Cellulose: composition, properties, occurrence and applications

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Currently, cellulose is one of the most valued industrial raw materials of natural origin. This is because it can be used to produce various materials useful in everyday life. What is the role of cellulose in the economy? Where can cellulose be found? What should you know about the properties and appearance of this substance? Let's find out! Published: 04-24-2023 What is cellulose? First, let's answer the basic question: what is cellulose? It is not without reason that the Latin word cellula means cell . In many plant species, cellulose is a component of cell walls. To better understand what cellulose means to a cell, it is helpful to remember the basic structure of plant cells. Inside each is a nucleus, cytoplasm, vacuoles and mitochondria, all embedded within membranes and walls. What is the role of cellulose in plants? The basic function of cellulose walls is to protect the interior of the cell. They also give cells their shape. What exactly is cellulose? It is a linear polymer of plant origin, an unbranched polysaccharide, which is included among others in dietary fiber. The molecular formula of cellulose is as follows: (C 6 H 10 O 5 ) n . What is cellulose produced from? The natural production of cellulose fibers is possible thanks to photosynthesis, in which plants spontaneously produce energy with the use of carbon dioxide and sunlight.

So what is cellulose produced from? The composition of plant cell walls is quite simple: it contains residues of a monosaccharide, D-glucose, linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds and forming characteristic folded chains. Characteristics and structure of cellulose. What is vegetable cellulose like? It is a white, odorless and tasteless solid and is insoluble in water. Cellulose has a fibrous structure. It is present in cell walls along with other organic compounds such as lignin or pectin. Cellulose can be dissolved with the use of what is known as Schweizer's reagent, a chemical solution of tetraaminocopper(II) dihydroxide. Cellulose is present CZ Leads in various forms, which differ in terms of physical and chemical properties. It is interesting to know that some types of cellulose, for example ethylcellulose, dissolve in polar solvents and swell in contact with alcohols, that methylcellulose solutions are strong foaming agents and that carboxymethylcellulose solutions are highly hygroscopic. In what plants can cellulose be found? What plants contain cellulose? Cellulose can be found in many species of plants that grow in temperate or equatorial climates, as well as in colder regions. Examples of plants that contain cellulose include, but are not limited to: cotton, flax, hemp, coniferous and deciduous trees, fruits and vegetables (for example: apples, pears), walnuts, cereals. Cotton is supposed to be the plant richest in cellulosic fibers. The level of cellulose in its cells reaches 95%. Cellulose and its functions in the human body.



What is the role of cellulose in the human body? We use this substance in the food we eat, and it has a very important role in maintaining the well-being of the digestive system. What does cellulose do in the intestines? Thanks to cellulose, food moves faster through the digestive tract. Plus, it makes us feel satiated. Fiber supports metabolic processes and the body's natural detoxification. The use of cellulose in the food industry. In food industry facilities, cellulose is frequently used in production processes. For what do you use it? It is a popular thickener and stabilizer, also known as E460. This additive can be found in many products that are purchased daily, for example, in instant dishes, wheat rolls, jams, creams, sauces, etc. Cellulose is also used in diet foods and specialized food supplements, for example in weight loss shakes. , yogurt, smoothies and soups. Cellulose casings are used in the production of cooked or smoked sausages and sausages. The importance of cellulose in the paper and pharmaceutical industries Stable and flexible cellulosic fibers are a particularly important raw material in the paper industry . The most well-known cellulose products include paper, cardboard, packaging and hygiene products (toilet paper, cleaning cloths, kitchen towels). The potential of cellulose is also well known by pharmaceutical manufacturers . This raw material can now be found, among others, in coatings/covers of tablets, capsules, powders, etc. Biopolymer fibers of this type are also used in the production of medical dressings. Other applications of cellulose Cellulose has many applications. It is used by textile specialists and companies that manufacture various types of artificial silk (including: cuprammonium, acetate and viscose rayon) and cotton and wool-like fibers. Additionally, cellulose esters along with nitric acid are used in the production of nitrocellulose.