Extraction And Characterization Of Microcrystalline Cellulose From Malted Sorghum Mash For Pharmaceutical Use.

Abstract

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a multipurpose polymer used in biomedical, food, chemical, and cosmetic industries. Though malted sorghum is widely utilized in different agro-industries, its mash is often treated as an agricultural waste. This study aimed to extract MCC from malted sorghum mash (MSM), characterized it and study its use as a sustainable source of cellulose for MCC production. The extraction process involved sequential treatment of the malted sorghum mash with water, 4% (w/v) NaOH solution, 5.5% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite for bleaching, 40% (v/v) H2O2 solution for further bleaching and 3.0M hydrochloric acid for acid hydrolysis. From the study, MCC was successfully extracted from malted sorghum mash. Fourier transform infrared analysis of the extract confirmed the absence of impurities in the MSM-MCC fibers produced. The resultant MSM-MCC fiber displayed a distinct crystalline cellulose structure, as indicated by X-ray diffraction analysis of MSM-MCC product reported crystallinity index of 86.63%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed variations in the morphology of the MSM-MCC product whilst Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the MSM-MCC product also demonstrated enhanced thermal stability for the product. MSM-MCC extracted had a percentage yield of 60%. The MSM-MCC was insoluble in distilled water, dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid, acetone and ethanol. This insolubility is consistent with the typical behaviour of cellulose-based material. MCC production from malted sorghum mash presents promising opportunities for use as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food production sectors.