<![CDATA[This study develops a method for producing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from cassava stem waste, aiming to reduce dependence on imported cellulose and promote the utilization of agricultural residues. Cassava stems contain a high cellulose fraction and hold potential as a raw material for pharmaceutical-grade MCC. This study investigates the effects of sulfuric acid concentration and hydrolysis temperature on the yield and quality of the resulting MCC. The production process consists of three main stages: delignification using 25% sodium hydroxide, bleaching with 2% hydrogen peroxide, and acid hydrolysis using sulfuric acid at concentrations ranging from 1.5 N to 3.5 N and temperatures between 60°C and 100°C. The resulting MCC was characterized using Particle Size Analysis (PSA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and organoleptic testing. The best results were obtained at 1.5 N sulfuric acid and 60°C, yielding 68.24% MCC with a cellulose content of 63.07%. PSA results showed particle sizes of approximately 25.3 µm, which comply with pharmacopeial standards. XRD and SEM analyses confirmed good crystallinity and appropriate morphology. This study demonstrates that cassava stems can be processed into MCC that meets key specifications of the British Pharmacopeia, offering a low-cost and sustainable raw material for industrial and pharmaceutical applications.]]>
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