Biochemical Extraction and Optimization of Cellulose Fibers from Reeds for Sustainable Applications

This study presents an optimized biochemical process for extracting cellulose fibers from reed biomass (Phragmites australis) as a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials. A modified organosolv delignification method was developed and optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Central Composite Design (CCD) to evaluate the effects of temperature (120–200 °C), ethanol–water ratio (50–70 wt%), and digestion time (1–3 h) on lignin removal. Optimal conditions (160 °C, 60:40 ethanol–water, 3 h) resulted in residual lignin content of 3% (R² = 0.9895), experimentally validated with minimal prediction error. Catalytic enhancement with low-concentration sodium hydroxide (0.025 M) further reduced lignin to 0.51% in just 2 h, significantly improving efficiency without compromising cellulose integrity. Comprehensive physicochemical, morphological, and thermal characterizations confirmed that the extracted fibers are suitable for high-value applications in textiles, bio-composites, and bio-based materials. The developed process demonstrates scalability, reduced chemical and energy consumption, and potential integration into circular bioeconomy pathways, which ultimately support the sustainable development of communities

Yasmeen. S. Mahdi and Rawa G. Yousuf