The Combination of Enzymatic and Acid Hydrolysis to Produce Nanocrystalline Cellulose from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.12847Keywords:
Crystallinity, Enzyme, Hydrolysis, Isolation, Nanocrystalline cellulose, OPEFB, Particle sizeAbstract
Harsh acid hydrolysis is a conventional method for producing nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC), but a more environmentally friendly alternative should be developed. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the performance of the combined hydrolysis method in the CNC isolation process to improve yield, crystallinity index, and particle size. The conditions of the combined hydrolysis process were examined, specifically the concentration of endoglucanase enzyme (Endo-1,4-β-glucanase (EC. 3.2.1.4)) and the duration of enzymatic hydrolysis. Endoglucanase enzyme concentration was 20 - 100 µL, and hydrolysis time was 12 - 60 h. The results showed that the combined hydrolysis method using enzyme and acid significantly affected the increase in crystalline yield, crystallinity index, and reduced the average crystal size. This process started with cellulose hydrolysis using endoglucanase enzyme with a concentration of 40 µL for 24 h, followed by sulfuric-acid hydrolysis at a concentration of 20% at 40 °C for 30 min. The method produced the highest crystalline yield of 99.10%, crystallinity index 78.13%, average crystal size 20.94 nm, and average particle size of 64.01 nm. FTIR analysis showed that the combined hydrolysis process does not affect the crystalline structure of cellulose, while SEM studies showed a more open and fibrillated appearance because of efficient removal of amorphous areas. Overall, combined enzymatic-chemical hydrolysis produced CNC with high crystallinity, high yield, and smaller particle size, indicating its potential as a biopolymer for food packaging applications.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The combined hydrolysis method improves the crystalline yield (99.10%) and crystallinity index (78.13%) of CNC.
- The combined hydrolysis method can reduce the use of sulfuric acid.
- The combined hydrolysis method produces CNC with good characteristics, namely a smaller average crystal size (64.01 nm) and a higher WI value (72.67%).
- The zeta potential of CNC has a value of –20.39, showing good dispersion in water.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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