Nanocellulose: Resources, Physio-Chemical Properties, Current Uses and Future Applications

Abstract

The growing environmental concerns due to the excessive use of non-renewable petroleum based products have raised interest for the sustainable synthesis of bio-based value added products and chemicals. Recently, nanocellulose has attracted wide attention because of its unique properties such as high surface area, tunable surface chemistry, excellent mechanical strength, biodegradability and renewable nature. It serves wide range of applications in paper making, biosensor, hydrogel and aerogel synthesis, water purification, biomedical industry and food industry. Variations in selection of source, processing technique and subsequent chemical modifications influence the size, morphology, and other characteristics of nanocellulose and ultimately their area of application. The current review is focused on extraction/synthesis of nanocellulose from different sources such as bacteria and lignocellulosic biomass, by using various production techniques ranging from traditional harsh chemicals to green methods. Further, the challenges in nanocellulose production, physio-chemical properties and applications are discussed with future opportunities. Finally, the sustainability of nanocellulose product as well as processes is reviewed by taking a systems view. The impact of chemicals, energy use, and waste generated can often negate the benefit of a bio-based product. These issues are evaluated and future research needs are identified.

Sustainable Synthesis and Characterization of Tunable and Multipurpose Nanocellulose From Freshwater Aquatic Weed as Pharmaceutical Excipient

“…(6) ……. (7) Pharmaceutical powders need to be free-flowing while handling and formulations processes. Accordingly, static angle of repose was determined to ascertain flow pattern of CNC powder.…”

“…Numerous sources to obtain nanocellulose have been reported such as sugarcane bagasse, kenaf, cotton, sugar beet, wheat straw, bamboo, tunicates, algae, eucalyptus, garlic skin, to quote a few among many that span among plant, animal, bacterial and civil waste origin [7]. Several excellent reviews are available that throw light on sources, extraction and isolation processes of nanocellulose.…”

Development of Porous-Polyacrylonitrile-Based Fibers Using Nanocellulose Additives as Precursor for Carbon Fiber Manufacturing

“…CNCs have attracted considerable attention as a renewable reinforcing material for polymer nanocomposites due to their high specific tensile strength and modulus, uniform orientation and ecofriendly and biodegradable nature [ 14 , 15 ]. The most important methodology to produce CNCs is commonly based on acid hydrolysis, although currently, several other procedures have been established [ 16 ].…”

Design and application of an efficient cellulose-degrading microbial consortium and carboxymethyl cellulase production optimization

“…However, cellulose is of complex structure and high crystallinity (Kaur et al, 2021). Its decomposition is the rate-limiting step in compost production (Tuli et al, 2018).…”