Utilization of Nypa fruticans’s fronds residue as microfibrillated cellulose by chemical and mechanical treatments

The article investigates the utilization of Nypa fruticans fronds residue as a sustainable source for producing microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) through a combination of chemical and mechanical treatments. The study emphasizes the environmental advantages of biocomposites over traditional composite materials, highlighting the superior properties of MFC, such as high mechanical strength, extensive specific surface area, and minimal density. The research explores various methods of isolating structural biopolymers from the cell wall of plant residues, including physicochemical, thermochemical, and biological pretreatments. The article delves into the transformation of cellulose into MFC using high-intensity mechanical treatments, such as high-pressure homogenization, and discusses the remarkable physiochemical properties of MFC that make it suitable for applications in biomedicine, bioplastics, and biodegradable biocomposites. The study also examines the potential of MFC as a stabilizer in Pickering emulsions and its application in dental care, food industry, and as a growth media for wood decay fungi. Furthermore, the article provides a detailed analysis of the effects of different chemical treatments, including alkali pulping and maleic acid fractionation, on the morphology, crystallinity, and chemical composition of MFC. The research offers valuable insights into the optimization of MFC production processes and the potential applications of MFC in various industries, making it a significant contribution to the field of sustainable materials.