Characterization of Enzymatically Modified Cellulose Obtained From the From the Cocoa Pod Husk (Cph) Theobroma Cacao L. Clone Ccn51

Water interactions with cellulose, hemi- cellulose, and Cocoa ( Theobroma cacao L.) processing generates by-products such as shells, husks, placenta and leachates that cause environmental and phytosanitary problems. The husk is a lignocellulosic material composed mainly of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, which can be used to produce coproducts useful at the industrial level. The objective of this research was to characterize the enzymatically modified cellulose obtained from cocoa pod husk (CPH) Clone CCN51. For this purpose, physicochemical analyses such as pH, ethereal extract, ash, moisture, crude fiber and water retention were carried out to establish the differences and/or similarities presented with respect to a commercial cellulose, thus making it possible to establish its possible agroindustrial use. The results revealed that in the transformation process of the raw material by the action of the Celluclast 1.5 L enzyme, a yield of 29% was obtained. Likewise, significant differences were evidenced in the characterization tests performed between commercial cellulose and modified CPH cellulose, indicating that the latter presents better conditions for industrial uses, such as the production of bioplastic films.