Value-Added Nanocellulose Valorized from Fruit Peel Waste for Potential Dermal Wound Healing and Tissue Regenerative Applications

Purpose: Postharvest fruit and vegetable waste has an abundance of cellulose, carbohydrates, flavors, colorants, minerals, and antioxidants. The waste of discarded fruit peels has been significantly exploited to isolate cellulose in several studies. Cellulose is an important cell wall polysaccharide, responsible for its rigidity, and a naturally occurring abundant polymer. Photosynthesis refills the cellulose continuously in nature and is freely accessible in horticulture waste too. Methods: In this review paper, the data about comprehensive or quantitative assessment of cellulose involved several analytical techniques to evaluate these components. Notably, the potential pharmaceutical applications of cellulosic biomass obtained from different sources have been discussed. Results: Fruit peels are primarily composed of pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and small amounts of lignin. The results of several studies have demonstrated the high cellulose content in the peel of fruits, a promising potential source of polysaccharides due to rich in sugars such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose. The extraction of nano-crystalline cellulose was found resourced from biomass and waste cellulosic materials. Cellulose valorized from fruit peels and their diverse applications comprising medical applications and utilization in drug delivery systems along with the method of isolation, characterization, biocompatibility, and biodegradability of cellulose fibers has been conferred. Available and renewable resources are required to combine with innovative technologies to create new generations of pioneering resources. Conclusion: The potential biomedical applications of cellulosic biomass obtained from different sources have been discussed, which may encourage the researchers to explore extensively in the fields including drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Additionally, cellulose-based biomaterials can be ventured as a promising substrate within the realm of 3D bioprinting, facilitating the design and manufacture of prototype tissues and organs. Lay Summary: The development and mishandling of waste from fruit processing and post-harvest activities have significant global implications for waste management techniques, as well as environmental degradation and health dangers. It is a unique source of many bioproducts that are used in many areas and an important alternative energy source. Over the past 20 years, there has been a lot of interest in how to reuse, recycle, and best recover different types of biomass wastes for high-value bioproducts. To this end, this review article delves into cellulosic biomass and focuses on different ways to prepare and make nanocellulose from different types of biomass waste, as well as their possible dermal applications. Cellulosic biomass holds significant potential for the development of various value-added chemicals and bioproducts. Cellulose, formed from lignocellulosic biomass, is a highly prevalent organic polymer in nature. It is both biodegradable and widely utilized in various industries. Recent research has shown extensive processing of cellulose from post-harvest fruits and vegetables, as an enormous opportunity for cellulosic biorefineries and the food sector.