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Centre for Innovation & Consultation

Production of Rice Bran Nanofibers as Emulsifier by Using Laccase Treatment

Dr. Norazatul Hanim Mohd Rozalli, Phd

Nurul Najihah Ilias

Mohamad Haafiz Mohamad Kassim, Phd

Rice bran nanofiber (RBN) was produced from defatted rice bran (DRB) through an ultrasound assisted enzymatic treatment by using laccase enzyme. The RBN exhibits excellent emulsifier properties when it is incorporated in a Pickering emulsion. The emulsion characterization was carried out by visual inspection, emulsion index (%) and emulsion stability (%). The Pickering emulsion produced from the optimized parameters shows stability of 1 year. The approximate raw material cost to produce RBN in lab scale is RM25/ g and the RBN emulsified emulsion is RM24/100 ml. Only 0.9 g RBN is required to produce 100ml of emulsion.

Problem Statement

High cost and short-term stability of some surfactants used in emulsion limit its application and practicality. Hence, using cellulose as the biopolymer-based emulsifiers as the alternatives.

Novelty and Inventiveness

The use of an environmental-friendly technique àlaccase treatment and ultrasonication technology to isolate rice bran nanofiber (RBN) from defatted rice bran (DRB).

Applicability and Benefits

  • The laccase treated RBN exhibited promising characteristics with the robust emulsifying ability for the fabrication of novel industrial Pickering emulsions for food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
  • Converting waste to value added products, supporting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 12, Target 12-5) -> substantial reduction of waste.

Research Achievement

  • Grant : Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) FRGS/1/2018/TK02/USM/02/9.
  • Publication: 3 ISI-indexed publications.
  • Talents: 1 PhD student.

Commercialization Potential And Industrial Partner

  • The market size of the product of this research is wide including all industries that use emulsion in their products such as paint, coating, food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical.
  • Open for industry/business collaboration.

Intellectual Property Status

1 Copyright - CRLY2022P03529.

Status of Invention

Technology Readiness Level 3: Proof of concept is established (The production of RBN as emulsifier and its properties on the stability of the produced emulsion).

Impact of Innovation

  • Academia: Knowledge development and transfer on the application of the nanocellulose isolated from rice bran.
  • Industry: Production and commercialization of products by converting waste to wealth.
  • Society: Income generation for the paddy farmers as the raw materials are the underutilized defatted rice bran (DRB).
  • Government: Supports the Sustainable Development Goal 12: Ensuring a sustainable consumption and production patterns. It is also in line with Green Technology Master Plan (GTMP) Malaysia (2017-2030).
  • Environment: The enzymatic treatment and ultrasonication technology is an alternative to the consumption of hazardous chemicals in the processing. The utilization of agricultural waste from rice processing.
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