Beer industry waste transformed into cellulose nanofibers through upcycling process
In a groundbreaking development, a research group led by Dr. Keiji Numata from Yokohama National University (YNU) in Japan has developed a technique to produce cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) from hop waste. This breakthrough was published in the prestigious journal ACS Agricultural Science & Technology on June 11, 2023. The paper can be accessed using the DOI 10.1021/acsagscitech.1c00041.
Until now, no attempt had been made to isolate CNFs from hop stems. However, this new method could lead to significant changes in various industries, including automotive, housing, food, and cosmetics, due to CNFs' low weight, high strength, and stabilization properties.
YNU, a national university founded in 1949, is renowned for its academic research in practical application sciences. The university provides students with a practical education and engages with the global community.
The technique developed by the Japanese researchers upcycles waste hop into cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), which could potentially replace petroleum in many applications. Hop stems, which make up about 75% of the biomass of the hop plant, are typically burned or landfilled, as only the flower is used in beer making.
Successful demonstration of hop stem-derived CNFs could lead to a significant reduction in conventional synthetic surfactants. This is crucial as hop stems contain a proportion of cellulose almost equal to that of wood, making them an attractive alternative source for CNFs.
The technique developed by the research group uses a TEMPO technique to extract CNFs from hop stems, reducing the pretreatment processes compared to traditional methods. The researchers aim to prepare emulsions stabilized by hop stem-derived CNFs for demonstration to industry.
The surge in popularity of craft beer-making, which led to a record high in hop production in 2019, has increased the amount of hop waste produced. This new technique could help reduce the beer industry's growing waste and land footprint, as well as cut back on petroleum feedstocks.
High-impact publications from YNU contribute to international scientific research and the global society. This latest development is another testament to YNU's commitment to practical application sciences and its role in addressing global challenges.
