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Rapid quantification of cellulose nanocrystals by Calcofluor White fluorescence staining

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Abstract

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have gained increased interest worldwide for their unique properties. CNC production by acid hydrolysis of cellulose-rich biomass is well established, but its' quantification is still complicated. In this study, a rapid method for the determination of CNC concentration using Calcofluor White (CW) fluorescence dye is demonstrated for both purified and homemade CNCs recovered from Whatman filter paper. The method is robust, selective for crystalline cellulose, suitable for routine measurement in CNC production and that the pH must be basic for staining using CW.

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Acknowledgments

This research was conducted in the framework of the Israeli Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources Grant No. 214-11-006 and the Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection Grant No. 132-3-4.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Water Research Center, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Roi Peretz, Hadas Mamane & Elizaveta Sterenzon

  2. Department of Biology and Environment, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa-Oranim, 3600600, Tivon, Israel

    Yoram Gerchman

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  1. Roi Peretz
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  2. Hadas Mamane
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  3. Elizaveta Sterenzon
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  4. Yoram Gerchman
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Correspondence to Yoram Gerchman.

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Peretz, R., Mamane, H., Sterenzon, E. et al. Rapid quantification of cellulose nanocrystals by Calcofluor White fluorescence staining. Cellulose 26, 971–977 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-018-2162-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-018-2162-z

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