One-pot isolation of nanocellulose using pelagic Sargassum spp. from the Caribbean coastline

There is a growing demand for biopolymers for packaging, dietary fiber, and as a food additive, where nanocellulose has become an important material for such purposes. In this study, a process utilizing successive steps in the same container was used, avoiding washing and neutralization between stages, showing nanocellulose isolation using a brown alga with a yield of 14.9%. Transparent films of pure 2D nanocellulose were prepared by the cast evaporation method, using Sargassum spp. as a raw material in a one-pot innovative process. Thermogravimetric analysis shows the presence of non-cellulosic components within the Sargassum and also the presence of nanocellulose at the end of the process. The obtained material was characterized by FTIR, NMR, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry, showing that the cellulose was successfully isolated, generating films with a transmittance of 81%. Finally, laser scanning microscope and the scanning electron microscope results corroborated the presence of cellulose nanoplatelets made of cellulose nanofibers with a thickness of approximate to 100 nm which explains the optical properties, such as the transmittance and constructive interference that facilitates characterization with a simple optical microscope.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the successful isolation of nanocellulose from seaweed and the preparation of transparent films of pure 2D nanocellulose, highlighting the importance and potential of nanocellulose in the food packaging and additive industry. The innovative one-pot process used in this study shows promise for efficient and environmentally friendly production of nanocellulose-based materials.