Corncob Cellulose Research Articles

A Combination of Transcriptome and Enzyme Activity Analysis Unveils Key Genes and Patterns of Corncob Lignocellulose Degradation by Auricularia heimuer under Cultivation Conditions.

The cultivation of Auricularia heimuer, a species of edible mushroom, heavily relies on the availability of wood resources serving as substrate for the growth of the species. To ensure the sustainable development of the A. heimuer industry and optimize the utilization of corncob as a substrate, this study sought to investigate the potential use of corncob as a substrate for the cultivation of A. heimuer. The purpose of this study was to explore the utilization of corncob lignocellulose by A. heimuer at the mycelium, primordium, and fruiting stages, by specifically examining the expression profiles of both carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and the transcriptome of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) relevant to corncob biomass degradation. The results revealed 10,979, 10,630, and 11,061 DEGs at the mycelium, primordium, and fruiting stages, respectively, while 639 DGEs were identified as carbohydrate-active enzymes. Of particular interest were 46 differentially expressed CAZymes genes that were associated directly with lignocellulose degradation. Furthermore, the study found that A. heimuer exhibited adaptive changes that enabled it to effectively utilize the cellulose present in the corncob. These changes were observed primarily at the primordium and fruiting stages. Key genes involved in lignocellulose degradation were also identified, including g6952, g8349, g12487, and g2976 at the mycelium stage, g5775, g2857, g3018, and g11016 at the primordium stage, and g10290, g2857, g12385, g7656, and g8953 at the fruiting stage. This study found that lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) played a crucial role in the degradation of corncob cellulose, further highlighting the complexity of the molecular mechanisms involved in the degradation of lignocellulose biomass by A. heimuer. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the ability of A. heimuer to degrade corncob biomass, with implications for the efficient utilization of lignocellulose resources. The findings from this study may facilitate the development of innovative biotechnologies for the transformation of corncob biomass into useful products.

Mechanical Characteristics of Organic Waste-Based Biodegradable Plastics with Variations in Cellulose Concentration and Synthesis Temperature

Biodegradable plastic is an innovative plastic material that is environmentally friendly because it has the property of being easily decomposed naturally by the activity of microorganisms. Biodegradable plastics are generally made from starch and cellulose which are natural polymer materials that are easily decomposed in nature. Some organic wastes contain a lot of starch and cellulose, one of which is cassava peel and corn cob waste. In this study, starch from cassava peels was used as raw material in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics and cellulose from corn cobs which functioned as filler. The purpose of this study are to determine the effect of corn cob cellulose concentration and synthesis temperature on the mechanical properties and biodegradability of biodegradable plastics. In this study, the method used to make biodegradable plastic is by using the material mixing method. There are two treatment factors, namely variations in corn cob cellulose concentration of 0%, 1%, and 2% and synthesis temperature with variations of 70˚C, 80˚C, and 90˚C. The results showed the best characteristics for the tensile strength test at the addition of 2% of cellulose concentration and 90˚C synthesis temperature of 2.31 MPa. While the best elongation value is at 0% cellulose concentration and 90˚C synthesis temperature of 21%. The best biodegradation results were obtained from the addition of a cellulose concentration of 2% and synthesis temperature of 70˚C which decomposed perfectly in the soil for 8 days

Expermental investigation on adsorption of methylene blue dye from waste water using corncob cellulose-based hydrogel

Hydrogel from corncob cellulose was synthesized in this investigation. The synthesized Hydrogel was characterized by SEM, XRD, and FTIR instruments. As the results indicate the synthesized hydrogel has required and important features, these suggest the suitability of hydrogel for the adsorption of methylene blue dye (MBD). Three important process variables (dosage, contact time, and initial concentration) with three levels were studied during the adsorption process at 30 °C and neutral pH. The efficiency of hydrogel for adsorption of MBD was determined in each experiment. The experimental results were statistically analyzed and interpreted. The maximum removal efficiency was achieved at 2.22 g/L of dosage, 80.36 min of contact time, and 74.54 mg/L of initial concentration. At this condition, 98.25% of MBD was achieved through experimental tests. Kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics studies were performed. Langmuir isotherm is more suitable to describe the adsorption process and the Pseudo second-order kinetic model fits this process. From the thermodynamics studies, all negative values of change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), and positive value of change in enthalpy (ΔH°), and change in entropy (ΔS°) indicate that the carried out experimental process is a spontaneous and endothermic. Moreover, the regeneration experiment for adsorbent was performed. The treatment of real textile industry waste water was conducted and the removal efficiency of hydrogel was 64.76%. This removal percentage reduction from sythetic aqueous solution is due to involvement of other pollutants in the real waste water. The synthesized hydrogel adsorbent is suitable up to the third cycle without significant loss in removal efficiency.

Polymer electrolyte membrane based on PVA/LiClO4 nanocomposite reinforced cellulose nanocrystalline from corncob for lithium‐ion battery

AbstractIn the field of high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion battery applications, Polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) have garnered significant attention due to their favorable mechanical properties and compatibility with lithium metal anodes. However, their relatively lower ionic conductivity compared to liquid electrolytes, making this problem a challenge for further research. In this study, we present a new approach to overcome these limitations, resulting in PEMs that exhibit exceptional ionic conductivity, flexibility, and interface stability. This achievement was realized by blending polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/LiClO4 composite reinforced cellulose nanocrystalline (CNC), which is sourced from well and carefully isolated corncob cellulose. PEMs show remarkable improvements regarding ionic conductivity and mechanical strength. Membrane transparency decreased with increasing CNC addition. The maximum improvement mechanical strength was observed with the addition of 5% CNC, namely elongation at break (strain) increased by 15%. At the same composition shows an increase in ionic conductivity to 1.31 × 10−4 S/cm. This study provides the potential of precise material design and composition optimization in overcoming drawbacks associated with conventional PEMs. The findings not only advance the current understanding but also provide a promising avenue for the development of high‐performance PEMs, which are critical for the evolution of future energy storage technologies.

Fabrication of a Nanosized g-C3N4-Loaded Cellulose Microfiber Bundle to Induce Highly Efficient Water Treatment via Photodegradation .

Graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) with a suitable structure and strong amine activity is designed and prepared to serve as a hydrogen bond donor for the microfibrilization of corncob cellulose to form a cellulose microfiber (CMF) bundle. Simultaneously, well-dispersed nanosized g-C3N4 is loaded into the bundle to form a photocatalyst for efficient photodegradation of rhodamine B (Rh B) in water. Under the optimal preparation conditions at 165 °C, 10 min, and 0.08 mol/L H2SO4, the yield of g-C3N4-functionalized cellulose microfibers (CMF-g-C3N4) reaches to the highest over 70%. The catalytic rate of CMF-g-C3N4 is 3.3 times larger than that of pure g-C3N4. The degradation rate of Rh B is maintained at over 90% in 10 cycles of photocatalytic degradation. The obtained CMF-g-C3N4 also has good thermal stability and mechanical properties. This research suggests a particularly simple way to transform cellulose into a highly efficient photocatalyst for water treatment.

Preparation and characterization of corn cob cellulose acetate for potential industrial applications

Background: Locally generated biopolymers are amenable to further processing to widen their industrial applications. The study was aimed at generating low-cost cellulose acetate from corn cob residue and its characterizations for potential applications in biopolymer industries. Methods: Cellulose was extracted from the corn cob residue using the sodium hydroxide method. Acetylation of the cellulose to obtain corn cob cellulose acetate was carried out by adding appropriate quantities of a glacial acetic and acetylating mixture of acetic anhydride and sulphuric acid. The corn cob native cellulose and corn cob cellulose acetate were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine their morphology, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) for structural elucidation while differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed to investigate their thermal properties. Results: - Two corn cellulose acetate samples with degree of substitutions 1.87 and 2.65 for samples CDA and CA respectively were obtained. They had improved solubilities in some organic solvents compared to the corn cob cellulose. The SEM examination showed the surface of the corn cob native cellulose (NC) was smooth and had a regular bundle-like structure while acetylation destroyed the original cellulose structure. Cellulose acetate samples showed a cluster-like structure with different sizes and a rough flake-like surface. FTIR and XRD studies showed that acetyl groups substituted cellulose hydroxyl groups. While FTIR study showed that the cellulose acetates had sharp bands between 1728 cm-1 to 1733 cm-1 and around 1368 cm-1 wavenumber unlike the corn cob cellulose sample, the data generated from XRD study indicated that acetylation of the corn cob cellulose led to 47% and 77% decrease in the crystallinity of CDA and CA samples respectively. The thermal analysis data from DSC and TGA studies confirmed that the acetylation improved the corn cob cellulose's thermal stability as indicated by the degradation of cellulose acetate samples at higher temperatures. Conclusion: The study concluded that low-cost cellulose acetate generated from corn cob residue could be potentially employed as a renewable, biodegradable, biocompatible polymer for industrial applications.

Enhanced Enzymatic Hydrolysis of High-Solids Content Corncobs by a Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenase from Podospora anserina S Mat+ for Valuable Monosaccharides

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) has been found to enhance cellulase activity and promote efficient utilization of corncob cellulose. To this end, a novel LPMO from Podospora anserina S mat+ (PaLPMO) through in silico screening was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) and its biochemical properties were investigated. To reduce production costs, chaperones and site-directed mutagenesis were employed to enhance the protein’s solubility, yielding an 8% increase. Through single-factor experiments, the optimal hydrolysis condition for the highest glucose yield of 129.8 g/L was identified as 25% high-solids content of corncob at 60 °C and pH 5.5 using a PaLPMO-to-cellulase ratio of 1:3 (total protein concentration of 12 mg/g) and with the addition of 0.5 mmol/L Mn2+. This result represented a 24% improvement compared to cellulase alone and a 33% reduction in commercial cellulase usage with the same degree of hydrolysis. The hydrolysis products of high-solids content corncob degradation were further used to produce valuable d-allulose through glucose isomerase and d-allulose 3-epimerase catalysis in a ratio of 2:1, with a yield of 56.22 g/L fructose and 20.6 g/L d-allulose. The PaLPMO and cellulase complex significantly improved the degradation efficiency of corncob residue and reduced cellulase usage in lowering the production cost. These findings contribute to developing comprehensive corncob utilization and pave the way for sustainable and efficient energy and resource utilization.

Preparation and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals from corncob via ionic liquid [Bmim][HSO4] hydrolysis: effects of major process conditions on dimensions of the product.

In this study, cellulose nanocrystals were prepared via the hydrolysis of corncob (CC) biomass using Brønsted acid ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate [Bmim][HSO4]. The corncob was subjected to alkaline pretreatment, and was then hydrolysed by [Bmim][HSO4], which acted as both solvent and catalyst. The effects of process conditions, including mass percent of CC (1.0-10.0%), reaction temperature (46-110 °C), and reaction time (1.2-2.8 h) on the size of cellulose nanocrystals (IL-CCCNC) were investigated by response surface methodology-central composite design. The obtained IL-CCCNC was characterized by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, zeta sizer, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetry. The results showed that the dimensions of the nanocellulose products were affected by the mass percent of CC and the reaction temperature, but were not significantly influenced by the reaction time under the studied conditions. The optimal conditions, estimated by the developed model, were a mass percent of 2.49%, reaction temperature of 100 °C, and reaction time of 1.5 h. The process successfully produced IL-CCCNC with a yield of 40.13%, average size of 166 nm, and crystallinity index (CrI) of 62.5%. The morphology, chemical fingerprints, and thermal properties of the obtained IL-CCCNC were comparable to those extracted by alkaline and acid hydrolysis. After the reaction, [Bmim][HSO4] could be recovered with a yield of 88.32%, making it a viable green catalyst for the hydrolysis of CC cellulose. The findings are of direct industrial relevance as optimal processes can be developed to produce nanocellulose crystals with desirable size and physicochemical characteristics.

ZnCl2 induced hierarchical porous carbon for zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors

Carbon-based cathode materials are highly desired for zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZHSs) due to their rich sources and low production cost. Here, a ZnCl2 induced hierarchical porous carbon is developed from corncob cellulose by a single-step activation process. The suitable micropores are conducive to the adsorption/desorption of zinc ions for the high energy storage, whereas the sufficient mesopores are in favor of the rapid migration of electrolyte ions for the high-rate performance, both which can effectively improve the performance of ZHSs. The ZHS fabricated with the optimized hierarchical porous carbon (ZnHPC-0.5) exhibits a high specific capacity of 120.3 mAh g−1 and a high energy density of 103.2 Wh kg−1. After 10000 cycles at a high current density of 5 A g−1, the capacity retention is 99.2%. In addition, the assembled quasi-solid-state flexible hybrid supercapacitor (QSSF-ZHS) also shows high specific capacities, satisfactory mechanical properties, and good application prospects.

FORMATION OF CORNCOB CELLULOSE FIBER WITH UNIFORM MORPHOLOGY IN ELECTROSPINNING BY USING Cu(OAc)2 AND METHYL HEXADECANOATE

"Ultrafine corncob cellulose fibers with uniform morphology were electrospun, in the presence of Cu(OAc)2 and methyl hexadecanoate in the spinning solution. After adding Cu(OAc)2, both the conductivity of the solution and the chain entanglement of cellulose were controlled to impact the morphology of electrospun cellulose fibers. Uniform diameter distribution can be only obtained under proper conditions (namely, the concentration of Cu(OAc)2 of 0.1%). Then, methyl hexadecanoate was further used to reduce the chain entanglement of cellulose in the solution. Electrospun cellulose fibers with the diameters around ~500 nm and uniform diameter distribution were finally obtained. The use of organic salts and single functional group contained additive provides a feasible and important method to control fiber methodology of cellulose via electrospinning."

Corncob Cellulose Scaffolds: A New Sustainable Temporary Implant for Cartilage Replacement.

Tissue engineering using scaffolds is a promising strategy to repair damaged articular cartilage, whose self-repair is inefficient. Cellulose properties have been recognized for their application in the biomedical field. The aim of this study was to fabricate and characterize novel scaffolds based on poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and sustainable cellulose. Thus, the performance of corncob-derived cellulose (CC) in scaffolds as an alternative to wood cellulose (WC) was also investigated to reduce the environmental footprint. Two concentrations of CC in scaffolds were tested, 1% and 2% (w/w), and commercial WC using the same concentrations, as a control. Morphologically, all the developed scaffolds presented pore sizes of ~300 µm, 10 layers, a circular shape and well-dispersed cellulose. Thus, all of these characteristics and properties provide the manufactured scaffolds suitable for use in cartilage-replacement strategies. The use of 2% CC results in higher porosity (54.24%), which promotes cell infiltration/migration and nutrient exchange, and has similar mechanical properties to WC. As for the effects of enzymatic degradation of the scaffolds, no significant changes (p > 0.05) were observed in resistance over time. However, the obtained compressive modulus of the scaffold with 2% CC was similar to that of WC. Overall, our results suggest that the integration of 2% corncob cellulose in PCL scaffolds could be a novel way to replace wood-cellulose-containing scaffolds, highlighting its potential for cartilage-replacement strategies.

Formulation of Orally Disintegrating Tablets of Captopril as Superdisintegrant using Corncob (Zea mays L.)

AIM: This study aimed to make corncobs the basic material for the manufacture of microcrystalline cellulose. METHODS: Manufacture of corncob cellulose microcrystals (CCMs) by isolating alpha-cellulose from corncobs, then hydrolyzed with HCl 2.5 N. The yield of CCMs of 14.51% can be used as orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) and has similarities with Avicel as standard comparison. RESULTS: Both organoleptic results were pH 5.6 and 6.54; drying shrinkage 3.33% and 4.39%; total ash content 0.17% and 0.02%; and water solubility 0.9% and 0.12%. Furthermore, the real specific gravity is 0.317 and 0.306 g/cm3, incompressible density is 0.379 and 0.375 g/cm3, the true density is 1.291 and 1.206 g/cm3, Hausner index is 1.195 and 1.225, compressibility index is 19.55 and 22.55%, and porosity is 75.5 and 74.6%. CONCLUSION: Captopril ODT tablet preparations with CCM as filler have almost the exact tablet evaluation results compared to Avicel and to meet the requirements.

REVIEW: CORN COB POTENTIAL FOR APPLICATIONS IN COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

Post-harvest activities of agricultural products often generate wastes. One of the agricultural wastes that increase every year is corn cobs, which have a high cellulose content and can potentially be used as raw materials for making natural fibers. Therefore, this study aims to examine several potential commercial products from corn cobs. The method used is a literature study by tracing the sources of previous writings. Furthermore, how to process corn cobs waste for the manufacture of natural fibers and commercial products will be discussed. From the previously traced sources in the utilization of corn cobs waste, 4 products were obtained. The results are nano hydrogels based on gamma radiation, activated carbon with a carbonation process, bioethanol using the SSF process, and the use of corn cob cellulose as good-quality brake lining.

The Release of Fertilizer on Corncob Cellulose – Based Acid-Acrylamide Hydrogel Prepared by Chemical Cross-Binding Method

Farmers' knowledge of the amount and dosage of fertilizers recommended for a practical fertilization system is low. As the result, the plant does not fully absorb the given fertilizer. Some fertilizers are leached by the flowing water and wasted into the soil layer. In long term basis, this practice can cause environmental pollution, especially on the land, water and air. Due to this fertilization problem in agriculture practice, a material with a high-water absorption capacity, which further releases it together with the fertilizer over a desirable period of time, is needed. One way to effectively provide water and nutrients to the plants and improve the physical and chemical properties of the fertilizzer is by the application of hydrogel. In this work, the release of urea fertilizer in a hydrogel-based on corncob cellulose was prepared using N, N'-Methylene Bis-acrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker was studied. This research aims to produce a hydrogel with good physical and mechanical properties using acrylamide based on corn cobs cellulose and can be applied as a fertilizer carrier matrix whose structure can regulate fertilizer release. The treatments tested were MBA concentrations of 0%, 1%, and 2%, while the ratio of cellulose: solvent was 1: 2 and the addition of urea fertilizer with a concentration of 5%. The results showed that the swelling value increased with increasing acrylamide in the treatment ratio of the concentration of cellulose: acrylamide-acrylamide (NS: AAm). Fertilizer factors also gave a good swelling value. This shows that the addition of fertilizers gives maximum results. The hydrogel with the best treatment, namely the concentration ratio of 1% MBA, produced a swelling value of 7633.3%, a gel fraction of 76.51%, 1.73 miligram fertilizer loading, fertilizer release by 2.9%, a hardness of 7,865 N, with the morphology showing urea crystals in the form of white spots and showing the results of a slow but optimum release rate of fertilizer so that it can be applied for agriculture that requires a lot of nutrients at the beginning of growth.Keywords: corncorb; cellulose; hydrogel; N’,N’-Methylene Bis-acrylamide (MBA), slow released fertilizer

Synthesis of a Cellulose-Co-AMPS Hydrogel for Personal Hygiene Applications Using Cellulose Extracted from Corncobs.

Cellulose-based hydrogels were prepared by the extraction of cellulose from corncobs after the removal of lignin and hemicellulose with the use of alkali–acid treatment. Acrylate-based hydrogels presently available for personal hygiene uses are not biodegradable. In this study, a biodegradable cellulose-co-AMPS personal hygiene hydrogel was synthesized. The hydrogel was synthesized by graft co-polymerization of 2-acrylamido2-methyl propane sulfonic acid onto corncob cellulose by using potassium persulfate (KPS) as an initiator and borax decahydrate (Na2B4O7·10H2O) as a cross-linking agent. Structural and functional characteristics of the hydrogel such as swelling measurements, antimicrobial tests, FTIR spectra and thermogravimetric analysis were done. The hydrogel showed an average swelling ratio of 279.6 g/g to water and 83.3 g/g to a urine solution with a 97% gel fraction. The hydrogel displayed no clear inhibition zone and did not support the growth of bacteria, Gram-positive or -negative. The FT-IR spectra of the hydrogel confirmed the grafting of an AMPS co-polymer onto cellulose chains. The thermal properties of the hydrogel showed three-step degradation, with a complete degradation temperature of 575 °C.

Recovery and evaluation of cellulose from agroindustrial residues of corn, grape, pomegranate, strawberry-tree fruit and fava

Considering the expected increasing demand for cellulose fibers in the near future and that its major source is wood pulp, alternative sources such as vegetable wastes from agricultural activities and agro-food industries are currently being sought to prevent deforestation. In the present study, cellulose was successfully isolated from six agroindustrial residues: corncob, corn husk, grape stalk, pomegranate peel, marc of strawberry-tree fruit and fava pod. Cellulose fibers were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Despite the evident morphological differences among the extracted celluloses, results revealed similar compositional and thermal properties with the wood-derived commercial microcrystalline cellulose used as a control. Trace amounts of lignin or hemicellulose were detected in all cellulose samples, with the exception of corncob cellulose, that exhibited the greatest extraction yield (26%) and morphological similarities to wood-derived microcrystalline cellulose, visible through SEM. Furthermore, corncob cellulose was found to have thermal properties (TOnset of 307.17 °C, TD of 330.31 °C, and ΔH of 306.04 kJ/kg) suitable for biomedical applications.

Utilization of Corncob Cellulose Isolate (Zea mays) as Adsorbent of Heavy Metal Copper and Cadmium

This study aims to determine whether the cellulose result of isolation compounds from corn cobs can adsorb heavy metals Copper (Cu) and Cadmium (Cd), as well as to determine the ability of adsorption of cellulose result of isolation. The type of this research is experimental research in chemical laboratory. The method used is quantitative research. The sample used in this research is corn cob waste. The cellulose isolation stage of the corn cob consists of dewaxing, dehemicellulose, delignification and bleaching. Cellulose characterization through water content test, ash content, pH, solubility test, and using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) instrument, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The cellulose result of isolation was used as a heavy metal adsorbent of Cu and Cd using atomic absorption spectrometry. Based on the results of the research, it is found that cellulose result of isolation from corn cobs has the ability to absorb Cu and Cd heavy metals with adsorption capacity of Cu and Cd is 68.20 and 95,98 mg.L-1.g-1

Isolation and characterization of micro and nanocrystalline cellulose fibers from the walnut shell, corncob and sugarcane bagasse

The present study aims to extract and characterize the microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) present in different agro-industrial wastes such as walnut shells, corncob, and sugarcane bagasse. Moreover, it is also the aim of this study to convert MCCs to nanocrystalline cellulose fiber (NCCF), to demonstrate the difference in morphological, structural, thermal, and chemical natures. Corncob cellulose was observed to possess a loosely bounded linear bundle structure. Nanocrystalline cellulose fiber yield from walnut shell and sugarcane bagasse cellulose were higher than corncob cellulose. The thermal stability of cellulose was noted to be high for walnut shell NCCF. Nanocrystalline cellulose fiber of corncob and sugarcane bagasse was estimated to have a low thermal degradation temperature. All the MCCs and NCCFs produced from investigated cellulose sources were found to have type I cellulose. Functional group compositions of cellulose were observed to be intact for converted agro-based NCCF's.

Preparation and Characterization of Porous Microcrystalline Cellulose from Corncob

Corncob, a cellulose-rich byproduct, has been regarded as an agricultural waste during the corn production. How to utilize cellulose from corncob at value-added utilization has attracted more and more environmental and industrial interest. In order to evaluate the characterization of natural corncob cellulose, in this study, the corncob cellulose was obtained by treating with the conventional treatment method with dilute acid/sodium chlorite, which adopted in papermaking industry. The morphology, degree of polymerization (DP), crystallinity, size distribution and pore structure of as-prepared corncob cellulose were analyzed. The results showed that the particle size of the cellulose isolated directly from corncob had reached micron level, with a medium diameter of 83.34 μm. And the corncob microcrystalline cellulose (CC-MCC) had a higher DP (581), a lower crystallinity (52.82%), wider particle size distribution and higher economic viability in comparison with commercial microcrystalline cellulose (C-MCC). Interestingly, there were some mesopores into the CC-MCC wall, which facilitated the follow-up application. This study proves that the porous microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) can be directly obtained from corncob, which is not only beneficial to reduce the cost of traditional MCC, but also conducive to the value-added utilization of corncob.

Corncob cellulose nanosphere as an eco-friendly detergent

The daily use of synthetic detergents at a global scale is responsible for substantial environmental impacts but managerial and policy strategies to address them are largely inadequate. More sustainable and eco-friendly detergents are an appealing solution to reduce environmental impacts. Here, we developed a detergent based on cellulose nanospheres (CNSs) from agricultural waste corncob, an overlooked abundant and cheap natural source that is often discarded. Compared with conventional surfactants, CNSs stabilize at oil–water interfaces and form Pickering emulsions with enhanced stability and antiredeposition properties. CNSs show higher cleaning efficiency in removing stains from various surfaces compared with powder and liquid commercial detergents. In contrast to high toxicity of commercial detergents, CNSs are non-toxic to several mammalian cell lines, zebrafish and hydroponic lettuce. Overall, our results demonstrated the feasibility of using agriculturally derived waste CNSs as a safer, more cost-effective and sustainable alternative to commercial synthetic detergents. Synthetic detergents are environmentally damaging and eco-friendly alternatives would help reduce environmental impacts. This study shows a more sustainable detergent, based on cellulose nanospheres obtained from agricultural waste corncob, with strong cleaning performance and low toxicity.