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The current status of the enzyme-mediated isolation and functionalization of nanocelluloses: production, properties, techno-economics, and opportunities

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Abstract

The increasing interest for cellulose-based products has resulted in the development of processes for the controlled deconstruction of cellulose into cellulose nanomaterials, such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). These nanomaterials can significantly increase the diverse applications of cellulose by exploring their nanometric scale options and improved properties for various high-volume, low-volume, and emerging/novel applications. Among the nanocellulose production processes, the enzyme-mediated methods are environment friendly and with expected lower capital and operating expenditures compared to traditional processes. In addition, it creates the unique possibility of fine-tuning the process to tailor nanocellulose properties that are suitable for specific applications. This review comprehensively examines the application of enzymes in the isolation of nanocelluloses. To date, no enzyme preparation for application to nanocellulose production is available commercially. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of potential enzymes focusing mainly on their differentiated properties, mechanism and alterations promoted to cellulose at different levels is first provided. This is to shed light on the enzyme properties that can be exploited for application in nanocellulose isolation. Then, the current state of the stand-alone and integrated enzyme-mediated processes is reviewed as well as the properties and yield of the isolated nanocelluloses in comparison to nanocelluloses obtained by traditional processes. In addition, the potential of enzyme-mediated functionalization has been discussed as a promising method that imparts unique properties to nanocelluloses, further diversifying their market. A detailed discussion on the challenges and opportunities for the major technical and economic factors that impact nanocellulose price has been included as well.

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(Pääkko et al. 2007)

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(Adapted from Rosales-Calderon and Arantes 2019)

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(Adapted from Dusfrene 2012)

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP, Grant No. 2015/02862-5) for providing financial support for research on enzyme-mediated technologies in nanocellulose production. This study was also partially financed by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq, Grants Nos. 308715/2015-2 and 429895/2016-0) and by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior—Brasil (CAPES)—Finance Code 001. We would especially like to acknowledge the industry representatives from CelluForce and GCE paper/Propal, and other personal communication who kindly provided material quotations. The authors also thank the members of the Biocatalysis and Bioproduct Laboratory at USP Lorena for fruitful discussions.

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Correspondence to Valdeir Arantes.

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Arantes, V., Dias, I.K.R., Berto, G.L. et al. The current status of the enzyme-mediated isolation and functionalization of nanocelluloses: production, properties, techno-economics, and opportunities. Cellulose 27, 10571–10630 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-020-03332-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-020-03332-1

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