Crafting Sustainability from Cellulose Production
Cellulose, a highly abundant polysaccharide found in various types of algae, possesses biocompatible, biodegradable, renewable, and non-toxic properties. These characteristics make cellulose and its derivatives highly appealing for a wide range of biomedical applications. The cellulose content in algal biomass can range from 0.85% to 34%, and it can be successfully extracted from green, brown, and red algae. CD BioGlyco offers a wide range of professional Marine Carbohydrate Production Services including Plant Polysaccharides, Animal Polysaccharides, and Microbial Polysaccharides utilizing our cutting-edge technology. Based on this, our team of experienced professionals works with you to design a cellulose production program that meets your specific needs.
Organic Solvent Extraction
We extract marine plant powders with an ethanol-benzene solvent, heat the samples in a 1:20 ratio with water, and optimize the heating time and temperature to dissolve residual impurities and increase the amount of insoluble fibers extracted from the seaweeds. The boiling water is subsequently discarded and then purified with an H2O2 solution to eliminate any remaining green pigments and other contaminants, including hemicellulose. Finally, the cellulose is washed with water until neutral after discarding the supernatant, and then the cellulose is freeze-dried to a powder.
Enzymatic Extraction
First, our experts pre-treat the seaweed samples by washing and removing impurities to ensure that the samples are clean and free of organic substances. Subsequently, we mix the pretreated seaweed samples with cellulose-containing enzymatic digests while controlling the time and temperature of the enzymatic reaction to optimize the cellulose release and degradation process. These enzymes specifically degrade cellulose chains, hydrolyzing them into shorter cellulose chains and monosaccharide units. Subsequently, we separate the cellulose fraction from the enzymatic products by filtration or centrifugation of the digested mixture and further purify the cellulose by gel filtration or ultrafiltration to remove residual material not degraded by the enzymes.
Publication
Technology: Chemical modification
Journal: Cellulose
IF: 5.7
Published: 2024
Results: This article explores the potential of algae-derived cellulose and its derivatives for use in biomedical applications. The article highlights the extensive research on the biomedical applications of cellulose, citing its biodegradability, biocompatibility, abundant renewable resources, and cost-effectiveness as key factors. Additionally, it mentions numerous studies that have successfully extracted cellulose and its derivatives from various types of algae including brown, green, and red algae. The nature of the cellulose obtained from extraction varies depending on the type of algae, maturity, and extraction method. The article also discusses the primary techniques for extracting cellulose from algae, with an emphasis on more environmentally friendly approaches, and ways to process it into different cellulose derivatives.
Applications
- Cellulose is utilized in the creation of scaffold materials for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. These cellulose scaffolds offer assistance for cell adhesion and proliferation, as well as facilitate the repair and regeneration of tissues.
- Cellulose can be used to prepare wound dressings with good absorbency and breathability. These dressings can aid in wound healing and provide protection and prevention of infection.
- Cellulose is used as a medium for delivering drugs. By entrapping medications within cellulose nanofibers, it is possible to attain controlled and precise administration of drugs.
Advantages
- Our cellulose extraction technology efficiently extracts cellulose from plant materials, improving the utilization of raw materials.
- Our cellulose extraction technology applies to a wide range of marine plant materials, enabling diversified use of resources.
- Through process optimization and the use of cost-effective raw materials, we offer you a more economical solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the raw material requirements for cellulose extraction?
Raw material requirements for cellulose extraction include high cellulose content, low impurity content, ease of mechanical handling, and chemical reaction.
How is the wastewater from the cellulose extraction process treated?
Wastewater treatment in the cellulose extraction process usually includes several steps. Firstly, large particles and suspended matter are removed by screening and sedimentation, and then biological treatment using aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms is carried out to degrade organic matter. Next, chemical treatment and adsorption are used to remove residual pollutants, and finally, the wastewater is further purified by advanced technologies such as membrane treatment to ensure compliance with discharge standards or recycling.
CD BioGlyco has been dedicated to advancing technology for cellulose production, resulting in a gradual reduction in the cost of our cellulose extraction process. Please feel free to contact us if you need more information about our service.
Reference
- Machado, B.; et al. The potential of algae as a source of cellulose and its derivatives for biomedical applications. Cellulose. 2024, 31(6): 3353-3376.
