Cellulose Polymer Research Articles

Thermomechanical and Morphological Characteristics of Cellulosic Natural Fibers and Polymer based Composites: A Review

Thermomechanical and Morphological Characteristics of Cellulosic Natural Fibers and Polymer based Composites: A Review

Integrated System of Reverse Osmosis and Forward Pressure-Assisted Osmosis from ZrO2 Base Polymer Membranes for Desalination Technology

In this work, reverse osmosis and forward osmosis membranes were prepared using base cellulosic polymers with ZrO2. The prepared membranes were rolled on the spiral-wound configuration module. The modules were tested on a pilot unit to investigate the efficiency of the RO membrane and the hydraulic pressure effect on both sides of the FO membranes. The RO membrane provided a rejection of 99% for the seawater desalination, and the brine was used as a draw solution for the FO system. First, seawater was used as a draw solution to indicate the best hydraulic pressure, where the best one was 3 bar for the draw solution side, and 2 bar for the feed side, where the water flux reached 48.89 L/m2·h (LMH) with a dilution percentage of 80% and a low salt reverse flux of 0.128 g/m2·h (gMH) after 5 h of operation time. The integrated system of RO and forward-assisted osmosis (PAO) was investigated using river water as a feed and RO brine as a draw solute, where the results of PAO indicate a high-water flux of 68.6 LMH with a dilution of 93.2% and a salt reverse flux of 0.18 gMH. Therefore, using PAO improves the performance of the system.

Distinct lignocelluloses of plant evolution are optimally selective for complete biomass saccharification and upgrading Cd2+/Pb2+ and dye adsorption via desired biosorbent assembly

In this study, 15 plant species representing plant evolution were selected, and distinct lignocellulose compositions for largely varied biomass enzymatic saccharification were detected. By comparison, the acid-pretreated lignocellulose of rice mutant was of the highest Congo-red adsorption (298 mg/g) accounting for cellulose accessibility, leading to complete cellulose hydrolysis and high bioethanol production. By conducting oxidative-catalysis with the acid-pretreated lignocellulose of moss plant, the optimal biosorbent was generated with maximum Cd/Pb adsorption (54/118 mg/g), mainly due to half-reduced cellulose polymerization degree and raised functional groups accountable for multiple physical and chemical interactions. Furthermore, the acid-pretreated lignocellulose of eucalyptus was of large and small pores for much higher adsorption capacities with direct-yellow and direct-blue than those of the previously-reported. Therefore, this study raises a mechanism model about how distinct lignocelluloses of plant evolution are selective for complete biomass saccharification and optimal biosorbents assembly, providing insights into lignocellulose biosynthesis and biomass conversion.

Second-Sphere Histidine Catalytic Function in a Fungal Polysaccharide Monooxygenase.

Fungal polysaccharide monooxygenases (PMOs) oxidatively degrade cellulose and other carbohydrate polymers via a mononuclear copper active site using either O2 or H2O2 as a cosubstrate. Cellulose-active fungal PMOs in the auxiliary activity 9 (AA9) family have a conserved second-sphere hydrogen-bonding network consisting of histidine, glutamine, and tyrosine residues. The second-sphere histidine has been hypothesized to play a role in proton transfer in the O2-dependent PMO reaction. Here the role of the second-sphere histidine (H157) in an AA9 PMO, MtPMO9E, was investigated. This PMO is active on soluble cello-oligosaccharides such as cellohexaose (Glc6), thus enabling kinetic analysis with the point variants H157A and H157Q. The variants appeared to fold similarly to the wild-type (WT) enzyme and yet exhibited weaker affinity toward Glc6 than WT (WT KD = 20 ± 3 μM). The variants had comparable oxidase (O2 reduction to H2O2) activity to WT at all pH values tested. Using O2 as a cosubstrate, the variants were less active for Glc6 hydroxylation than WT, with H157A being the least active. Similarly, H157Q was competent for Glc6 hydroxylation with H2O2, but H157A was less active. Comparison of the crystal structures of H157Q and WT MtPMO9E reveals that a terminal heteroatom of Q157 overlays with Nε of H157. Altogether, the data suggest that H157 is not important for proton transfer, but support a role for H157 as a hydrogen-bond donor to diatomic-oxygen intermediates, thus facilitating catalysis with either O2 or H2O2.

Characterization and DFT investigation of CuWO4@CMC/PVA composite with down conversion ability

This study focuses on the synthesis of CuWO₄ nanoparticles using a simple hydrothermal method and their incorporation into carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer blend through the solution casting method, resulting in CuWO₄@CMC/PVA polymer nanocomposites with varying CuWO₄ concentrations (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 wt/wt%). Rietveld refinement of XRD data was performed to assess the phase purity of CuWO₄ nanoparticles and found to possess triclinic unit cells. Furthermore, the microcrystalline properties of the prepared nanocomposites were also evaluated. The surface topography of the CuWO₄@CMC/PVA nanocomposite was examined using AFM to assess its morphological features and surface roughness, while FE-SEM and SEM were employed for microstructural analysis to evaluate the morphology of nanoparticles and their distribution in the polymer matrix. The interaction between the CuWO₄ nanoparticles and the polymer matrix was rationalized using FTIR spectroscopy, complemented by DFT and TDDFT studies. Additionally, thermal properties such as melt properties and thermal stability were investigated through DSC and TGA respectively. While water contact angle measurements were utilized to assess wettability and surface energy. Optical properties such as absorbance, absorption coefficient, energy band gaps (direct and indirect), refractive index, optical conductivity were analysed and found that there was a monotonic decrease in the band gap as the nanoparticles concentration increases. Photoluminescence spectroscopy was used to analyse emission properties to understand the nanocomposites' and potential for photovoltaic and UV-blocking applications.

Formulation, Development and Evaluation of Pulsatile Tablets of Etoricoxib

Aim: This research aimed to develop a pulsatile drug delivery system (PDDS) for etoricoxib, selective COX-2 inhibitor analgesic, to address the limitations of conventional formulations by releasing the drug at specific intervals aligned with the circadian rhythm of pain. Method: Core tablets containing Etoricoxib were prepared by direct compression with varied concentrations of croscarmellose sodium as a superdisintegrant. The optimized core tablets were coated using hydrophilic (HPMC K4M) and hydrophobic (ethyl cellulose) polymers in different ratios to create press-coated pulsatile tablets with varying lag times. Physical properties hardness, thickness, friability, and disintegration, drug content uniformity, and in vitro release were evaluated. Results: The core tablets exhibited rapid drug release, with batch C3 showing 98.61% release within 60 minutes. Press-coated formulations with different polymer ratios exhibited varying lag times, with batch F3 achieving the optimal balance—providing a 4-hour lag time and 96.6% drug release over 8 hours. Stability studies confirmed the physical and chemical stability of the optimized formulation (F3) over 6 months under accelerated conditions. Conclusion: The developed press-coated pulsatile tablets of etoricoxib successfully achieved a controlled lag time and sustained drug release profile, making them suitable for chronopharmacological management of pain. Keywords: Etoricoxib, Pulsatile Drug Delivery System, Chronopharmacology, Press-Coated Tablets. etc

Carbon microspheres prepared from soluble starch hydrothermal carbonization for extending thermal stability of water-based drilling fluid

This study employed hydrothermal carbon microspheres (HCMs) as high-temperature stabilizers in drilling fluids. The HCMs were synthesized through a green hydrothermal carbonization method, using soluble starch as the precursor. The impact of HCMs on the thermal stability of xanthan, polyanionic cellulose and synthetic polymer solutions was assessed by comparing their rheological changes before and after thermal aging. The rheology and filtration properties of a polymer-based drilling fluid in the presence of HCMs were recorded before and after dynamic thermal aging at various temperatures for 16 h and static thermal aging at 200 °C for 96 h. The results demonstrated that HCMs effectively maintained stable rheology and low filtration loss following dynamic hot rolling at various temperatures and prolonged static thermal aging, surpassing the performance of conventional Na2SO3 and nano-SiO2 stabilizers. Mechanistic studies, including dissolved oxygen measurements, free radical detection, and cryo-scanning electron microscopy observations, revealed that HCMs can consume dissolved oxygen, scavenge free radicals, and physically crosslink polymers. This process prevents polymer thermo-oxidative degradation and ensures the stability of the drilling fluid. HCMs are novel, stable, sustainable, and highly effective high-temperature stabilizers for water-based drilling fluids. This study introduces a new application of biomass-derived hydrothermal carbonaceous materials for high-temperature drilling.

Improvement of the properties of nanocellulose suspensions and films by the presence of residual lignin

The effect of lignin on several properties of nanocellulose suspensions and films, such as degree of mechanical fibrillation, optical transparency, and gas barrier properties is still a matter of study. In the present work, it was investigated the influence of residual lignin on the efficiency of cationization and enzymatic pretreatments to produce lignin-containing nanocelluloses (LCNFs) from unbleached kraft pulps, and, on the properties (mechanical, gas barrier, transparency, antioxidant activity and thermal stability) of the corresponding films. The overall efficiency of the pretreatments was not negatively affected by the presence of lignin (3–4 wt%) in the starting pulps, as measured by the degree of fibrillation, degree of polymerization of cellulose, optical transmittance, and cationic group content (cationization). On the contrary, lignin could even enhance the mechanical fibrillation and the optical transmittance (transparency) of the cationic and enzymatic LCNF suspensions compared to the reference lignin-free nanocelluloses (CNFs) prepared from bleached pulp. Lignin could also improve the optical transparency of the films, which is an important finding of the present work: 64.8% for LCNF-Cationic (-Cat) vs. 56.9% for CNF-Cat, and 74.5% for LCNF-Enzymatic (-Enz) vs. 64.5% for CNF-Enz. Moreover, films with lignin demonstrated higher antioxidant activity, UV-light absorption capacity, larger char residue, and even improved oxygen barrier compared to the analogous CNF films. A remarkable oxygen barrier performance was exhibited by the LCNF-Enz film (oxygen transmission rate below 2 cm3/m2.day). Overall, the presence of residual lignin in the cellulose micro/nanofibril production can improve some of the suspension and film properties, particularly the optical transparency.

Study on the remediation of groundwater nitrate pollution by pretreated wheat straw and woodchips

Groundwater nitrate contamination poses a threat to both the ecological environment and human health. This study investigated the potential of using saturated Ca(OH)2 to pretreat wheat straw and woodchips, aiming to enhance their efficacy as carbon sources for denitrification. The optimization of pretreatment conditions, and the elucidation of underlying mechanisms were explored. The pretreatment process involved the dissolution of lignin and hemicellulose, exposure of the cellulose structure, reduction of hydrogen bonds within cellulose, hydrolysis of polymerized cellulose, and the formation of cracks and hierarchical structures on the surface of the carbon source. These alterations improved the attachment and utilization of microorganisms. The maximum enzymatic reducing sugar yields for wheat straw and woodchips were achieved at solid-liquid ratios of 1:40 and soaking times of 5 and 2 days, respectively. The response surface predicted the optimal pretreatment conditions for wheat straw to be a solid-liquid ratio of 1:88.1 and a soaking time of 8.2 h. Alkaline treatment increased the denitrification rate of woodchips by fivefold and prevented the initial organic matter leaching rate of wheat straw, thereby reducing the risk of secondary pollution. The predominant microbial communities in all samples exhibited functions related to lignocellulose degradation and denitrification. The community composition of solid-phase carbon sources was found to be richer than that of liquid-phase carbon sources, and the pretreatment increased the abundance of lignocellulose degradation and denitrification functional microorganisms. The pretreatment liquid of wheat straw achieved the highest denitrification rate constant (0.43 h−1). Our result validated the feasibility of using the pretreatment liquid as a denitrification carbon source and presenting a novel approach for waste resource utilization.

Mechanisms of dissolution and crystallization of amorphous glibenclamide

Amorphous solid dispersions enhance the dissolution and oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. However, the link between polymer properties and formulation performance has not been fully clarified yet. We studied the effect of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) polymers molecular weight (Mw) on the storage stability, dissolution kinetics and supersaturation stability of spray-dried amorphous glibenclamide (GLB) formulations. The solid-state stability of amorphous GLB during storage was significantly enhanced by both the 40 kDa (HPC-SSL) and 84 kDa (HPC-L) polymers, regardless of Mw differences. In contrast, HPC-SSL maintained significantly higher aqueous drug concentrations during dissolution, compared to HPC-L (its higher Mw analogue). Dedicated dissolution experiments, in situ optical microscopy and solid-state characterization revealed that aqueous drug concentrations were determined by the interplay between crystallization inhibition, drug ionization, wetting and solubilization effects: (1) HPC prevents surface nucleation, hence inhibiting crystallization, (2) intestinal colloids (bile salts and phospholipids) increase supersaturated drug concentrations via wetting and solubilization effects and (3) pH and drug ionization severely impact the degree of supersaturation. The better performance of the lower Mw HPC-SSL was due to its superior inhibition of surface crystallization during dissolution. These insights into the molecular mechanisms of dissolution and crystallization of amorphous solids provide foundation for rational formulation development.

Structural basis for synthase activation and cellulose modification in the E. coli Type II Bcs secretion system

Bacterial cellulosic polymers constitute a prevalent class of biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides that are synthesized by several types of bacterial cellulose secretion (Bcs) systems, which include conserved cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP)-dependent cellulose synthase modules together with diverse accessory subunits. In E. coli, the biogenesis of phosphoethanolamine (pEtN)-modified cellulose relies on the BcsRQABEFG macrocomplex, encompassing inner-membrane and cytosolic subunits, and an outer membrane porin, BcsC. Here, we use cryogenic electron microscopy to shed light on the molecular mechanisms of BcsA-dependent recruitment and stabilization of a trimeric BcsG pEtN-transferase for polymer modification, and a dimeric BcsF-dependent recruitment of an otherwise cytosolic BcsE2R2Q2 regulatory complex. We further demonstrate that BcsE, a secondary c-di-GMP sensor, can remain dinucleotide-bound and retain the essential-for-secretion BcsRQ partners onto the synthase even in the absence of direct c-di-GMP-synthase complexation, likely lowering the threshold for c-di-GMP-dependent synthase activation. Such activation-by-proxy mechanism could allow Bcs secretion system activity even in the absence of substantial intracellular c-di-GMP increase, and is reminiscent of other widespread synthase-dependent polysaccharide secretion systems where dinucleotide sensing and/or synthase stabilization are carried out by key co-polymerase subunits.

Water-Enhancing Gels Exhibiting Heat-Activated Formation of Silica Aerogels for Protection of Critical Infrastructure During Catastrophic Wildfire.

A promising strategy to address the pressing challenges with wildfire, particularly in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), involves developing new approaches for preventing and controlling wildfire within wildlands. Among sprayable fire-retardant materials, water-enhancing gels have emerged as exceptionally effective for protecting civil infrastructure. They possess favorable wetting and viscoelastic properties that reduce the likelihood of ignition, maintaining strong adherence to a wide array of surfaces after application. Although current water-enhancing hydrogels effectively maintain surface wetness by creating a barricade, they rapidly desiccate and lose efficacy under high heat and wind typical of wildfire conditions. To address this limitation, unique biomimetic hydrogel materials from sustainable cellulosic polymers crosslinked by colloidal silica particles are developed that exhibit ideal viscoelastic properties and facile manufacturing. Under heat activation, the hydrogel transitions into a highly porous and thermally insulative silica aerogel coating in situ, providing a robust protective layer against ignition of substrates, even when the hydrogel fire suppressant becomes completely desiccated. By confirming the mechanical properties, substrate adherence, and enhanced substrate protection against fire, these heat-activatable biomimetic hydrogels emerge as promising candidates for next-generation water-enhancing fire suppressants. These advancements have the potential to dramatically improve the ability to protect homes and critical infrastructure during wildfire.

Gastrointestinal-inert prebiotic micro-composites improve the growth and community diversity of mucosal-associated bacteria.

The process of microencapsulation and the development of microparticle-based drug formulations have gained increased pharmaceutical interest, particularly for drug delivery and bacterial-encapsulation purposes for probiotic delivery. Existing studies have examined microcomposite (MC) responses to gastrointestinal (GI) conditions with the aim of controlling disintegration, and thus release, across the small and large bowel. However, the delivery of MCs which remain intact, without degrading, could act as bacterial growth scaffolds or materials providing a prebiotic support, conferring potentially beneficial GI health properties. This present study employs prilling as a method to produce a portfolio of MCs using a variety of biopolymers (alginate, chitosan, pectin and gellan gum) with a range of MC diameters and density compositions. Fluorescent probes are co-encapsulated within each MC to enable flow-cytometry directed release profile assessments following exposure to chemical simulated gastric and intestinal digestion conditions. We observe that MC size, gel-strength, density, and biopolymer material all influence response to gastric and intestinal conditions. Gellan gum (GG) MCs demonstrated complete resistance to disintegration throughout GI-simulation in the stomach and small intestine. Considering these MCs could reach the colon intact, we then examined how such MCs, doped with prebiotic growth supporting carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) polymers, could impact microbial communities using a bioreactor model of the colonic microbiome. Following supplementation with GGCMC MCs, mucosal bacterial diversity (using 16 s rRNA sequencing and Shannon entropy and observed feature diversity metrics) and taxonomic composition changes were observed. Concentrations of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolites were also found to be altered. This is the first study to comprehensivelyexamine how MC physicochemistry can be manipulated to tailor MCs to have the desired GI release performance and subsequently, how GI-resistant MCs could have influential microbial altering properties and be adopted in novel prebiotic strategies.

Spectral Characteristics of Selenium-Containing Hybrid Nanocomplexes Based on Fotoditazine and Cellulose Polymer Carrier

Spectral Characteristics of Selenium-Containing Hybrid Nanocomplexes Based on Fotoditazine and Cellulose Polymer Carrier

Insights into phosphoethanolamine cellulose synthesis and secretion across the Gram-negative cell envelope

Phosphoethanolamine (pEtN) cellulose is a naturally occurring modified cellulose produced by several Enterobacteriaceae. The minimal components of the E. coli cellulose synthase complex include the catalytically active BcsA enzyme, a hexameric semicircle of the periplasmic BcsB protein, and the outer membrane (OM)-integrated BcsC subunit containing periplasmic tetratricopeptide repeats (TPR). Additional subunits include BcsG, a membrane-anchored periplasmic pEtN transferase associated with BcsA, and BcsZ, a periplasmic cellulase of unknown biological function. While cellulose synthesis and translocation by BcsA are well described, little is known about its pEtN modification and translocation across the cell envelope. We show that the N-terminal cytosolic domain of BcsA positions three BcsG copies near the nascent cellulose polymer. Further, the semicircle’s terminal BcsB subunit tethers the N-terminus of a single BcsC protein in a trans-envelope secretion system. BcsC’s TPR motifs bind a putative cello-oligosaccharide near the entrance to its OM pore. Additionally, we show that only the hydrolytic activity of BcsZ but not the subunit itself is necessary for cellulose secretion, suggesting a secretion mechanism based on enzymatic removal of translocation incompetent cellulose. Lastly, protein engineering introduces cellulose pEtN modification in orthogonal cellulose biosynthetic systems. These findings advance our understanding of pEtN cellulose modification and secretion.

Gelatin-carboxymethyl cellulose/iron-based metal-organic framework nanocomposite hydrogel as a promising biodegradable fertilizer release system: Synthesis, characterization, and fertilizer release studies

Application of fertilizers is a routine method in agriculture to increase the fertility of plants However, conventional fertilizers have raised serious health and environmental problems in recent years. Therefore, the development of biodegradable superabsorbent hydrogels based on natural polymers with the capability for fertilizer controlled release has attracted much interest. In the current research, a novel nanocomposite hydrogel based on gelatin and carboxymethyl cellulose polymers enriched with an iron based metal- organic framework (MIL-53 (Iron)) was prepared. The prepared nanocomposite hydrogel was loaded with NPK fertilizer to obtain a slow release fertilizer system. The structural properties of the nanocomposite hydrogel were investigated using FTIR, XRD, and SEM techniques. The swelling and fertilizer release behavior of the nanocomposite hydrogel were evaluated in conditions. Results showed that by adding iron-based metal organic framework to the hydrogel matrix, the water absorption capacity of the hydrogel system was increased to 345.8 (g/g). Fertilizer release studies revealed that the release of fertilizer from the nanocomposite matrix has a slow and continuous release pattern. Therefore, the synthesized nanocomposite has an appropriate strength and high potential to be used as a slow-release fertilizer system.

Preparation and characterization of polymeric cellulose wood adhesive with excellent bonding properties and water resistance

Developing the most abundant cellulose resources in nature as wood adhesives is a challenging but significant work. In this study, an oxidized cellulose-hexamethylene diamine-urea (OCHU) resin adhesive, of high bonding performance, and excellent water resistance has been prepared. The cellulose was firstly enzymatically hydrolyzed to increase its solubility and expose more hydroxyl groups, then oxidized by sodium periodate (NaIO4) to generate a biological compound being rich of aldehyde groups. The OCHU adhesive was prepared by crosslinking oxidized cellulose (OC) with a synthetic reactive polyurea (HU) polymer, which was formed through the deamidation reaction between hexamethylenediamine (H) and urea (U). This adhesive exhibited a 24 h cold water soaking strength of 1.61 MPa, 3 h hot water (63 °C) strength of 1.05 MPa and a dry strength of 1.71 MPa. Compared to oxidized cellulose-hexamethylenediamine (OCH) adhesive, a significant increase of 60 % in this adhesive's wet strength. The Schiff base and addition reactions in the preparation were confirmed by XPS, solid-state NMR, and FTIR. This cellulose-based wood adhesive has great market competitiveness for mass production and application in the plywood industry, due to its excellent bonding properties.

Incorporation of myrtle essential oil into hydrolyzed ethyl cellulose films for enhanced antimicrobial packaging applications

This research delved into examining the impact of hydrolysis and incorporation of Myrtle essential oil (MEO) on the film-forming and antimicrobial characteristics of ethyl cellulose polymer (EC). Three plasticizers (glycerol, mono ethylene glycol, and oleic acid) were evaluated for film-forming ability. The composite biofilms' structure was assessed through SEM, XRD, FT-IR, and DSC. Eventually, the combination of hydrolyzed EC with oleic acid yielded a flexible film with optimal thickness. Utilizing GC-MS analysis, α-pinene was identified as the predominant compound within MEO, conferring both antioxidant and antibacterial attributes. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed MEO's participation in the film-forming matrix through hydrogen bonding. By incorporating the MEO into the matrix, the WVP decreased significantly to 6.15*10–12 gmm/hmm2Pa considering that the hydrophobic feature of MEO can block the diffusion of water and decrease the WVP. The melting point and enthalpy of the polymer matrix containing MEO decreased that could be attributable to the EOs plasticizing impact, which increases the polymer chain mobility, and thereby hinders the strong interactions between polymer molecules. From the morphological finding, even at higher concentrations, MEO did not form agglomerations in the film matrix, highlighting its excellent compatibility with the microstructure of the resulting films. The film containing MEO showed the acceptable antioxidant activity. Furthermore, films containing MEO substantially decreased S. aureus biofilm development at 24 and 48 h, compared to P. aeruginosa and E. coli. These findings suggest potential applications of the developed film in packaging and preservation.

Efficient fabrication of cellulose polymer networks via alkaline swelling strategy for wood bonding

Existing issues with bio-based adhesives, such as complex preparation processes, high energy consumption, and production costs, still need to be addressed. In our study, APTES was grafted onto microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) to generate active aminated cellulose, and then reacted with the epoxide group in glycerol triglycidyl ether (GTE) through a swelling strategy under alkaline solvent, forming a network structure via covalent cross-linking. The adhesive exhibits superior bonding performance and water-resistant property in the bonding strength test of poplar plywood, with a dry shear strength of 2.40 MPa, a wet shear strength of 2.16 MPa after soaking in 63 °C hot water, and a wet shear strength of 1.79 MPa after soaking in boiling water. In terms of cost calculation, the theoretical production cost of AC-GTE adhesive is calculated to be 5303.7 RMB per ton, which is comparable to that of phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin and other petrochemical-based adhesives, and significantly lower than that of isocyanate-based adhesives. These research results can provide a practical example for producing high-efficiency, aldehyde-free, and low-cost bio-based adhesives.

Oil palm frond leaves (OPFLs), a high recalcitrant biomass as an alternative cellulose source for glucose conversion

Among the oil palm biomass, oil palm frond leaves (OPFLs) are under-valued since they can be classified as a high recalcitrance feedstock due to the high lignin and hemicellulose content. This work proposes a new way of using OPFLs as alternative cellulose sources for glucose conversion by an application of various pre-treatments at varying parameters. From green pre-treatment, steam explosion (SE) is much more effective in disrupting the OPFLs structure in contrast to hydrothermal (HT) pre-treatment, by a vast dissolution of hemicellulose and depolymerization of lignin. The pre-impregnation with H2SO4 prior to steam explosion was beneficial to enhance the hemicellulose removal up to 89.94 %. The 2D-HSQC NMR analysis divulged the reduction of ß-O-4 linkage and S/G value after the SE and HT pre-treatment, verifying the degradation of lignin-carbohydrate linkage in OPFLs. Meanwhile, the dilute NaOH pre-treatment enhanced the delignification by 87.14 %. SEM analysis revealed a well-disrupted structure of pre-treated OPFLs exposing a higher cellulosic fraction, whereas SEC analysis divulged a decreasing pattern of degree of polymerization of cellulose. The enzymatic analysis revealed that pre-treated OPFLs yielded higher glucose ranging from 29.81 % to 49.98 % w/w, which was ∼3-fold higher than raw OPFLs (14.31 % w/w). A maximum cellulose digestibility (100 %) was achieved by steam-exploded OPFLs after 72 h of enzymatic hydrolysis. This suggests the potency of various pre-treatments to enhance enzymatic saccharification of OPFLs producing a higher glucose yield.