Nanocellulose synthesis via synergistic application of solid acid and cellulase

Abstract

Nanocellulose stands out in numerous applications due to its excellent properties. Yet, achieving its preparation in a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally benign manner remains challenging. This study introduces a green synthesis approach by employing a non-polluting solid acid, combined with a cellulase enzyme, for nanocellulose production. We explored the impact of varying the addition sequence of solid acid and cellulase on nanocellulose yield. Experimental results showed that under optimal cellulase hydrolysis conditions, solid acid hydrolysis yielded 41.3 % nanocellulose, whereas cellulase hydrolysis resulted in a 27.1 % yield. In co-treatment experiments, with the following process steps: 1) sequential hydrolysis with solid acid, followed by cellulose (SA-E); 2) simultaneous hydrolysis with solid acid and cellulase (SA + E); 3) cellulase followed by solid acid hydrolysis (E-SA). the nanocellulose yields were: 73.37 %, 70.43 %, and 57.21 %, respectively. These results proved a synergistic effect between solid acid and cellulase in both SA-E and SA + E scenarios. In addition, the synergistic mechanism between solid acid and cellulase was proposed. This approach presents a highly promising strategy for achieving high yields of nanocellulose.