Preparation and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals derived from Rosa roxburghii Tratt pomace: A novel strategy for the reuse of edible-medicinal homologous waste

Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RRT), a characteristic plant integrating edible and medicinal values, generates substantial fruit pomace as a by-product during juice processing. Although this biomass exhibits considerable potential for high-value utilization, its application in related fields remains inadequately explored . In this study, cellulose nanocrystals were successfully extracted from RRT pomace (RP-CNCs) through chemical treatment. The morphology and physicochemical characteristics of RP-CNCs were analyzed through SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, and TGA techniques, while their biocompatibility, safety profile, and biological functionality were assessed. The findings indicated that the prepared RP-CNCs exhibited mean diameter of (11.35 ± 6.02) nm, length of (520.00 ± 198.11) nm, and a zeta potential of (-28.81 ± 0.60) mV. Following multi-step chemical treatment, hemicellulose and lignin were effectively removed from the raw material, leading to an increase in crystallinity index (CrI) to (55.4 ± 2.6) %. Biological evaluation demonstrated that RP-CNCs exhibited excellent biocompatibility and safety within the concentration range of 0–400 μg/mL, with a hemolysis rate below 2.9 %. When incubated at 200 μg/mL for 72 h, RP-CNCs significantly enhanced the migration rate of L-929 cells to (88.9 ± 0.70) %. Moreover, 1 wt% RP-CNCs demonstrated suppressive effects on S. aureus , E. coli , and P. aeruginosa , whereas a 200 μg/mL concentration significantly inhibited NO secretion as an inflammatory mediator. This research proposes an innovative approach for the high-value utilization of RRT fruit residue, establishing a robust foundation for its potential applications in the biomedical field, particularly in the development of wound dressings. • China, a large agricultural nation, with abundant biomass waste like RRT pomace, offering cheap raw materials. • Cellulose nanocrystals were first extracted from the RRT pomace by chemical method. • Proposed a novel approach for high-value utilization of edible-medicinal homologous traditional Chinese medicine waste. • Good biocompatibility and physiological functions make it a potential wound dressing.