Seawater retting: A sustainable method for extracting banana fibers

In a recent study, researchers explored the use of seawater as a retting agent for banana pseudo-stems, achieving an efficient extraction of natural fibers while conserving freshwater resources.

A groundbreaking investigation into sustainable retting processes has brought to light a potential solution for extracting natural fibers from banana pseudo-stems using seawater. The study, conducted by a team of researchers led by Prince Hotor from the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology, presents a comprehensive analysis of the seawater retting mechanism and its implications for the eco-friendly extraction of fibers.

The research was driven by the need for an alternative to traditional freshwater retting methods, which consume substantial amounts of water, a scarce resource in many regions. By employing seawater, the study aimed to reduce the environmental impact of fiber extraction and offer a viable solution for arid regions where freshwater is limited.

The team conducted a series of experiments over a five-week period, observing the effects of different sterilization and non-sterilized conditions on the retting process. The results were promising, with the highest bacterial load and enzyme activity recorded in the second week of retting, indicating a robust biological process at work.

The study revealed that the seawater retting process could effectively remove lignin and other undesirable components from the banana pseudo-stems, enhancing the quality of the extracted fibers. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the preservation of the fibers' quality, with an increase in crystallinity index observed in all seawater retting treatment conditions.

The research also identified several bacterial isolates with ligninolytic abilities, including strains of Bacillus velezensis, Shewanella sp., and Citrobacter amalonaticus, which play a crucial role in the retting process by breaking down the lignocellulosic components of the pseudo-stems.

The findings suggest that seawater retting could be a game-changer for the extraction of cellulosic fibers from banana pseudo-stems and potentially other lignocellulosic biomasses. This method not only conserves freshwater but also utilizes the abundant seawater resources, making it a sustainable and economically viable option.

In conclusion, the study presents a significant advancement in the field of sustainable materials science, offering an innovative approach to fiber extraction that is both environmentally friendly and resource-efficient.

See the article:

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobab.2024.04.002

Original Source URL

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2369969824000343

Journal

Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts