Necessity of enzymatic hydrolysis for production and functionalization of nanocelluloses

Abstract

Nanocellulose (NC) from cellulosic biomass has recently gained attention owing to their biodegradable nature, low density, high mechanical properties, economic value and renewability. They still suffer, however, some drawbacks. The challenges are the exploration of raw materials, scaling, recovery of chemicals utilized for the production or functionalization and most important is toxic behavior that hinders them from implementing in medical/pharmaceutical field. This review emphasizes the structural behavior of cellulosic biomass and biological barriers for enzyme interactions, which are pertinent to understand the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose for the production of NCs. Additionally, the enzymatic catalysis for the modification of solid and NC is discussed. The utility of various classes of enzymes for introducing desired functional groups on the surface of NC has been further examined. Thereafter, a green mechanistic approach is applied for understanding at molecular level.

Production of nanocellulose by enzymatic hydrolysis: Trends and challenges

“…However, the reduction of these costs has attracted the interest of research centers and companies in recent years, due to the high potential of high saccharification efficiency and high penetration, as well as the low level of pollution. With the use of enzymatic hydrolysis, high yields and almost pure cellulose material are favored, in addition to, reducing environmental impact and obtaining products suitable for biomedical applications [61].…”

Isolation and Surface Modification of Nanocellulose: Necessity of Enzymes over Chemicals

“…). Recently, Karim and coauthors have shown the possible bonding of cellulosic monomers using 1,4‐ β‐D ‐glycosidic bonds and inter‐ and intra‐hydrogen bonds .…”

“…Various biomass sources have been used for the production of nanocellulose worldwide, depending on the availability of biomass in the area. The primary used natural biomass for the production of nanocelluloses is wood , . Other non‐food materials sources like jute, coir, sisal, ramie, flax, hemp, abaca, cotton, and cotton linters were also reported .…”

“…The primary used natural biomass for the production of nanocelluloses is wood , . Other non‐food materials sources like jute, coir, sisal, ramie, flax, hemp, abaca, cotton, and cotton linters were also reported . Furthermore, residues of some food material (wheat, barley, almond, and carrot) were also utilized for the isolation of nanocellulose , .…”

“…Overall, these procedures are meant to produce pretreated cellulose, which is starting material for both nanocrystal and nanofiber production. A detailed review regarding the use of enzymes and their advantages over chemicals has already been published .…”