Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Cellulose (NCC) from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch and Its Potential as Colloidal Nanocarrier

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) is an emerging bio-based nanomaterial being extensively studied in diverse applications, from conceptual design to industrial testing. Its low density, high surface area, renewability, biodegradability, high functionality and low toxicity make it an ideal material as the nanocarrier of solid and liquid therapeutic agents. In this work, NCC was extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunch using acid hydrolysis. Optimization was performed on the extraction condition to obtain desired properties. The NCC was then tailored into hydrophobic nanocarrier for water-insoluble drug, i.e. curcumin and as a stabilizer of Pickering emulsion for therapeutic oil, black cumin seed oil.