Exploring xylan removal via enzymatic post-treatment to tailor the properties of cellulose nanofibrils for packaging film applications

Autor(es)

Las-Casas, Bruno ; Arantes, Valdeir

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules; v. 274, p. 12-pg., 2024-06-28.

Resumo

Hemicellulose plays a key role in both the production of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and their properties as suspensions and films. While the use of enzymatic and chemical pre-treatments for tailoring hemicellulose levels is well-established, post-treatment methods using enzymes remain relatively underexplored and hold significant promise for modifying CNF film properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of enzymatic xylan removal on the properties of CNF film for packaging applications. The enzymatic post-treatment was carried out using an enzymatic cocktail enriched with endoxylanase (EX). The EX post-treated-CNFs were characterized by LALLS, XRD, and FEG-SEM, while their films were characterized in terms of physical, morphological, optical, thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties. Employing varying levels of EX facilitated the hydrolysis of 8 to 35 % of xylan, yielding CNFs with different xylan contents. Xylan was found to be vital for the stability of CNF suspensions, as its removal led to the agglomeration of nanofibrils. Nanostructures with preserved crystalline structures and different morphologies, including nanofibers, nanorods, and their hybrids were observed. The EX post-treatment contributed to a smoother film surface, improved thermostability, and better moisture barrier properties. However, as the xylan content decreased, the films became lighter (lower grammage), less strong, and more brittle. Thus, the enzymatic removal of xylan enabled the customization of CNF films' performance without affecting the inherent crystalline structure, resulting in materials with diverse functionalities that could be explored for use in packaging films. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 21/07023-2 - Desenvolvimento de uma plataforma tecnologia baseada em enzimas para produção e modulação de nanocelulose: validação para aplicações biomédicas e embalagens ativas
• Beneficiário: Valdeir Arantes
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Jovens Pesquisadores - Fase 2
• Processo FAPESP: 21/04324-1 - Aplicação de tratamentos enzimáticos e nanopartículas de lignina no desenvolvimento de nanocelulose customizada para fabricação de embalagem ativa e sustentável
• Beneficiário: Bruno Las Casas Chaves
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado Direto