Astragalus gombo as a renewable source of cellulose: Experimental and response surface approaches

The utilization of Astragalus Gombo (AG) as a primary ingredient in this research has been employed for the purpose of cellulose synthesis. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of utilizing agricultural waste, specifically AG, as a novel source for cellulose production. The cellulose underwent a three-step preparation process. Initially, deproteinization was conducted, followed by lipid extraction. Subsequently, a bleaching treatment was applied to eliminate lignin and hemicellulose. This study investigates the optimization of cellulose extraction from agricultural residues through the utilization of analysis of variance. Various extraction durations (1, 2, and 4 h), extraction temperatures (30, 60, and 100°C), and concentrations of NaOH (5, 10, and 20%) were employed. The optimal circumstances can be ascertained employing the 3-D response surface and contour plot generated from the mathematical models. The most favorable conditions for extraction involve maintaining an extraction temperature of 30°C, an extraction period of 2 h, and a NaOH concentration of 5%. Based on the regression analysis, the estimated final mass is projected to be 1356 g, with a regression coefficient of 90.96%, given the specified parameters. The cellulose was subjected to a comprehensive analysis using several spectroscopic, thermal, morphological, and structural techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Thermogravimetry (DTG), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The preparations of cellulose from AG were executed successfully. Furthermore, the findings of this study indicate that AG represents a newly identified environmentally sustainable resource.