Recent Advances in TEMPO-oxidized Cellulose Nanofibers and Regenerated Cellulose Films from Food by-product Biomass : Mechanisms, Properties, and Applications

The environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics packaging continues to grow, increasing attention has been directed toward the development of sustainable materials derived from renewable biomass. Cellulose-based biomass from agricultural residues and food processing by-products has emerged as a promising alternative due to its abundance, renewability, and biodegradability. To enhance the processability and applicability of cellulose derived from such sources, recent studies have focused on chemical modification techniques such as 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy (TEMPO)- mediated oxidation, as well as the use of advanced solvent systems including ionic liquids for the production of regenerated cellulose (RC) films. This review explores the fundamental principles and mechanisms of TEMPO-mediated oxidation and highlights the characteristics and potential applications of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNFs) derived from various biomass sources. In addition, it discusses the fabrication and performance of TOCNF composite films, major cellulose solvent systems and their dissolution mechanisms, and the properties and applicability of RC films.