Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rohini College of Engineering and Technology, Palkulam, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 629401, India.
Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Bangkok 10800, Thailand.
Int J Biol Macromol. 2024 Oct;277(Pt 3):134394. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134394. Epub 2024 Jul 31.
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a crucial component in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, culinary, and cosmetics. The growing demand for MCC has spurred research into extraction methods. This study focused on extracting MCC from Ficus benghalensis using acid hydrolysis to convert the alpha-cellulose content of its leaves into MCC. The solvent used in this process was recyclable for further use. The extracted MCC was characterized by its physicochemical properties, including density, yield percentage, and structural characteristics. The yield was approximately 39.68 %, and the density was low at 1.518 g/cm, making it suitable for filler applications. Fourier transform spectroscopy and UV-visible analysis identified functional groups of cellulose. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a crystallite size of 1.560 nm and a crystallinity index of 66.43 %, indicating suitability for related applications. ImageJ determined a mean particle size of 36.545 μm, while scanning electron microscopy showed distinct surface orientations. Atomic force microscopy revealed surface roughness, root mean square, ten-point average roughness, skewness, and kurtosis. Elemental analysis indicated high concentrations of carbon (20.1 %) and oxygen (34 %). Based on these physicochemical features, the extracted MCC could be a valuable source for applications such as filler in reinforcement technology and coating material in pharmaceutical products.
微晶纤维素（MCC）是制药、烹饪和化妆品等多个行业的重要组成部分。对 MCC 的需求不断增长，促使人们研究其提取方法。本研究采用酸水解法从榕树叶中提取 MCC，将其叶片中的α-纤维素转化为 MCC。该过程中使用的溶剂可回收再利用。提取的 MCC 通过其物理化学性质进行表征，包括密度、产率百分比和结构特征。产率约为 39.68%，密度低至 1.518g/cm，适用于填充剂应用。傅里叶变换光谱和紫外可见分析确定了纤维素的官能团。X 射线衍射分析表明结晶度指数为 66.43%，结晶尺寸为 1.560nm，表明其适用于相关应用。ImageJ 确定平均粒径为 36.545μm，扫描电子显微镜显示出明显的表面取向。原子力显微镜显示表面粗糙度、十点平均粗糙度、偏度和峰度。元素分析表明，碳（20.1%）和氧（34%）的浓度较高。基于这些物理化学特性，提取的 MCC 可作为填充剂在增强技术和涂覆材料在制药产品中的应用的有价值的来源。
