Valorization of jackfruit peel as nanocellulose hydrogels: Synthesis and characterization

Nanocellulose has been regarded as one of the most promising sustainable nanomaterials due to its competitive advantages and superior performances, which include hydrophilicity, renewability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, tunable surface features, excellent mechanical strength, and high specific surface area. In this study, nanocellulose was synthesised by ultrasonication of jackfruit peel cellulose and used to create a strong self-standing hydrogel matrix. The process of ultrasonication was optimized using response surface methodology. Additionally, using the deep-freezing approach, hydrogels consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and nanocellulose fibers (derived from jackfruit peel) were created by utilizing the nanocellulose derived after optimization. To create strong hydrogen links, biobased gelatin was used as a cross-linking agent. In order to investigate the textural features of the composites, texture profile analysis and stability were studied at 35 ºC for 2 weeks. The gel properties, such as hardness, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness, displayed good results, showing that jackfruit peel nanocellulose can be used for the preparation of hydrogels with good texture. Viscosity studies showed an average range of 15–40 cP.