Hello, I am a student and I have prepared cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from maguey (Agave cantala) fiber following the protocol of Sumarago et al. I am now working on formulating aqueous suspensions at 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 wt%, each with a final volume of 100 mL.
I would appreciate practical advice on:
- Best dispersion sequence (pre-wetting, order of addition to water) for CNCs obtained via the Sumarago method
- Suitable dispersion methods for 100 mL scale (magnetic stirring, high-shear mixing, bath/probe sonication) and recommended parameters (time, speed, amplitude, energy input)
- Methods to prevent or break agglomeration (e.g., filtration, mild centrifugation)
- pH and ionic strength adjustments, if needed, to maintain stability
- Short-term storage practices (temperature, preservatives, redispersion before use) for these concentrations
Any detailed protocols, troubleshooting tips, or references—especially for CNCs derived from lignocellulosic fibers similar to Agave cantala—would be very helpful. Thank you.
To prepare stable 0.3–1.0 wt% CNC suspensions from Agave cantala at 100 mL scale, pre-wet CNCs, disperse with magnetic stirring followed by mild sonication, maintain neutral pH and low ionic strength, and store at 4°C with gentle redispersion before use. Filtration or mild centrifugation can help prevent agglomeration and ensure suspension stability.
Thank you Abdelhak Maghchiche for your helpful explanation on preparing CNC suspensions. I have a follow-up question — if I want to adjust the pH to around 4, or ensure that the CNC surface remains negatively charged for stability, what would be the recommended approach? Would pH adjustment alone be sufficient, or should I consider specific buffer systems or ionic strength controls? Any literature suggestions that discuss surface charge control in CNC suspensions would also be greatly appreciated.
Pre-wet CNCs gradually, then disperse by magnetic stirring followed by mild sonication, adjusting pH to ~4 with low-strength buffer while keeping ionic strength low to maintain stability. Store suspensions at 4°C, gently redisperse before use, and apply mild centrifugation or filtration if agglomerates form.
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