Extraction and characterization of microcrystalline cellulose from carrot pomace using green pretreatment technologies

In this study, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from carrot pomace, which is a byproduct of the carrot process, was produced. The Response Surface Methodology optimized the effectiveness of autoclaving & ultrasonic pretreatments (AUP) in MCC extraction with a D-optimal design. The yield of AUP was 36.62 % at the optimum point; at the conventional acid hydrolysis method, it was 31.40 %. AUP-derived MCC demonstrated superior rheological properties, including water holding capacity (4.58 g H2O/g MCC) and oil adsorption capacity (2.94 g oil/g MCC), comparable to commercial MCC. Characterization analyses revealed that the AUP-derived MCC had high crystallinity, thermal stability, and a short-fibered morphology, confirmed by FTIR, SEM, TGA, and XRD. Utilizing carrot pomace reduces agricultural waste while providing a valuable dietary fiber source (87.94 % insoluble fiber). This study highlights MCC production from carrot pomace using AUP offers an economically and environmentally viable alternative, with potential applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.