Rokiah Hashim

Nanocellulose: Preparation methods and applications

Abstract Cellulose is a multilevel, complex molecular structure built from superfine fibrils having diameters in the nanoscale. These nanofibrils contain highly ordered nanocrystallites and low-ordered whiskers in nanodomains. The cellulose in nanosize can be recovered from the cellulosic biomass by the top-down technique involving various physical and chemical processes followed by refining technique. At present, nanocellulose synthesis is an entirely established technique; however, it involves harsh chemical treatments that are perpetually hazardous to humans and the environment. Various green techniques for nanocellulose synthesis have been proposed such as enzymatic hydrolysis, ionic liquid, and so forth. Although nanocellulose is derived from cellulose, it possesses completely diverse characteristics from original materials. It shows enhanced crystallinity, high surface area, rheological properties, alignment and orientation, biodegradability, biocompatibility, low toxicity, and so on. Nanocellulose has gained much attention for various biochemical applications due to its remarkable physical properties, exceptional surface chemistry and superb biological properties. Its biomedical applications include wound dressings, drug conveyance, medicinal inserts, tissue building, nourishment, and beautifying agents. Whereas its composite materials applications include preparation of biodegradable plastics, aqueous coating, and materials creation.