Work

Physicochemical Characterization of Starch and Cellulose Nanofibers Extracted from Colocasia esculenta Cultivated in the Colombian Caribbean

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study explores the valorization of Colocasia esculenta roots (flesh and peels) as a source of biopolymers by isolating and characterizing starch and cellulose nanofibers. Fresh roots were sourced from the Colombian Caribbean, and a bromatological analysis was conducted to determine their composition. Starch was extracted from the flesh (yield: 16.2 ± 0.5%) and characterized by a low amylose content (14.6 ± 0.9%) and a gelatinization temperature of 77.6 ± 0.3 °C. Granules showed spherical and polyhedral shapes and smooth, fissure-free surfaces. The median granule size (D50 = 12.2 ± 0.18 µm) exceeded several values reported for Colocasia esculenta from other regions. Cellulose nanofibers were isolated from peel byproducts (yield: 10.0 ± 1.4%), displaying dense fibrillar networks with diameters of 15–25 nm and lengths around 80 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of characteristic functional groups in both materials. Thermogravimetric analysis showed thermal degradation peaks at 320 °C for starch and 330 °C for nanocellulose. These findings demonstrate that Colocasia esculenta, an underutilized crop in the Colombian Caribbean, represents a promising and sustainable raw material for the development of bio-based polymers with suitable physicochemical, structural, and thermal properties.

Source: Polymers

DOI: 10.3390/polym17172354

Authors: Sandra Milena Daza-Orsini, Carolina Medina-Jaramillo, Alex López-Córdoba

Institutions: Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia, University of La Guajira

Language: English

Topic: Food composition and properties

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258