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Earth’s Versatile Gift: Cellulose

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Handbook of Biomass

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Abstract

Cellulose is a versatile natural polymer that plays a crucial role in the environment, industry, food, and medicine. This chapter provides an overview of the structure and properties of cellulose, its importance to the planet and human society, and its potential for future development. Cellulose has a unique ability to sequester carbon and mitigate the effects of climate change. It also serves as a raw material for various industrial applications, such as paper production, construction materials, and textiles, and offers several advantages over synthetic materials. Cellulose is an essential dietary fiber that aids in digestion and offers various health benefits. It also has medical applications, such as drug delivery and wound dressings. The sustainable development of cellulose-based materials is crucial for a sustainable future, and new products and technologies are continually being developed. This chapter examines the challenges and opportunities associated with developing cellulose-based products and their impact on the environment and human society.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, India

    Naijil George, Viji Mary Varghese & O. Kavitha

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  1. Naijil George
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  2. Viji Mary Varghese
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  3. O. Kavitha
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India

    Sabu Thomas

  2. Mechanical and Industrial Engineering:, Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Tuskegee, TX, USA

    Mahesh Hosur

  3. Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, Bairro Santa Mônica, Brazil

    Daniel Pasquini

  4. Department of Chemistry, Newman College, Thodupuzha, Kerala, India

    Cintil Jose Chirayil

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George, N., Varghese, V.M., Kavitha, O. (2023). Earth’s Versatile Gift: Cellulose. In: Thomas, S., Hosur, M., Pasquini, D., Jose Chirayil, C. (eds) Handbook of Biomass. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6772-6_19-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6772-6_19-1

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