Biomass-Derived High-Value Chemical-Microcrystalline Cellulose: Feedstocks, Processing, and Applications

Worldwide, the generation of agricultural residues and agri-allied industrial bio-waste is estimated to be approximately 140 billion metric tons per year. It is primarily composed of cellulose, accounting for 30–90% of the total composition. It is the most abundant renewable biopolymer on Earth. The vast resource can be utilized to produce value-added chemicals, providing a sustainable solution that aligns with circular economy principles. Among the variety of cellulose-derived materials, Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a nifty material with diverse applications across the sectors. The use of biomass for MCC production offers a significant advantage by reducing dependence on conventional sources, such as forest wood pulp, which often leads to deforestation. The present chapter discusses various feedstocks, their cellulosic content, and different pretreatment methods, including chemical, biochemical, and advanced approaches, for converting biomass into high-purity MCC with desired properties. Advancements in the applications of MCC are also presented, including conventional uses in the pharmaceutical and food sectors, as well as emerging roles in biocomposites, wastewater treatment, dye removal, and heavy metal adsorption. Moreover, a life-cycle assessment (LCA) perspective is presented to analyse the environmental sustainability of MCC production pathways and assess their overall ecological benefits.