Dual-Route Nanocellulose Production from Pineapple Waste: A Comparative Environmental and Process Evaluation of Acid Hydrolysis and Bacterial Biosynthesis

This study compares two methods for extracting nanocellulose from pineapple agro-waste: chemical hydrolysis using sulfuric acid, and bacterial biosynthesis via Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii. SEM, FTIR, and AFM characterized nanocellulose produced by both routes. A multi-criteria decision matrix was used to evaluate process efficiency, environmental impact, and operational complexity. The bacterial route showed advantages in water footprint (0.3 L vs. 14 L), purification simplicity (~2 steps vs. ~5), and waste safety (non-hazardous vs. highly corrosive). AFM analysis revealed thinner fibers in bacterial nanocellulose (~37 nm) compared to the chemical route (~70 nm). Radar chart visualization reinforced these findings. Results support bacterial biosynthesis as a more sustainable and scalable alternative for nanocellulose production from lignocellulosic residues.