Agro-industrial Residues Research Articles

Bioconversion of coffee ground to lipase by filamentous fungi isolated from the Igarassu River in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil

Most lipases used for commercial purposes are isolated from microorganisms due to their stability and easy recovery, new residues have been studied to obtain enzymes to reduce production costs. Therefore, this work investigated the biotechnological potential of filamentous fungi isolated from the Igarassu River in the conversion of coffee grounds into lipase in solid state fermentation. The fungi were isolated, identified and submitted to a preliminary assay with 10g of coffee grounds, moisture 60% at 28 °C for 144 h to select the filamentous fungus with the highest potential for lipase production. A factorial design of 23 was carried out to evaluate the influence of the variables moisture, temperature and residue concentration on lipase production by the selected species. Five filamentous fungi were isolated and identified: A. flavus UCP 0316, A. fumigatus UCP 0327, P. variotii UCP 0334, M. hiemalis f. luteis UCP 0343 and A. foetidus UCP 0360. All filamentous fungi cultivated on coffee grounds were able to grow and produce lipase, however A. foetidus exhibited higher enzymatic activity of 514.29 U/mL. We observed that the production of lipase was higher (2941.87 U/mL) when A. foetidus was cultivated in 25 g of coffee grounds, 37 °C and 50% moisture. Therefore, we emphasize that coffee grounds are a promising agro-industrial residue to lipase production, contributing to the reduction of environmental pollution and generating value-added products for the industry.

Making the reuse of agro-industrial wastes a reality for starch-based packaging sector: A storage case study of carrot cake and cherry tomatoes

Cassava inner bark (CIB) and grape stalks (GS), residues from agro-industrial activities, were applied in the development of biodegradable foams by thermocompression. The samples produced with untreated stalks (sample GSWT) and with stalks only physically treated (sample GSP) presented good mechanical strength (2.1 MPa and 2.5 MPa, respectively) and low water absorption capacity (58% and 56% at 90 min, respectively). Therefore, these samples were selected for the storage of carrot cake and cherry tomatoes. Compared with the cakes stored in the supermarket packaging, there were no significant moisture content differences of the cakes stored in the biodegradable packaging developed by the formulation with the GSP sample (25% and 23%, respectively). The cakes' hardness increased up to 88% when stored in S + CIB + GSWT foam. More interesting, it was observed that the biodegradable packaging is more suitable for the storage of cherry tomatoes than the supermarket ones once the firmness of this product was maintained during storage (initial firmness of 5.4 N and final firmness of 5.3 N after 15 days in S + CIB packaging). Thus, biodegradable packaging developed from agro-industrial residues (CIB and GS) can be considered environmentally-friendly and promising materials to preserve the quality and freshness of carrot cake and cherry tomatoes.

Evaluation of the physical-mechanical and energy properties of coffee husk briquettes with kraft lignin during slow pyrolysis

The objective of the study was to evaluate the properties of briquettes produced with coffee husks with the addition of kraft lignin for the production of solid biofuels of high physical-mechanical and energetic quality and to analyze the feasibility of converting these briquettes into co-products with higher energy value at from the pyrolysis process. The ratios of kraft lignin to the coffee husk mass were: 10%, 20% and 50%. The briquetting was performed at temperature 120 °C and at a pressure of 15 MPa for 15 min. The physical mechanical characteristics such as apparent density and compressive strength were determined. Slow pyrolysis was performed in 350 °C, 400 °C and 450 °C at a heating rate of 5 °C/min; the final residence time was 1 h. The product yields were calculated at the end of the pyrolysis process. The chemical compounds present in the bio-oil were identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the biochar was evaluated for proximate analysis, higher heating value (HHV) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with total reflectance attenuated (FTIR-ATR). The briquettes produced with 50% of lignin kraft showed higher apparent density and compressive strength. The pyrolysis performed at 350 °C of the briquettes with 50% lignin favored the production of biochar, on the other hand the pyrolysis performed at 350 °C of the briquettes with 10% lignin provided a higher bio-oil yield. In the bio-oil obtained in the pyrolysis at 400 °C of briquettes with 50% lignin kraft, the greatest production of phenolic compounds occurred. On the other hand, the greatest yield of nitrogen compounds (caffeine) occurred in pyrolysis at 350 °C of briquettes with 20% kraft lignin. The chemical and energetic properties of biochars did not vary considerably in the studied pyrolysis temperature ranges. However, the use of the thermochemical process enhanced the energetic properties and the FTIR analysis showed that biochars have become more aromatic and carbonaceous, in relation to the raw agro-industrial residues. It is concluded that the combination of the different agro-industrial residues (coffee husk and kraft lignin) can offer a sustainable solution for part of the energy scenario, considering that both the properties of the briquettes and the characteristics of the pyrolysis products have been improved.

Production of Lignocellulolytic Enzymes and Phenolic Compounds by Lentinus strigosus from the Amazon Using Solid-State Fermentation (SSF) of Guarana (Paullinia cupana) Residue.

The Amazon rainforest has a rich biodiversity, and studies of Basidiomycete fungi that have biomolecules of biotechnological interest are relevant. The use of lignocellulosic biomass in biotechnological processes proposes an alternative use, and also adds value to the material when employed in the bioconversion of agro-industrial waste. In this context, this study evaluate the production of lignocellulolytic enzymes (carboxymethylcellulases (CMCase), xylanase, pectinase, laccase) as well as phenolic compounds and proteases by solid-state fermentation (SSF) using the fungus Lentinus strigosus isolated from Amazon. The guarana (Paullinia cupana) residue was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). SSF was carried out with 60% humidification of the residue, at 30 °C, for 10 days. The lignocellulosic biomass presented fragmented structures with irregular shapes and porosities, and was mainly constituted by cellulose (19.16%), hemicellulose (32.83%), and lignin (6.06%). During the SSF, significant values of CMCase (0.84 U/g) on the 8th day, xylanase (1.00 U/g) on the 7th day, pectinase (2.19 U/g) on the 6th day, laccase (176.23 U/mL) on the 5th day, phenolic compounds (10.27 μg/mL) on the 1st day, soluble proteins (0.08 mg/mL) on the 5th day, and protease (8.30 U/mL) on the 6th day were observed. In general, the agro-industrial residue used provided promising results as a viable alternative for use as a substrate in biotechnological processes.

Chemical Modification of Cellulose Using a Green Route by Reactive Extrusion with Citric and Succinic Acids

Cellulose is a natural, unbranched, and fibrous homopolymer that is a major component in several agroindustrial residues. The aim of this study was to extract cellulose from oat hulls and then to modify it using a green route to obtain esterified cellulose through reaction with organic acids employing the reactive extrusion process, which is a process that presents some advantages, including low effluent generation, short reaction times, and it is scalable for large scale use. Citric (CA) and succinic (SA) acids were employed as esterifying agents in different concentrations (0, 5, 12.5, and 20%). Modified cellulose samples were characterized by their degree of substitution (DS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (DRX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wettability, oil and water absorption capacities, and thermal stability. DS of modified samples ranged from 2.28 to 3.00, and FTIR results showed that the esterification occurred in all samples for both acids by observation of important bands at 1720 and 1737 cm−1 for samples modified with CA and SA, respectively. All modified samples presented increased hydrophobicity. The modification did not have an influence on the morphological structure or crystallinity pattern of all samples. This study proved to be possible to modify cellulose using a simple and ecofriendly process based on reactive extrusion with organic acids.

Obtainment of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from Microalgae Supplemented with Agro-Industry Residue Corn Steep Liquor

In this study, it was possible to evaluate the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and Tetradesmus obliquus, using 1% and 0.25% (v/v) of agro-indusytial Corn Steep Liquor residue, a product from corn processing. The biomass was subjected to mechanical extraction using 4% sodium hypochlorite + chloroform, and the extract was further characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis.

Removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution using biomass of Cunninghamella echinulata UCP 1297 as superbiosorbent / Remoção do corante azul de metileno de solução aquosa usando biomassa de Cunninghamella echinulata UCP 1297 como superbiossorvente

Nowadays, water pollution caused by dye contaminants has become a severe global issue and aroused tremendous attention, since it is estimated that more than 100 thousand types of commercial organic dyes have been produced. Meanwhile, huge amounts of dyes have been discharged into natural environment during the production process, which causes serious environmental problems. Hence, it is quite urgent to remove the dyestuffs from water, and several methods have been devoted to resolving this issue, including biosorption processes. In this context, this study aimed the decolorization of methylene blue using biomass of Mucoralean fungi Cunninghamella echinulata UCP 1297, as alternative biosorbent. The fungus C. echinulata was initially cultivated in low-cost medium containing 1% corn steep liquor and 5% mature Pacovan banana (Musa sapientum) peel flour, at pH 6, 28ºC and 150 rpm, during 96 h. Fungal biomass obtained after filtration and centrifugation of cultures was subjected to lyophilization. The biosorbent (lyophilized biomass was sieved to obtain particles of size less than 1.0 mm, which were used for decolorization of methylene blue from aqueous solution at concentration of 5 mg/L. Experiments were carried out for 24 and 48h at 28ºC, using a 23 full-factorial design (FFD) to evaluate the influence of agitation, pH and amount of biosorbent. Discoloration was determined by measuring absorbance at 660 nm in UV-Visible spectrophotometer. According to the results, fungal biomass proved to be an excellent biosorbent of methylene blue, showing the highest percentage of removal (95.407%) and (96.427%) were observed in the condition 8 of the FFD, with the maximum levels of the evaluated variables (200 rpm of agitation, pH 9 and 90 mg of biomass). However, in the condition 4 similar variables, except to biomass (200 rpm of agitation, pH 9 and 10 mg of biomass) showed a lower methylene blue removal as 0.413 and 10.249%, respectively to 24 and 48h of incubation. The results indicated that the amount of Cunninghamella echinulata UCP 1297 biomass influenced the decolorization bioprocess of the methylene blue azo dye, proving to be a superbiosorbent. Thus, this study confirmed the suitability of fungal biomass for dye removal process and the cost-effectiveness of it uses due to inexpensive medium for production using agro-industrial residues.

Influence of guava residue on tambaqui growth performance

Fruit residues represent alternative ingredients that can be included in diets of tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum. This study evaluated the growth performance of tambaqui fed diets containing different levels of guava agroindustrial residue. The experiment was based on a completely randomised design, with 105 fish randomly distributed in 15 plastic 60 L-1 boxes with a water recirculation system. Feeding was carried out to apparent satiety for 45 days, using diets with 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g kg-1 inclusion of guava residue. Biometrics were performed every 15 days. Quadratic effect (p < 0.05) was observed for daily feed intake and apparent feed conversion, with optimum levels of 4.86 and 6.05% inclusion of guava residue, respectively. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in relation to final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, hepato-somatic index, survival rate and protein efficiency rate by the dietary treatments. The inclusion of up to 150 g kg-1 of the guava agroindustrial residue in the feed did not compromise the performance of tambaqui juveniles.

Bioethanol Production from Spent Sugar Beet Pulp—Process Modeling and Cost Analysis

Global economic development has led to the widespread use of fossil fuels, and their extensive use has resulted in increased environmental pollution. As a result, significantly more attention is being paid to environmental issues and alternative renewable energy sources. Bioethanol production from agro-industrial byproducts, residues, and wastes is one example of sustainable energy production. This research aims to develop a process and cost model of bioethanol production from spent sugar beet pulp. The model was developed using SuperPro Designer® v.11 (Intelligen Inc., Scotch Plains, NJ, USA) software, and determines the capital and production costs for a bioethanol-producing plant processing about 17,000 tons of spent sugar beet pulp per year. In addition, the developed model predicts the process and economic indicators of the analyzed biotechnological process, determines the share of major components in bioethanol production costs, and compares different model scenarios for process co-products. Based on the obtained results, the proposed model is viable and represents a base case for further bioprocess development.

Evaluation of drying parameters and antioxidant activity of agro-industrial waste

ABSTRACT Natural antioxidants are a research topic of increased attention due to the fact that some synthetic antioxidants are now suspected to be potentially harmful to human health. The biomass like mirabelle plum stones valorisation considered as agro-industrial residues seems to be a prospective way for new natural antioxidants. Therefore, an experimental study of sorption isotherm and drying kinetic and antioxidant activities of shell and kernel of mirabelle was carried out. The gravimetric method is used to determine adsorption and desorption isotherms. The experimental results were fitted by GAB and Owswin models. Moreover, a set of drying experiments were studied at five air temperatures (75, 85, 95, 105 and 110°C). Experimental drying curves were fitted with Page, single-term and two-term exponential models. It is found that exponential models are suitable for fruit stones drying. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of kernel extracts is evaluated using the methods of oxygen uptake method (OUI) and the scavenging of 2-2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The OUI measurement showed that the extracts had considerably high antioxidant activity (83–90%). The close correlation between DPPH and OUI assays is confirmed. Hence, the mirabelle kernel extracts can be used as effective natural antioxidant.

Biochemical Μethane potential of most promising agricultural residues in Northern and Southern Greece

Greece produces significant amounts of residual biomass due to its intense agricultural and agro-industrial sector. The anaerobic digestion process has been frequently considered as the best environmental and economic solution for energy recovery from different biodegradable waste such as agricultural waste, livestock manure, agro-industrial waste, as well as for their co-digestion. The aim of this study was the assessment of biochemical methane potential (BMP) of biomass feedstocks representative of Northern and Southern Greece, which are available during the fall/winter and spring/summer seasons, through the implementation of BMP assays. The raw residues evaluated in the current work included: (a) crop residues (corn silage and unsuitable for human consumption watermelon), (b) agro-industrial residues (malt, tomato processing residues, orange peels and olive pomace) and (c) livestock (cattle) manure. Tests of both single substrates and various mixtures were conducted for the evaluation of their methane yields. The results of the mono-substrates are in accordance with other studies in the literature, with watermelon presenting the highest methane potential (421.0 ± 3.4 ml CH4/g VSadded). After the evaluation of the mixtures and mono-substrates results, the most promising mixtures seemed to be the following: a) for Northern Greece, 10% corn silage-80% cattle manure-10% malt, b) for Southern Greece spring/summer season, 10% corn silage-14% cattle manure-66% watermelon-10% tomato processing residues, and c) for Southern Greece fall/winter season, 10% corn silage-57% cattle manure-23% orange peels-10% olive pomace.

Effect of diet on productivity and body composition of Moina macrocopa (Straus, 1820) (Branchiopoda, Cladocera, Anomopoda)

Abstract In the aquaculture of fish and crustaceans, the indoor culture of M. macrocopa constitutes a requisite to produce a more effective feed for the larviculture of the cultured commercial species. The present study examined the efficiency of different diets on population density, survival, and productivity of M. macrocopa. The cladocerans [Cladocera: currently largely referred to as Diplostraca] were fed and enriched with seven diets, including Chlorella sp., agro-industrial residues (rice bran and soybean meal), bio-organic fertilizer (chicken manure and swiftlet waste), canola oil and artificial micro pellets. The diets were provided at a concentration of 500 mg/l for each diet. The M. macrocopa fed on rice bran had a higher population density, survival, productivity, and a promising higher nutrient quality than the test groups fed on the other dietary treatments used. This study has covered the most important aspects of nutritional requirements to produce live feed organisms, which would provide a comprehensive data set for an alternative solution of the best feed for M. macrocopa propagation and their utilization in hatcheries.

Physicochemical Characteristics of Biofuel Briquettes Made from Pecan (Carya illinoensis) Pericarp Wastes of Different Particle Sizes.

Pecan nut (Carya illinoensis) pericarp is usually considered as a waste, with no or low value applications. Its potential as a densified solid biofuel has been evaluated, searching for alternatives to generating quality renewable energy and reducing polluting emissions in the atmosphere, based on particle size, that is an important feedstock property. Therefore, agro-industrial residues from the pecan nut harvest were collected, milled and sieved to four different granulometry: 1.6 mm (N° 12), 0.84 mm (N° 20), 0.42 mm (N° 40), and 0.25 mm (N° 60), used as raw material for biofuel briquette production. The carbon and oxygen functional groups in the base material were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proximate analyses were performed following international standards, for determining the moisture content, volatile materials, fixed carbon, ash content, and calorific value. For the biofuel briquettes made from base material of different particle sizes, the physical characteristics (density, hardness, swelling, and impact resistance index) and energy potential (calorific value) were determined to define their quality as a biofuel. The physical transformation of the pecan pericarp wastes into briquettes improved its quality as a solid biofuel, with calorific values from around 17.00 MJ/kg for the base material to around 18.00 MJ/kg for briquettes, regardless of particle size. Briquettes from sieve number 40 had the highest density (1.25 g/cm3). Briquettes from sieve number 60 (finest particles) presented the greater hardness (99.85). The greatest susceptibility to swelling (0.31) was registered for briquettes with the largest particle size (sieve number 20). The IRI was 200 for all treatments.

Sustainability Assessment of Solid Biofuels from Agro-Industrial Residues Case of Sugarcane Bagasse in a Mexican Sugar Mill

Motivated by the environmentally driven energy transition we live in, the valorization of biomass residues from the agro-industry as renewable energy can play an essential role in GHG emissions mitigation. To overcome the debate on the production and use of solid biofuels (SBF), in this study, we apply an integrated multicriteria tool for the assessment of the sustainability use of agro-industrial residues (AIR) as solid biofuels. Mexico has a vast AIR production, but frequently, the AIR are considered waste biomass. Still, when valorized, SBF do not have adverse effects on soil quality, are not responsible for biodiversity loss, and compete against food production as first-generation SBF. Nevertheless, the AIR present other environmental, social, and economic impacts that have not been adequately evaluated; therefore, we identified the need for a sustainability assessment of energy systems based on the use of SBF–AIR as input fuels. After reviewing previous work on sustainability assessment methodologies, multicriteria decision analysis methods, and indicator weighting methods, we considered it appropriate for this problem to apply a tool that integrates the entropic indicator weighting method into the discrete multicriteria decision analysis method called PROMETHEE. In terms of selected sustainability indicators, this tool was used to assess four electric energy supply systems of a Mexican sugar mill as a case study: current bagasse cogeneration, efficient bagasse cogeneration, a power generation system fueled only with fuel oil, and grid electricity only. Finally, after evaluating the mentioned energy systems with four sustainability indicators: GHG emissions, PM emissions, employments per energy unit (JOBS), and the net present value (NPV) of each alternative, we found the net outranking flow of the efficient bagasse system (EBS). which is the most sustainable system because it has the highest outranking flow value from the four considered alternatives, since it has the lower GHG emissions, reducing the current bagasse GHG emissions by 55% and the PM emissions by 58%. The EBS also shows the highest NPV system due to surplus electricity sales, resulting in the most profitable energy system analyzed.

Hybrid Assembly Improves Genome Quality and Completeness of Trametes villosa CCMB561 and Reveals a Huge Potential for Lignocellulose Breakdown.

Trametes villosa is a wood-decaying fungus with great potential to be used in the bioconversion of agro-industrial residues and to obtain high-value-added products, such as biofuels. Nonetheless, the lack of high-quality genomic data hampers studies investigating genetic mechanisms and metabolic pathways in T. villosa, hindering its application in industry. Herein, applying a hybrid assembly pipeline using short reads (Illumina HiSeq) and long reads (Oxford Nanopore MinION), we obtained a high-quality genome for the T. villosa CCMB561 and investigated its genetic potential for lignocellulose breakdown. The new genome possesses 143 contigs, N50 of 1,009,271 bp, a total length of 46,748,415 bp, 14,540 protein-coding genes, 22 secondary metabolite gene clusters, and 426 genes encoding Carbohydrate-Active enzymes. Our CAZome annotation and comparative genomic analyses of nine Trametes spp. genomes revealed T. villosa CCMB561 as the species with the highest number of genes encoding lignin-modifying enzymes and a wide array of genes encoding proteins for the breakdown of cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin. These results bring to light the potential of this isolate to be applied in the bioconversion of lignocellulose and will support future studies on the expression, regulation, and evolution of genes, proteins, and metabolic pathways regarding the bioconversion of lignocellulosic residues.

Comparative Study of Bioethanol Produced from Different Agro-Industrial Biomass Residues

Bioethanol was produced from the three different agro-industrial biomass residues, i.e., sugarcane bagasse (SB), rice husk (RH) and corn cob (CC)) at 35°C, 120hr with 90g of each substrate. 2% H2SO4 was used for hydrolysis of the samples while 3g of yeast (saccharomyces cerevisiae) was used for fermentation. Simple distillation was used for the distillation of the fermented broth. The concentration of reducing sugar and ethanol, quantity of produced bioethanol as well as the physical properties (pH, density, viscosity and flash point) was investigated. SB has the highest concentration of reducing sugar and ethanol as well as the quantity of produced bioethanol. The pH of bioethanol generated from all the three substrates are within the bioethanol standard value while the density, viscosity and flash point were higher than bioethanol standards. It was concluded that both SB, RH and CC has the potential of bioethanol production in commercial quantity under well-chosen production conditions.

Statistical mixture designs for media development with agro-industrial residues – Supporting the circular bioeconomy

Nutrient-rich side streams can be used in fermentation media to produce biomaterials, biofuels and other high-value products, contributing to the circular bioeconomy. However, the efficient valorization of side streams requires media optimized for the fermentation organism and the desired product. In an exemplary process, we investigated statistical mixture designs for the development of a medium containing food-grade agro-industrial residues (whey, molasses and cornsteep powder (CSP)). The yeast Kluyveromyces lactis was used to convert these residues into biomass and a model-protein (β-galactosidase). With the obtained response surface, the effects and interactions of the residues and mixtures thereof on growth rate, biomass and β-galactosidase production could be determined. Two-thirds CSP with one-third molasses produced the most biomass, whereas 88% CSP with 12% whey achieved the optimal β-galactosidase production rate. The side streams used fulfilled cell-specific requirements and the mixture design even led to the identification of synergistic effects between residues. The models were verified in confirmation runs, showing that statistical mixture designs are ideal for targeted and resource-efficient media development. Expanding the use of mixture designs to other side streams, biocatalysts, and products increases the attractiveness and efficiency of using agro-industrial residues in fermentation media and thus can be beneficial in supporting the circular bioeconomy.

Determination of the Optimal Size and Location of an Electricity Generation Plant that Uses Lignocellulosic Residues from Costa Rican Northern

The northern zone of Costa Rica has extensive forestry and agro-industrial development, which generates a large number of lignocellulosic residues that do not have an economic value but could represent a vast energy potential. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the optimal size and location of an electricity generation plant from the forest and agro-industrial biomass. The researchers worked with two forest species residues (Gmelina arborea and Tectona grandis) and two agro-industrial residues (Ananas comosus and Saccharum officinarum), representing the most extensive cultivations in the region. The material was characterized, then GIS layers of the species cultivation areas were analyzed and related to the roads and protected areas to define the twelve potential points where the power plant should be installed. Later, the optimal supply radius of the plant and the optimal site conditions were determined. The study determined that the tree species have an average caloric power of 19,059.50 kJ/kg, significantly higher than agro-industrial (16,684.9 kJ/kg). It was determined that 1,056,527.67 tons of dry biomass are generated per year; 6.5% arboreal and 79.97% from A. comosus. The minimum electricity generation capacity is 15 MW with an annual consumption of 102,300 tons, which are available between 15 and 100 km away from the sites. The southeast area was the best positioned because of the biomass source and optimal environmental conditions for establishing the power plant.

Effect of phenolic compound recovery from agro-industrial residues on the performance of pyrolysis process

Effect of phenolic compound recovery from agro-industrial residues on the performance of pyrolysis process

Applying ultrasound-assisted processing to obtain cellulose fibres from rice straw to be used as reinforcing agents

Rice straw (RS) is one of the most globally abundant agro-industrial residues. For its valorisation, a green combined ultrasound-reflux heating method was applied to obtain cellulose fibres (CF) from RS. The new method produced CF with a higher yield (37%) than the alkaline process (29%), more hydrophilic, and with a lower tendency to aggregate. Despite the slightly different degree of purification detected by the chemical and FTIR analysis, both fibres exhibited similar crystallinity, thermal behaviour, morphogeometric characteristics, and aspect ratio distributions (20–60). Both CF showed similar reinforcing capabilities in methylcellulose/gum Arabic films, enhancing the film stretchability and resistance to break by about 33% and 20%. Non-noticeable changes in water vapour permeability and the light internal transmission were observed, indicating good compatibility CF-polymer matrix. Therefore, using the ultrasound-heating method to obtain CF is an eco-friendlier process than the alkaline treatment, supplying suitable fibres as industrial reinforcing agents. Industrial relevanceUltrasound, an emerging technology in food processing, combined with reflux heating, can be a green alternative for obtaining cellulose microfibres for industrial applications. The new combined method was faster than the alkaline process (1.5 h vs. 6 h) and was more environmentally-friendly since it does not require a strong alkaline solution. Besides, both cellulose microfibres exhibited similar performances when incorporated into a polymer matrix. These results boost knowledge in the food packaging field, as well as the valorisation of agro-industrial wastes for industrial applications.