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. •Carrot pomace is efficiently converted to MCC via green and conventional methods.•MCC extraction conditions were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM).•Autoclaving&ultrasonic pretreatments enhance MCC quality over conventional method.•Green-produced MCC shows superior WHC, OAC and viscosity like commercial MCC.•FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, DSC confirm high crystallinity and stability of green-produced MCC.•The study offers a sustainable, cost-effective, green method for MCC from CP.