Speaker
Descrizione
Citrus processing waste (CPW) is an abundant biological resource whose valorization through the CytroCav process developed by Italy’s Research Council researchers allows to obtain two new bioproducts: the highly bioactive pectin-flavonoid bioconjugate IntegroPectin and the new nanocellulose CytroCell.[1]
CytroCell nanocellulose has a unique molecular structure and morphology in water and aqueous solutions that has been recently identified using advanced structural, spectroscopic and computational methods.[2] In particular, its hydrophilic character, dispersibility and surface functionalities, including citrate-derived groups and esterification features, support adhesion, hydration, ion transport, adsorption and coupling with organic, inorganic or hybrid substrates. These functionalities contribute to interfacial stabilization, ion binding and improved dispersion, while the nanocellulosic network may enhance the mechanical resistance and durability of CytroCell-based composites.
Showing evidence of its versatile role as a completely new nanocellulose platform for advanced materials and devices, CytroCell has already been successfully used to develop new composite membranes for fuel cells and electrolyzers.[3,4] Added to air lime, CytroCell, uniquely accelerates (triples) carbonation of air lime mortars [5] making CytroCell the key enabling material for the widespread uptake of lime in the construction industry.[6]
Collaborative studies are being conducted to develop new functional materials and applications in which CytroCell will emerge as a low-cost, citrus-derived nanocellulose capable to replace costly nanocellulose obtained via conventional nanofibrillation of cellulose fibers.
Acknowledgements: PNRR MICS, Extended Partnership – Mission 4 Component 2, Investment 1.3 – D.D. 1551.11-10-2022 and PNRR AdP POR H2 “Ricerca e sviluppo sull’idrogeno” – LA 1.1.6, both financed by the EU – Next-GenerationEU; “FutuRaw” Le materie prime del futuro da fonti non-critiche, residuali e rinnovabili, Fondo Ordinario Enti di Ricerca, 2022 (CUP B53C23008390005).
References
[1] Ciriminna R, Angellotti G, et al. Cavitation as a zero-waste circular economy process to convert citrus processing waste into biopolymers in high demand. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts. 2024; 9(4): 486–494. DOI:10.1016/j.jobab.2024.09.002
[2] Fabiano Tixier A-S, Michel N, et al. CytroCell: a computational study in aqueous solution and infrared spectroscopic structural characterization. Materials Advances. 2026; 7(1): 228–240. DOI:10.1039/d5ma01060h
[3] Fontananova E, Ciriminna, R, et al. CytroCell@PIL: A New Citrus Nanocellulose-Polymeric Ionic Liquid Composite for Enhanced Anion Exchange Membranes. Nano Select. 2025; 6(9): e70001. DOI:10.1002/nano.70001
[4] Talarico D, Fontananova E, et al. CytroCell@Nafion: Enhanced Proton Exchange Membranes. Global Challenges. 2025; 9(12): e00338. DOI:10.1002/gch2.202500338
[5] Guzmán García Lascurain P, Rodriguez-Navarro C, et al. Cellulose nano- and micro-fibers as air lime carbonation accelerators: FTIR analysis of the carbonation kinetics. Construction and Building Materials. 2025, 489: 142291. DOI:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.142291
[6] Angellotti G, Li Petri G, et al. CytroCell@Lime for the widespread uptake of lime in construction: a bioeconomy insight. ChemRxiv 2025. DOI:10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-hwx9h
| Giovane Ricercatore (under 40) | Yes |
|---|
