Cellulose Isolation from Tomato Pomace Pretreated by High-Pressure Homogenization

Abstract

This work proposes a biorefinery approach for the utilization of agri-food residues, such as tomato pomace (TP), through combining chemical hydrolysis with high-pressure homogenization (HPH), aiming to achieve the isolation of cellulose with tailored morphological properties from underused lignocellulose feedstocks, along with the valorization of the value-added compounds contained in the biomass. Cellulose was isolated from TP using sequential chemical hydrolysis in combination with mechanical pretreatment through HPH. The chemical and structural features of cellulose isolated from TP pretreated by HPH were compared with cellulose isolated from untreated TP through light scattering for particle size distribution, optical and scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. HPH pretreatment (80 MPa, 10 passes) not only promoted a slight increase in the yield of cellulose extraction (+9%) but contributed to directly obtaining defibrillated cellulose particles, characterized by smaller irregular domains containing elongated needle-like fibers. Moreover, the selected mild chemical process produced side streams rich in bioactive molecules, evaluated in terms of total phenols and reducing activity. The liquors recovered from acid hydrolysis of TP exhibited a higher biological activity than those obtained through a conventional extraction (80% v/v acetone, 25 °C, 24 h at 180 rpm).

Tailoring Nanostructured Cellulose for Efficient Pickering Emulsions Stabilization

“…Post‐HPH treatment, the aspect ratio for CNFs is estimated to be greater than 100, while for CNCs, it is approximately 54. These findings highlight the differential effects of HPH shear and impact forces (elongation, hydrodynamic cavitation, turbulence, and pressure gradient) [ 50 ] on the two types of NCs and emphasize potential implications for their utilization in Pickering emulsions stabilization. Specifically, CNCs can effectively interact at the oil‐water interface and form a robust particle network, thereby enhancing emulsion stability and preventing coalescence and Ostwald ripening, as HPH treatment does not significantly alter their shape and properties.…”

Thermophilic biocatalysts for one-step conversion of citrus waste into lactic acid

“…Moisture and ash content were evaluated by drying the waste at 105 °C in an forced-air oven (950.4 AOAC) and at 525 °C in a muffle (923.02 AOAC), respectively (Horwitz and Latimer 2005 ). The content of extractives, cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin was determined using the gravimetric method according to the Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) methods according to Pirozzi et al ( 2022 ). Briefly, the extractives content was determined through Soxhlet extraction to remove sugars, phenolic compounds, and part of water-soluble polysaccharides, according to TAPPI (T-264 om-82) and ASTM E1721-01 methods (Pirozzi et al 2023 ).…”

Cellulose Dissolution, Modification, and the Derived Hydrogel: A Review

“…In this process, lignocellulose became homogeneous defibrillated cellulose due to the synergistic effects of high-speed shearing, high-energy collision, and hole effect. [99]…”

“…extracted cellulose from tomato residue by high‐pressure homogenization with a particle diameter of 600 μm. In this process, lignocellulose became homogeneous defibrillated cellulose due to the synergistic effects of high‐speed shearing, high‐energy collision, and hole effect [99] …”