MICROWAVE-ASSISTED EXTRACTION OF CELLULOSE FROM LAMINARIA DIGITATA BIOMASS

Ivana M. Savić Gajić; Ivan M. Savić

doi:10.20544/hisj.2026.597

Authors

Ivana M. Savić Gajić University of Niš, Faculty of Technology in Leskovac, Serbia
Ivan M. Savić University of Niš, Faculty of Technology in Leskovac, Serbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20544/hisj.2026.597

Keywords:

Cellulose, Seaweed, Microwave-Assisted Extraction, Structural Characterization, Hydration Properties

Abstract

Cellulose was isolated from the brown seaweed Laminaria digitata using both conventional alkaline extraction and microwave-assisted extraction to assess the efficiency of microwave treatment in enhancing extraction while preserving cellulose integrity. Microwave-assisted extraction using 4% (m/v) sodium hydroxide at 336 W for 30 min yielded 5.6 ± 0.53% cellulose, comparable to 5.7 ± 0.79% obtained via conventional extraction over 24 h. Microwave-assisted extraction offered a significant advantage by reducing the extraction time nearly 48-fold without compromising the yield. FTIR analysis confirmed characteristic cellulose bands, indicating preserved functional groups. Structural indices (TCI 1.48 ± 0.12; LOI 1.23 ± 0.06; HBI 0.68 ± 0.01) suggested moderate crystallinity, good lateral order, and relatively weak hydrogen bonding. SEM analysis revealed a rough and porous surface, while EDS analysis confirmed high purity with carbon and oxygen as the main elements (56.30 wt% and 41.50 wt%, respectively) and only trace calcium. These results indicate effective removal of non-cellulosic and mineral components, exposing crystalline cellulose domains. Overall, MAE is a rapid, efficient, and eco-friendly method for isolating cellulose from L. digitata, producing a structurally intact, chemically pure biopolymer suitable for applications in biocomposites, nanocellulose, and other bio-based materials.

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