Comparative Study of Green and Traditional Routes for Cellulose Extraction from a Sugarcane By-Product

Abstract

Sugarcane bagasse (SCB) is the main residue of the sugarcane industry and a promising renewable and sustainable lignocellulosic material. The cellulose component of SCB, present at 40–50%, can be used to produce value-added products for various applications. Herein, we present a comprehensive and comparative study of green and traditional approaches for cellulose extraction from the by-product SCB. Green methods of extraction (deep eutectic solvents, organosolv, and hydrothermal processing) were compared to traditional methods (acid and alkaline hydrolyses). The impact of the treatments was evaluated by considering the extract yield, chemical profile, and structural properties. In addition, an evaluation of the sustainability aspects of the most promising cellulose extraction methods was performed. Among the proposed methods, autohydrolysis was the most promising approach in cellulose extraction, yielding 63.5% of a solid fraction with ca. 70% cellulose. The solid fraction showed a crystallinity index of 60.4% and typical cellulose functional groups. This approach was demonstrated to be environmentally friendly, as indicated by the green metrics assessed (E(nvironmental)-factor = 0.30 and Process Mass Intensity (PMI) = 20.5). Autohydrolysis was shown to be the most cost-effective and sustainable approach for the extraction of a cellulose-rich extract from SCB, which is extremely relevant for aiming the valorization of the most abundant by-product of the sugarcane industry.

Fabrication, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of T. terrestris Incorporated Titanium-Doped ZnO/Cellulose Nanocomposite Films as a Therapeutic Hemostatic Scaffolds for Diabetic Wound Healing

“…Sugar cane bagasse is the main residue of the sugar cane industry and a promising renewable and sustainable lignocellulosic material . High-purity cellulose fibers were extracted by steam explosion process followed by bleaching .…”

“…Sugar cane bagasse is the main residue of the sugar cane industry and a promising renewable and sustainable lignocellulosic material. 22 High-purity cellulose fibers were extracted by steam explosion process followed by bleaching. 23 The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to high-purity nanocellulose is through three steps: acid treatment, alkaline treatment, and bleaching.…”

Color Stability Enhancement of Curcumin Bioplastic Films Using Natural Hybrid Fillers of Montmorillonite and Revalorized Cellulose

“…As lignocellulosic matter comprises a complex structure of its major components enclosed together, the CEL extraction process usually requires a combination of mechano-chemical treatments to convert agricultural waste into added-value cellulosic fibers. There are various procedures commonly used for extracting CEL from different lignocellulosic sources which include chemical methods like organosolv process, basic or acidic hydrolysis and deep eutectic solvents, physical methods such as ball milling, extrusion, ultrasonication, and microwave and biological methods using enzymatic pretreatment or whole-cell treatments. − Yet, basic or acidic hydrolysis is still considered a well-established method because of its high yield and purity, which can be further increased by using higher alkali concentration and extraction temperature. On the other hand, equivalent results can be achieved for CEL extraction from lignocellulosic biomass by employing repeated treatments at lower temperatures and alkali concentrations, and also by using alternative less hazardous chemicals.…”

“…On the other hand, equivalent results can be achieved for CEL extraction from lignocellulosic biomass by employing repeated treatments at lower temperatures and alkali concentrations, and also by using alternative less hazardous chemicals. Recently, greener methods comprising deep eutectic solvents and hydrothermal processes have been proposed . The authors attempted to overcome typical problems posed by the traditional techniques which involve environmental pollution, high energy consumption and costs of processing, toxicity, considerable waste treatment, and scaling up challenges.…”

“…Recently, greener methods comprising deep eutectic solvents and hydrothermal processes have been proposed. 23 The authors attempted to overcome typical problems posed by the traditional techniques which involve environmental pollution, high energy consumption and costs of processing, toxicity, considerable waste treatment, and scaling up challenges. Moreover, CEL and its derivatives have widespread applications in various fields such as nanotechnology, 25 pharmaceuticals, 26 textile, 27 paper, 28 and food packaging industries 29 owing to its biodegradability and nontoxicity along with its high tensile and compressive strength.…”