Synthesis of nanocellulose from Acalypha hispida leaves through enzymatic hydrolysis

The enzyme-hydrolysis of Acalypha hispida plant leaves for the synthesis of nanocellulose remains underexplored, yet it holds significant potential due to its biocompatibility, eco-friendliness, and the exceptional physical and biochemical properties. This innovative method employed the enzyme xylanase, produced by an indigenous strain of Bacillus pumilus, isolated from a compost pile sample and identified through 16S rRNA sequencing. The xylanolytic activity of the isolate was confirmed by the clear hydrolysis zones around bacterial colonies on xylan agar. The enzyme was purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by dialysis, with a molecular weight of 45 kDa determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The purified xylanase was then utilized for enzyme-hydrolyzed nanocellulose (EHNC) synthesis. EHNC stands out for its green processing, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low production cost. The resulting EHNC exhibited particle diameters ranging from 15 to 40 nm, with a zeta potential of -22.3 mV. The minimal enzyme concentrations and short incubation periods suggest significant potential for enzymatic applications in the production of nanofibrillated cellulose, offering an efficient and sustainable approach to manufacturing advanced nanocellulose-based materials.