Recent trends and future perspectives on ultrasonic-assisted green synthesis of nanocellulose for food applications

Abstract

Background: The integration of nanotechnology and sustainable processing has increasingly positioned nanocellulose as a renewable and biodegradable material for food-related applications. Among various eco-friendly synthesis approaches, ultrasonic-assisted processing has emerged as an efficient and green technique for enhancing cellulose fibrillation and functionalization. This study presents a systematic and bibliometric review of global research trends on ultrasonic-assisted green synthesis of nanocellulose for food applications between 2015 and 2025. Methods: A comprehensive dataset was retrieved from the Scopus database and analyzed following PRISMA guidelines. Bibliometric mapping using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny was performed to visualize publication dynamics, keyword co-occurrences, and collaboration networks. Findings: The findings revealed exponential growth in publications, with major research clusters centered on ultrasonic-assisted nanocellulose synthesis and food packaging applications. The systematic review further highlights the advantages of ultrasonication in improving the mechanical strength, optical transparency, thermal stability, crystallinity, biodegradability, and eco-efficiency of nanocellulose compared to conventional methods. Conclusion: Despite these advancements, challenges remain regarding process scalability and safety evaluation for food contact applications. Overall, this study identifies current research gaps, emerging directions, and sustainability implications, contributing to the advancement of green nanotechnology in the food sector. Novelty/Originality of this article: By combining VOSviewer and Biblioshiny for cross-platform analysis, this study offers a more comprehensive visualization than previous studies that used only a single tool, thereby providing a structured framework for developing environmentally friendly nanocellulose technology.