Characterization and Functionality of Cellulose from Pomelo Fruitlets by Different Extraction Methods.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Materials Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Pomelo fruitlets are a potential source for cellulose extraction.
• Cellulose possesses valuable properties for various industrial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize and evaluate the functionality of cellulose extracted from pomelo fruitlets using different methods.
• To determine the optimal extraction method for high-purity pomelo cellulose.

Main Methods:

• Cellulose was extracted using three methods: acidic-alkaline hydrogen peroxide hydrolysis (CAA), alkaline hydrogen peroxide hydrolysis (CA), and ultrasonic assisted alkaline hydrogen peroxide hydrolysis (CUA).
• Characterization included yield, purity, crystallinity, and particle size analysis.
• Functionality was assessed by water- and oil-holding capacities.

Main Results:

• Ultrasonic assisted alkaline hydrogen peroxide hydrolysis (CUA) yielded higher purity and yield compared to CAA and CA.
• CUA cellulose exhibited higher crystallinity and smaller particle size.
• CUA demonstrated superior water- (13-23%) and oil-holding (10-18%) capacities, linked to its particle size and surface area.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasonic assisted alkaline hydrogen peroxide hydrolysis is an effective method for producing high-purity cellulose from pomelo fruitlets.
• The resulting cellulose has potential applications as a food stabilizer and pharmaceutical additive.
• The enhanced properties are attributed to the optimized extraction process leading to smaller particle size and increased surface area.