Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40732826›Full record

ReviewPolymers2025

Cellulose Nanofibril-Based Biodegradable Polymers from Maize Husk: A Review of Extraction, Properties, and Applications.

Nthabiseng Motshabi, Gaofetoge Gobodiwang Lenetha, Moipone Alice Malimabe, Thandi Patricia Gumede

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Polymers, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
5citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

5 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Review
  3. Review
  4. Review
  5. Polymeric Applications of Cellulose fromInternational journal of molecular sciences · 2025
    Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Nthabiseng MotshabiDepartment of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa.
Gaofetoge Gobodiwang LenethaDivision of Student Learning and Development, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa.ORCID 0000-0001-9606-5535
Moipone Alice MalimabeDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba 9866, South Africa.ORCID 0000-0003-1960-5256
Thandi Patricia GumedeDepartment of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa.ORCID 0000-0001-5315-7296

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

The environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics has driven a global shift toward sustainable alternatives like biodegradable polymers, including polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polycaprolactone (PCL). Yet, these bioplastics often face limitations in mechanical and thermal properties, hindering broader use. Reinforcement with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) has shown promise, yet most research focuses on conventional sources like wood pulp and cotton, neglecting agricultural residues. This review addresses the potential of maize husk, a lignocellulosic waste abundant in South Africa, as a source of CNFs. It evaluates the literature on the structure, extraction, characterisation, and integration of maize husk-derived CNFs into biodegradable polymers. The review examines the chemical composition, extraction methods, and key physicochemical properties that affect performance when blended with PLA, PBS, or PCL. However, high lignin content and heterogeneity pose extraction and dispersion challenges. Optimised maize husk CNFs can enhance the mechanical strength, barrier properties, and thermal resistance of biopolymer systems. This review highlights potential applications in packaging, biomedical, and agricultural sectors, aligning with South African bioeconomic goals. It concludes by identifying research priorities for improving compatibility and processing at an industrial scale, paving the way for maize husk CNFs as effective, locally sourced reinforcements in green material innovation.

Indexed as

biodegradable polymerscellulose nanofibrils (CNFs)maize huskpolybutylene succinatepolylactic acid

Identifiers

PMID40732826
PMCPMC12301024

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.