CN yield, morphology, and properties. The combination of mechanical pretreatment and specific enzymatic hydrolysis conditions substantially improved CN production yield, reaching up to 83 %. The production of rod-like or spherical nanoparticles and their chemical composition were highly influenced by the enzyme type, composition ratio, and loading. However, these enzymatic conditions had minimal impact on the crystallinity index (approximately 80 %) and thermal stability (Tmax within 330-355 degrees C). Overall, these findings demonstrate that mechanical pretreatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis under specific conditions is a suitable method to produce nanocellulose with high yield and adjustable properties such as purity, rod-like or spherical forms, high thermal stability, and high crystallinity. Therefore, this production approach shows promise in producing tailored CNs with the potential for superior performance in various advanced applications, including, but not limited to, wound dressings, drug delivery, thermoplastic composites, 3D (bio)printing, and smart packaging. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/07023-2 - Development of an enzyme-based platform technology for production and modulation of nanocellulose: validation for biomedical and food packaging applications
• Grantee: Valdeir Arantes
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants - Phase 2
• FAPESP's process: 15/02862-5 - NANOCEL - development of enzyme mixtures for the preparation of nanocelluloses by a biohibrid process
• Grantee: Valdeir Arantes
• Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Young Investigators Grants