Sustainable Innovation: Nanocellulose Extraction with Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents in Lignocellulosic Residues in Latin American
摘要
Currently, Latin America generates a significant volume of waste classified as lignocellulosic, as these materials are composed of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. From such waste, valuable and innovative products can be derived, including nanocellulose (CNC), a cellulose-based material at the nanoscale with diverse industrial applications. Acid hydrolysis, the conventional method for CNC production, although is highly efficient, presents various disadvantages such as the use of strong acids, the generation of toxic waste, and high energy demands. As a sustainable alternative, green solvents, as those Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES), have emerged as a promising approach. These solvents are biodegradable, non-toxic, and highly effective in dissolving lignocellulosic components, enabling environmentally friendly and competitive processes for nanocellulose production. Among the lignocellulosic residues, some agro-industrial by-products have been studied for nanocellulose obtention and presented in this chapter, such as banana peels, sugarcane bagasse, rice husk waste, pineapple leaves, garlic skin, agave bagasse, and leaves where conventional methods were used. Therefore, a big potential exists to explore the use of green solvents like NADES in nanocellulose recovery in conjunction with other green technologies including ultrasound and microwave technologies in greening nanocellulose extraction in Latin America where the use of green solvents in lignocellulosic residues for valorization still represents a big opportunity for knowledge generation.