An assessment of extracted nanocellulose from agricultural wastes and its effect on the properties of developed biodegradable packaging film: a meta-analysis

Researchers have widely explored the utilization of agricultural waste for nanocellulose extraction and its application in the food packaging sector. Nevertheless, the outcome of every study does not show improvement in the properties of the film. Parameters such as source, size, morphology, synthesis, and concentration level profoundly influence the films’ properties. To provide insight into this correlation, a study on meta-analysis based on 34 literature reviews was done to assess tensile strength, elongation and water vapor permeability of the films. Results showed high level of heterogeneity for tensile strength (69%) and water vapor permeability (75%) and moderate level for elongation (39%). Incorporation of nanocellulose significantly (P < 0.05) improved all the three film properties. Rod shape nanocellulose synthesized by mechanochemical or Tempo oxidation method with size > 300 nm improved film properties significantly. Meta-regression results provide evidence that around 4% nanocellulose can improve the overall film properties. Thus, the overall findings emphasize and set a database on the intervening factors affecting film properties in future research.