Nanofibers from Date-Flesh and Date-Pits of Low Grade or Un-utilized Date Fruits: its preparation, characterization and functionality

Currently date fruit is mainly consumed as fresh, dried or converted to syrup. Low quality and selected varieties, and date-pits are considered as waste. In addition, pulps after extracting juice are being unutilized. Therefore, these waste biomaterial could be used to develop value added functional fibers and nanofibers; and these could be used in foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic and biodegradable plastic industry. This project will target to develop value added fibers and nanofibers using low grade and unutilized components of date fruits. Fibers will be extracted and enhanced functional nanofibers will be developed by acid, alkali and/or enzymatic hydrolysis, and by derivatized with different functional groups. The developed nanofibers will be first characterized by Atomic Force and Electron Microscopic analysis. Molecular, chemical, structural, and thermal characteristics will be measured by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Differential Thermal Mechanical Analysis (DMTA), Texture Profile Analyzer (TPA), and Moisture Sorption Isotherm (MSI). In addition, solubility, gelling ability and health functionality will be measured for determining its potential application in different bio-products. Bioplastic films will be prepared and its antimicrobial activity, mechanical, structural, biodegradability and diffusion characteristics will be assessed. CAMS research capability will be enhanced by establishing temperature controlled FTIR facilities, which are currently unavailable at SQU. Huge economic gain could be achieved if value added functional products could be developed using unutilized biomaterials locally available. Sultanate?s scientific and research base in the area of material science will be enhanced by developing advanced research infrastructure (i.e. equipment and lab facilities) and training to the graduate students, technicians, and research assistants. High quality scientific and conference papers, books, and book chapters will be targeted and published to disseminate the developed knowledge. The developed technology will be beneficial to the local bio-industry and will be patented, if possible after discussing with the SQU intellectual office. In addition, scientific as well as training workshops or conferences will be organized by this research group for local and international scientific and professional communities. Popular articles will be published to aware the industry and community on the beneficial effects of the developed technology and bio-products.