A researcher from the Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at UPM, Associate Professor Dr. Hidayah Ariffin, stated that the material used to produce nanocellulose is derived from cellulose raw materials extracted from palm biomass.

She said that this cellulose is used to produce nanocellulose through specific grinding methods. These methods successfully produce nanocellulose with an average diameter size of 20 to 100 nanometers (nm).

"Nanocellulose can be produced from any cellulose-based material such as plant biomass, pulp, paper, cotton, and others.

"Considering that Malaysia is a country rich in oil palm trees and produces a lot of palm biomass, there is potential to create nanocellulose from palm biomass.

"Nanocellulose is a versatile material that can be produced to suit its applications. Nanocellulose naturally possesses special properties such as mechanical strength, high specific surface area, renewability, and biodegradability," she said at a press conference at UPM, Serdang, recently.

According to her, the project, which began in 2013, has special properties that make nanocellulose highly suitable for application in various products such as biocomposite products and packaging materials, with nanocellulose serving as a reinforcing material.

"In addition, it can be used as a filter membrane for water filtration and as a filter material for face masks, as a thickening agent in food products, and in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals as a carrier for active ingredients and medications.

"Currently, globally, nanotechnology is among the latest and most advanced technologies. Recognizing the role of nanotechnology and its potential to benefit humanity, we have developed this product together with research partners from Japan," she said.

Hidayah mentioned that nanocellulose in Malaysia is still at the research and development (R&D) stage. Therefore, it is somewhat difficult to compare their products with other nanocellulose in the country.

"Nevertheless, we see this as an opportunity and advantage because our product is almost ready for commercialization.

"The advantage of our product is that it has characteristics comparable to nanocellulose produced in developed countries using other cellulose materials and is made from palm biomass, an available bioresource in Malaysia.

"The production method does not involve the use of chemicals and employs a simple and quick process for producing nanocellulose," she said.

This product, which already has intellectual property protection, has won the Gold Medal for Most Commercial Ready Product at the Bioeconomy Innovation Award 2017 and the Silver Medal for Most Innovative Product at the Bioeconomy Innovation Award 2017.

Click here for more information: https://www.hmetro.com.my/agro/2017/11/284703/nanoselulosa-ekstrak-biomas-sawit 

Date of Input: | Updated: |