Abstract

In Chile, bamboo shrubs of Chusquea quila (or simply quila) genus have been a constant economic and ecological problem for some decades. Three main events are associated with this issue: i) increasing amount of the mice population during flowering period, ii) triggering of fires in summer season due to accumulated dry biomass, and iii) occupation of hectares that could otherwise be used for agricultural exploitation. In order to overcome such problems, an alternative technology related to the chemical potential of these shrubs should be developed. Bamboo shrubs from Chusquea quila species can be source of nanocellulose or cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), which could serve as raw material, for instance, in the manufacture of bio-tissue through nanotechnology approaches. Such application would contribute to the reduction of shrubs overcrowding, promote a sustainable balance based on reforestation, and, concurrently, place Chile among the pioneer countries in the production of CNF in South America. The present research aims to demonstrate the rich chemistry of quila’s bamboo and its potential as raw material for nanotechnology industries. The chemical profile of quila’s bamboo was thoroughly assessed, showing remarkable high cellulose content (>50% dry weight), which exceeds most wood species. This gives good prospects of quila’s bamboo as a valuable source of both CNF and cellulose nanocrystals. Microscopy analysis (SEM and AFM) provided information regarding the morphology and topography of quila’s bamboo-derived nanocelluloses. Further characterization is being conducted, but biocomposites preparation using these nanocelluloses is envisaged in the near future for bio-tissue production.