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A pivotal Belt and Road project, the China–Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) includes port, pipeline, economic zone, and transport projects that cut across Myanmar to southern China. Along this corridor, severe episodes of violence have shadowed the CMEC: communal violence, insurgencies, and counter-insurgencies, including atrocities against Rohingya Muslims. This article considers the relation—direct and indirect—between the logistical infrastructure projects of the CMEC, dedicated to capitalist valorization, and the episodes of violence that have occurred in their vicinity. Revisiting critical logistics scholarship, I suggest that the turbulence of logistical worlds does not necessarily reflect an internal logic of capital. Drawing on a form-analysis view of the state, rather, I show how the CMEC requires a conjunctural grasp of logistical worlds whose turbulence can stem from multiple determinations, including state-backed, extraeconomic force. Emphasizing the ties between the CMEC and Myanmar military operations, I argue that logistical infrastructures in Myanmar are dual in form. They are incorporative and connective, fuelled by fantasies of boundless growth and endless valorisation. Yet they are also "anti-relational," forging not only connections but disconnections along spatial, gendered, and racialized ethnic divides. These racialized processes of dispossession and immiseration present violent limits to logistical imaginaries of connective relation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of ultrasound (US) on the membrane process as a pre-treatment in the recovery of phenolic compounds from grape pomace (GP) by ultrafiltration (UF). For this purpose, US was applied to the GP for different application times ranging from 4 to 10 min at 75% amplitude before UF with a 10-kDa polyethersulfone membrane. The effectiveness of the US pre-treatment applied to the feed was evaluated based on permeate flux behaviour, weight reduction factor, fouling index, cleaning efficiency, and rejection factor of phenolic compounds. The results showed that 8 min US pre-treatment was statistically (p < 0.05) effective in changing the bioactive compounds of GP. The initial permeate flux value in UF decreased as the total phenolic content (TPC) concentration of the feed increased. The greatest decrease in total permeate flux (65.9%) was obtained in the 4 min US pre-treated feed, and the lowest total permeate flux decrease (59.5%) was determined in the 8 min US pre-treated feed. The UF performed with the 8 min US pre-treated GP gave the highest fouling index (92.24%), the lowest cleaning efficiency (83.53%), and the lowest weight reduction factor (1.79). However, the mass balance showed that in the UF performed with the feed pre-treated for 8 min US, more TPC (1504.62 mg) and antioxidant components (15.21 mmol) were retained in the retentate. These results suggest that US pre-treatment may be an effective application for concentrating bioactive compounds from GP using UF to increase the amount of compounds in the retentate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food is a must for all life to survive. Global food production has increased owing to population augmentation, increasing the generation of food and agricultural residues. Agro-wastes are important sources of natural compounds such as biopolymers that can be used to develop value-added products contributing to replacing synthetic compounds. Biopolymers like pectin, starch, and chitin, have multiple functional properties, useful to improve the sensorial properties of foods, and provide a sustainable alternative to conventional materials in food processing and packaging. Researchers and the industrial sector have successfully converted agricultural residues into valuable edible biopolymers with prebiotic potential, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties by using emerging technologies such as ultrasound, microwave-assisted extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, and/or bioconversion. The variation of the extraction conditions using emerging technologies allows the modification of the structural properties of the polymer giving a wide range for their application in the food sector. Besides, the incorporation of Industry 4.0 in these processes allows the optimization, automatization, and obtention of high yields of polymers of improved quality. This review highlights the potential of emerging technologies to convert agricultural waste into valuable biopolymers to promote a greener and more innovative food sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic upcycling is an emerging strategy to address the global plastic waste crisis, where these abundant polymers are converted into products of higher economic value. This not only complements and adds to existing recycling efforts, but also offers opportunities to retain the inherent chemical value of the plastics within circular loops, albeit in different forms for alternative uses. With aromatics constituting a major component of current petrochemical production, the production of aromatics from post‐synthetic conversion of plastics can potentially alleviate the demand on fossil fuels. Although BTX (benzene, toluene, and xylenes) production has been a major focus of these efforts, oxygenated aromatic compounds (OACs), such as benzoic acids, are also highly‐valued across various industrial sectors, and necessitate fundamentally different processes from BTX synthesis from plastics. In this concepts article, some of the most promising emerging methods for direct synthesis of OACs from commodity petroleum‐based plastics are spotlighted, including from nonoxygenated hydrocarbon polymers such as polystyrene. With a special emphasis on emerging low temperature technologies (<150 °C), which encompass but are not limited to photo‐ and biocatalysis, this concepts article aims to position plastics as a viable source of OACs accessible under sustainable conditions for future industrial translations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levulinic acid, which can be obtained from biomass, has sparked great interest as a biologically-based chemical building block with wide versatility and potential. Its esterification with alcohols of different chain lengths is a promising valorization process for obtaining esters with various applications in the areas of biofuels/biolubricants, food and cosmetics, among others. In this work, the enzymatic esterification of levulinic acid and 1-octanol using a biocatalyst derived from Araujia sericifera latex was studied in systems with and without solvent. The influence of the molar ratio between alcohol and acid (ranging from 2:1–1:9), the biocatalyst loading (between 7.5 % and 17.5 % relative to the acid), the volume of n -heptane used as reaction solvent (from 0 to 4 ml), and the reaction time (6 hours) were investigated. The activity and stability of the biocatalyst in successive uses were also analyzed. A conversion of 49 % was achieved when the reaction was carried out in a solvent-free system, using an alcohol/acid molar ratio of 1:7 and after 5 h of reaction. On the other hand, the conversion was 65.1 % when the reaction was conducted in a system containing 1 ml of n -heptane as solvent, an alcohol/acid molar ratio of 1:8, and 5 h of reaction. In both cases, a temperature as low as 30 °C and an agitation speed of 300 RPM were used. • Enzymatic route for levulinic acid esterification using biocatalyst. • Araujia sericifera latex-derived biocatalyst demonstrates high activity. • Achieved 65.1 % conversion of levulinic acid in the synthesis of octyl levulinate. • Solvent-free and n-heptane solvent systems investigated. • Studied reaction parameters for optimal conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Coconut testa, a by-product of the coconut processing industry, is currently underutilised. This study aimed to extract a coconut testa-based food colourant using various organic solvents and physical methods, and to utilise this colourant in food product preparation. Methods: Different organic solvents, along with various time and temperature combinations, were employed for colourant extraction using both a laboratory-scale water bath and ultrasonication. The colour coordinate values (CIELab) of the testa-derived colourants were measured, and the colourants were screened for various phytochemicals. The in vitro antioxidant potential of the testa colourant was assessed by quantifying total phenolics, and the phytochemical composition, including monomeric anthocyanins, was evaluated. Results: The study determined the optimal combinations of organic solvents, temperature and time to obtain extracts with maximum antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC). Acidified ethanol-based extracts of testa colourants yielded highest polyphenol content (154.39 ± 2.63 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids content (53.65 ± 0.62 mg QE/g). Similarly, ethanol-based extractants of coconut testa produced high anthocyanin content [823.02 ± 1.81 mg Cy-3-glc equivalents (C3GE)/100 g]. Acidified (0.3 M HCl) solvents at relatively high temperature and time combinations exhibited high antioxidant potential of testa colourant, as measured by CUPRAC, FRAP, and DPPH assays. Following the foam mat drying process of the colourant, a mature coconut water-based jelly was prepared by incorporating the testa colourant extracted with acidified ethanol. Discussion: This study highlights the biochemical and antioxidant potential of the food colorant derived from coconut testa and explores its suitability for functional food applications. Therefore, coconut testa extract serves a dual purpose: it enhances the aesthetic appeal of food as a colourant and provides significant health-promoting properties due to its high anthocyanin content. Insights from this study could help in promoting the valorization of one of the beneficial by products of coconut industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the potential use of white lupine straw (WLS), an underutilized agricultural by-product, as a raw material to produce valuable biochemicals such as monosaccharides and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) through hydrothermal pretreatment. The aim was to optimize mild reaction conditions to maximize the recovery of these products while minimizing degradation. The hydrothermal treatment of WLS in subcritical water with trace amounts of sulfuric acid was performed, followed by a two-step approach to evaluate the yields of hemicellulose and 5-HMF. The highest monosaccharide yield (163 g/kg) was achieved at temperatures between 174 and 181 °C and a holding time of 7–14 min, while the 5-HMF production was 139.9 g/kg at 199–203 °C and after 0.5–4.5 min. These results suggest that optimal 5-HMF production also increases the remaining solid residue. This study highlights the feasibility of WLS as a sustainable, low-cost biomass resource. It highlights the balance between temperature and time to maximize valuable product yields. The results contribute to advancing biorefinery processes by demonstrating that WLS can be effectively converted into bioethanol precursors and industrial chemicals, supporting circular bioeconomy principles and providing an environmentally friendly alternative to burning crop residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cassava, yam and sweet potato peels on Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) production. Four different treatments were performed in triplicate in a completely random block consisting of soy bran (TSB), cassava peel (TCP), yam peel (TYP) and sweet potato peel (TPP). A density of 1 larva/g of substrate was used with a uniform ratio of 100 mg/larva/day. Larval growth duration was ten days, and growth monitoring was carried out every 2 days. The daily weight gain (DWG) ranged from 2.19 ± 0.09 g/day (TYP) to 4.53 ± 0.02 g/day (TSB). The production of these BSFL ranged from 43.90 ± 1.87 g/kg of substrate (TYP) to 90.56 ± 0.54 g/kg of substrate (TSB). The degradation rate ranged from 36.00 ± 2.30% (TYP) to 65.00 ± 2.88% (TSB), and the survival rate ranged from 77.66 ± 1.45% (TYP) to 99.00 ± 0.28% (TSB). According to the Z correlation test, there was a strong correlation between the organic matter content of the substrates and the DWG (99.1%). It was also observed that phosphorus content was strongly correlated with DWG (92.9%). Regarding the nutritional quality of the larvae, the protein content varied from 33.51 ± 0.94% (TYP) to 40.64 ± 032% (TSB), and the lipid content varied from 26.24 ± 0.35% (TYP) to 30.44 ± 0.18% (TSB). A significant difference (p < 0.05) between the different treatments depending on the parameters were noticed. This study revealed that cassava, yam and sweet potato peels can be used for BSFL production, but the best growth of BSFL was obtained with the cassava peel substrate that presented also the best degradation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulosic biomass is considered the feedstock of the future to produce bioactive oligosaccharides, due to its low cost and increased availability. In this study, the valorization of the hemicellulose from olive solid residue through structural characterization, oligosaccharide production, and antiproliferative activity was investigated. Three hemicellulose fractions (A, B1, and B2) were isolated by alkaline extraction (NaOH, 10–17.5%). It was observed that the extraction yield of hemicelluloses varied between 0.9 and 32.5% on the basis of the raw materials. The results of FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR, and MALDI-TOF analyses on the hemicellulose HEM A17.5 supported a structure based on a linear polymer of xylopyranose units linked β-(1 → 4) bonds substituted at C2 by glucuronic acid units. The hydrolysis conditions performed by an acid kaolin catalyst (0.05 N HCl) at 80 °C gave access to ketooligosaccharide (OS1). OS1 and HEM A17.5 were more potent on human breast cancer cells MDA-MB 231 (IC50 ≈ 175 µg, IC50 = 125 µg) and MDA-MB435 (IC50 ≈ 375, IC50 = 500) than neridronate, which was more cytotoxic against epidermoid carcinoma cells A 431. Overall, the findings suggested that olive solid residue presents a promising natural source of bioactive polysaccharides and anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Melons are highly sought after worldwide due to their exquisite and delectable taste. However, the peels of these fruits, which are rich in phytochemicals and sustainable components for innovative culinary formulations, are often discarded as waste. Methods: This study explored the phytochemistry and valorization of three melon fruit, i.e., canary melon (Cucumis melo , var. Fonzy), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus , var. Augusta), and muskmelon (Cucumis melo , var. Cantaloupe), peels in food applications by incorporating into wheat flour biscuits. Peels of fruits were separated, dried and powders were extracted with 70% ethanol. Results and discussion: Comparing the muskmelon fruit peel to the peels of the other two fruits, the muskmelon fruit peel had the significantly (p < 0.05) high ash (8.36%), fiber (12.06%), fat (1.21%), protein (5.02%), mineral contents (Mg 233, Ca 364, K 1605, Fe 49.72, and Zn 2.39 mg/100 g), total phenolic content (167.49 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoid content (79.16 mg QE/100 g) and total antioxidant activity (56.92 mg Trolox equivalent/100 g). Results of the antimicrobial experiments of three melon peels showed that extracts from all peels showed enough antimicrobial activities, nearly comparable to the reference drugs (ampicillin and nystatin), which still showed the highest inhibition zones. Among three extracts, highest zone of inhibition against three bacterial species, i.e., Bacillus cereus (12.03 mm), Escherichia coli (10.02 mm), and Streptococcus aureus (18.08 mm), and fungal species, i.e., Candida albicans (8.09 mm), Aspergillus niger (7.06 mm), and Mucor meihi (7.02 mm) was exhibited by muskmelon peel extract. Moisture, ash, fat, fiber, minerals, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities of biscuits were increased as a result of incorporating peel flours. Correlation showed TPC and TAA were highly correlated in watermelon (10%; 1). Using principal component analysis, adding 5% canary watermelon peel powder to biscuits improved their healthful and active elements while maintaining sensory features. Baking with 10% muskmelon or watermelon peel powder boosted nutrition and antioxidant activity. After the control, biscuits fortified with 5% melon peel powder exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) high sensory scores. These findings highlight the value of melon peels as sustainable ingredients, promoting waste reduction and enhancing the dietary and functional benefits of food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the mining village of Oued El Heimer in Morocco, the Zellidja lead smelter company has generated approximately three million tons of slag abandoned in nature without any means of management. In order to mitigate the risks of landfilling these by-products and for to solve the problem of increased requirements for granular materials, it is interesting to examine the possibility of valorization of the Zellidja slag in road building. For these reasons, the Gyratory compaction test, the Marshall test and the Duriez test were performed. The results obtained show that the optimal rate of the Zellidja slag used in asphalt concrete for base course (ACB) and in semi-grained bituminous concrete for surface course (SGBC) can reach 15%. This rate permitted to obtain mixtures with satisfactory performances. In terms of compaction, with 8.8% air void at 100 gyrations for the ACB and 8.6% air void at 60 gyrations for the SGBC. Concerning resistance to deformation, the Marshall stability values reach 12.28 kN for the ACB and 10.54 kN for the SGBC. As for the water resistance, the Duriez compressive strength ratio is 0.85 for the ACB and 0.88 for the SGBC. From an economic side, the cost of road structures can be reduced due to the capacity of slag to minimize the bitumen content. Regarding the environmental side, the leaching test showed that the concentrations of heavy metals leached from the asphalt specimens containing slag remain acceptable. Consequently, the present study proves the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of this valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling and reusing industrial waste and by-products are topics of great importance across all industries, but they hold particular significance in the metal industry. Aluminum, the most widely used non-ferrous metal globally, generates considerable waste during production, including dross, salt slag, spent carbon cathode and bauxite residue. Extensive research has been conducted to recycle and re-extract the remaining aluminum from these wastes. Given their varied environmental impacts, recycling these materials to maximize residue utilization is crucial. The components of dross, salt slag, and bauxite residue include aluminum and various oxides. Through recycling, alumina can be extracted using processes such as pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy, which involve leaching, iron oxide separation, and the production of alumina salt. Initially, the paper will provide a brief introduction to the generation of aluminum residues—namely, dross, salt slag, and bauxite residue—including their environmental impacts, followed by an exploration of their potential applications in sectors such as environmental management, energy, and construction materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spent grains are one of the lignocellulosic biomasses available in abundance, discarded by breweries as waste. The brewing process generates around 25–30% of waste in different forms and spent grains alone account for 80–85% of that waste, resulting in a significant global waste volume. Despite containing essential nutrients, i.e., carbohydrates, fibers, proteins, fatty acids, lipids, minerals, and vitamins, efficient and economically viable valorization of these grains is lacking. Microbial fermentation enables the valorization of spent grain biomass into numerous commercially valuable products used in energy, food, healthcare, and biomaterials. However, the process still needs more investigation to overcome challenges, such as transportation, cost-effective pretreatment, and fermentation strategy. to lower the product cost and to achieve market feasibility and customer affordability. This review summarizes the potential of spent grains valorization via microbial fermentation and associated challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rugulopteryx okamurae (RO) is a species of brown seaweed that has invaded several shorelines worldwide, including the Spanish Mediterranean and the Strait of Gibraltar coasts, causing serious environmental and economic problems. This work aimed to characterize the bioactive composition of RO. A high content of carbohydrates (58.7 ± 2.6 wt%), fats (17.1 ± 0.4 wt%), and ashes (14.3 ± 0.2 wt%) were found, together with lower protein content (5.5 ± 1.8 wt%). Holocellulose was the most abundant polysaccharide fraction (49.2 ± 1.3 wt%), showing 43.4 ± 2.0 wt% of cellulose and 5.8 ± 0.7 wt% of hemicellulose, followed by lignin (18.9 ± 2.5 wt%). The monosaccharides composition showed a high level of glucose (13.2 ± 1 wt%) and glucuronic acid (9.3 ± 0.5 wt%). RO contained high levels of essential nutrients (Ca, K, Na, S, Mg), trace minerals (Mn, Mo, Se, and Cu), and some toxic heavy metals (Ni, Cd, As). The main fatty acid present in RO was palmitic acid (C16:0, 30.8 ± 3.0 mg/100 g), followed by myristic acid (C14:0, 19.3 ± 2.4 mg/100 g) and eicosatetraenoic acid (C20:4, 19.2 ± 1.3 mg/100 g). The extract obtained by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) presented significant contents of polyphenols (2.7 ± 0.2 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (3.0 ± 0.4 mg TE/g DPPH, 4.5 ± 0.3 mg TE/g ABTS, 4.7 ± 0.3 mg TE/g FRAP). Six main polyphenols were identified by HPLC-MS/MS, showing higher contents of gallic acid (20.7 ± 1.5 mg/g) and chlorogenic acid (9.7 ± 0.5 mg/g). These results highlight the possibilities offered in the valorization of RO to obtain bioactive compounds with antioxidant performance in several applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experiment four agro-waste based biomass residues (soybean stover-SSb, buckwheat stover-BWb, Artemisia vulgaris- AVb and Chromolaena odorata-COb) was valorized into low cost amendment called biochar followed by compositional characterization for their application in heavy metal removal. Investigation was carried out on the removal of the most common heavy metal ions including arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, zinc, and copper through adsorption on four types of biomass valorised biochar. According to preliminary testing, all the biochar was effective to eliminate a mixture of six heavy metals from the aqueous phase, with the removal of arsenic being the most removed and nickel being the least. In comparison to no biochar treatment, the average removal rate of heavy metal from aqueous solution using four distinct types of biochar was 45.75–62.42% (Cd), 43.64–56.33% (Pb), 41.85–59.73% (Ni), 42.87–60.28% (Zn), 45.64–59.51% (Cu), and 49.02–60.53% (As). The percent decrease of cadmium heavy metal adsorption with increase in maximum contaminant level (MCL) from 1- to fivefold was 20.0 (SSb), 20.7 (COb), 21.6 (BWb), and 22.9 (AVb). The results of the dosage study indicated that As adsorption was the most beneficial on all four types of biochar, whereas Ni adsorption was the least effective. With increase in application rate of biochar the heavy metals adsorption (%) was also increased. Four different agro-waste valorized biochar were used to treat the wastewater, and the physical and chemical changes that occurred both before and after the biochar treatment were noted. There was a drop in the wastewater CODT, CODD, TSS, ammonia, TKN, TP and pH values of 79.7–103.5%, 57.7–81.5, 52.3–68.4%, 1.23–2.23%, 14.1–20.6%, and 1.23–3.03%, respectively. Furthermore, after being passed through a biochar, the wastewater's Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Cr and Cu levels decreased by 3.26–6.15%, 0.06–0.34%, 0.01–0.08%, 2.37–3.65%, 3.95–5.53%, and 2.24–3.34%, respectively at 2.5 and 5.0 g/litre of wastewater. Thus, in order to comply with regulations for the disposal of wastewater effluent, the process of valorizing biomass into biochar offered enormous potential for the removal of heavy metals in addition to wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constant pollution from a wide range of human activities has a negative impact on the quantity and quality of the planet's water resources. On the other hand, agro-food waste can impact climate change and other forms of life, in addition to having social, economic, and environmental consequences. However, as a result of their inherent physicochemical properties and lignocellulosic composition, these residues are becoming increasingly recognized as valuable products in line with government policies advocating zero waste and circular economies. An advantageous way to convert these wastes into energy and chemicals is hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). This review highlights the valorization of agro-food waste into hydrochar-based adsorbents for the elimination of organic and inorganic contaminants from aqueous environments. An overview of the toxicity of pollutants in aqueous environments, food waste management, as well as HTC technology was initially proposed. Then, a discussion on the conversion of major agro-food wastes into contaminant adsorbents was given in detail. Adsorption mechanisms as well as the possibility of reuse of adsorbents were also discussed. Enhanced properties of the produced materials enable them to provide competent solutions to various ecological contexts, including removing pollutants from wastewater with cost-effectiveness and satisfactory results. Besides addressing environmental concerns, this sustainable approach opens the door for more environmentally-friendly and resource-efficient applications in the future, making it an exciting prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feedstock seasonality has been poorly studied in the anaerobic digestion process. The seasonality could disturb the digestion process stability, mainly for fruit and vegetable waste. In this study, three seasonal waste mixtures generated in wholesale markets were reduced to 10, 6, and 4 mm to assess the influence of seasonality and particle size reduction on anaerobic biodegradability. The methane yield ranged between 298 and 465 mL CH4 g VS−1 (volatile solids). Waste mixtures produced in spring at 10-mm particle size presented higher methane production than in autumn/winter and summer, i.e., 32% and 61%, respectively. Methane production decreased with reducing particle size for waste produced in spring from 482 ± 12 to 310 ± 1 mL CH4 g VS−1. In contrast, waste produced in autumn/winter and summer did not show high differences among different sizes. Despite these differences, mixtures with the smallest particle size presented the highest methane production rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global cashew nut production is nearly 4 million tons per year, valued at 7 billion US dollars. Remarkably, almost the entire cashew apple crop, amounting to 20 million tons annually, goes to waste. However, the cashew apple contains valuable nutraceutical compounds, including tannins, polyphenols, and carotenoids, estimated to be worth 150 million US dollars annually. Due to the highly perishable nature of cashew apples, degradation is a significant issue. In response, the current work has established drying as an effective preservation technique for these bioactive components. The effect of drying temperature on bioactive compounds has been thoroughly investigated. The non‐random two liquid (NRTL) activity coefficient model effectively captures the thermodynamics of the drying process. To facilitate the selection and design of drying equipment, two mechanistic mass transfer models were developed. The first model employs the Maxwell‐Stefan framework to account for internal diffusion, with external mass transfer resistance appearing as a boundary condition. While this model works well for products like grapes, it proved inadequate for explaining the drying behaviour of cashew apples. Consequently, a second model was developed, postulating rapid moisture transport by capillary action within the cashew apple. This model effectively captures the effects of a wide range of operating conditions, using only external mass transfer resistance as the tuneable kinetic parameter. This mechanistic model is more suitable for dryer design compared to conventional phenomenological models like the logarithmic model and the two‐term exponential model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread nature of citrus cultivation, processing, and consumption on a global scale results in a substantial volume of by-products within the citrus processing industries. The indiscriminate disposal of these by-products, without a proper treatment and disposal methods, poses a significant environmental hazard. Amongst, citrus peel waste being a prolific by-product, is generated on a large scale and is increasingly gaining recognition for its industrial potential in producing fuels and chemicals. This encompasses biofuels such as ethanol and biogas, bioactive compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids, essential oils, D-limonene, and pectin, as well as various biochemical compounds including organic acid, biosurfactants, enzymes, and bioplastics through strategic valorization processes. The valorization process entails a variety of techniques, including chemical, biological, and physical treatment methods. Physical treatments, such as microwave and ultrasound-assisted extraction methods, are employed, alongside extraction using solvents and biological methods including fermentation and saccharification, which are integral components of the valorization process. Each of these methodologies contributes to the production of the aforementioned value-added compounds. Furthermore, the recently developed supercritical fluid can also be employed for extracting these valuable compounds, enhancing the versatility and efficiency of the valorization process. This review addresses a refinery strategy, emphasizing the incorporation of a suitable valorization/treatment approach to transform citrus peel waste into high-value-added products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Each year, approximately million tons of waste is generated from eggshells disposed of in landfills. This waste is challenging to manage because of the odor and microbiological development. However, eggshells have potential applications as a solid byproduct. They can be modified and used in various industries such as metal, polymer and ceramic composites, in the production of biodiesel, heavy metal absorption from wastewater, and even as a biomaterial to substitute bone tissues. Furthermore, eggshells can be used as a cheap adsorbent for the treatment of contaminated waterways. They are also a great source of calcium and fertilizer for plants, animals and humans. Chicken eggshells can even be used as a catalyst for converting waste frying oil into biofuel. This review highlights the challenges and opportunities of eggshell waste valorization in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable and fruit byproducts are different parts of vegetables and fruits plus secondary products derived from primary agrofood production processes. With the increasing growth of global vegetable and fruit production, utilization of their byproducts for recovery of health benefit dietary nutrients required emphasis. The current food system and manufacturers are inadequate to maximize the existing food or plant resources' public demand concurrently to minimize environmental pollution. Important sources of nutritional qualities of these byproducts and their valorization trends are getting research interests. In this review, we have summarized the nutritional qualities and their means of valorization of vegetable and fruit byproducts which have maximum global production from the FAO (2021) published data. The nutritional qualities of the main byproducts are highlighted and the current trends to valorize them into innovative health‐promoting products were assessed. Valorization investigations conducted on these byproducts into food additives (dietary fiber concentrates), nutraceuticals, edible food packaging materials, fermented beverages, and natural dyes were mainly focused on in this review. There are limitations in valorizing technologies of vegetable and fruit byproducts. Hence, further studies are vital to develop novel processing techniques for each of these byproducts. Benefiting from the food waste is a pearl of wisdom and ignoring the value can be participating in pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise in fisheries production worldwide has caused a remarkable increase in associated anthropogenic waste. This poses significant concerns due to adverse environmental impacts and economic losses. Owing to its renewability, high abundance, and potential as a rich source of many nutrients and bioactive compounds, strategies have been developed to convert fish waste into different value-added products. Conventional and improved methods have been used for the extraction of biomolecules from fish waste. The extracted fish waste-derived value-added products such as enzymes, peptides, fish oil, etc. have been used to fortify different food products. This review aims to provide an overview of the nature and composition of fish waste, strategies for extracting biomolecules from fish waste, and the potential application of fish waste as a source of calcium and other nutrients in food fortification and animal feed has been discussed. In context to fishery waste mitigation, valorization, and circular bioeconomy approach are gaining momentum, aiming to eliminate waste while producing high-quality value-added food and feed products from fishery discards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the production of solketal esters from used soybean cooking oil (USCO) via enzymatic hydroesterification. This process consists of the complete hydrolysis of USCO into free fatty acids (FFAs) catalyzed by crude lipase extract from Candida rugosa (CRL). The resulting FFAs were recovered and utilized as the raw material for an esterification reaction with solketal, which was achieved via an open reaction. For this purpose, lipase Eversa® Transform 2.0 (ET2.0) was immobilized via physical adsorption on treated epicarp particles from Acrocomia aculeata (macauba), a lignocellulosic residue. A protein loading of 25.2 ± 1.3 mg g−1 with a support and immobilization yield of 64.8 ± 2.5% was achieved using an initial protein loading of 40 mg g−1 of support. The influence of certain parameters on the esterification reaction was evaluated using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). Under optimal conditions, a FFAs conversion of 72.5 ± 0.8% was obtained after 150 min of reaction at 46 °C using a biocatalyst concentration of 20% wt. and a FFAs–solketal molar ratio of 1:1.6. The biocatalyst retained 70% of its original activity after ten esterification batches. This paper shows the conversion of two agro-industrial waste into valuable materials (enzyme immobilization support and solketal esters). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymerization of primary amine‐containing monomers is challenging because the amine inhibits polymerization catalyst activity. An alternative approach to access primary amine functionalized polymers is postpolymerization modification. To this end, the hydroaminoalkylation of vinyl‐terminated polyolefins with N‐(trimethylsilyl)benzylamine is used to prepare primary amine‐terminated polyolefins, with the free primary amine substituent being revealed upon hydrolytic work up. These materials are spectroscopically characterized, and an investigation of thermal properties by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis is completed. These results show that the primary amine substituent increases the glass transition temperature and improves thermal stability. The reactive primary amine functionality is used in the photo‐oxidative dimerization of polyolefins to demonstrate how this elusive functionality can be applied in oligomer valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to investigate the drying kinetics of fruit and vegetable peel biowaste using a sustainable technique as a key-pretreatment for its conversion into useful feedstock. Biowaste represents a missed potential source of bioenergy and bioproducts, but moisture removal is required, and conventional drying methods are expensive since they require great quantity of energy supplied, almost always, by a non-renewable energy. In this study six batches with the same quantity of biowaste, and heterogeneous physical composition were dried under open-sun conditions. We evaluated the influence of the interaction between drying area and the initial moisture content on drying rate. Eight semi-theoretical models were fitted using Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm to predict drying rate, and their accuracy was assessed through goodness-of-fit tests. Maximum moisture content to preserve biomass (10%) was reached on 5th day and the equilibrium on 16th day of drying. According to goodness-of-fit test (R2 = 0.999, χ2 = 4.666 × 10−5, RMSE = 0.00683) the best model to predict drying rate was Two-term model. The mathematical model obtained from Fick's second law is reliable to predict drying kinetics, R2 (0.9648 ± 0.0106); despite the variation between drying area and initial moisture content. Kruskal-Wallis test showed that drying rates between batches are not significantly different (p = 0.639; 0.05); nor effective diffusion coefficient (Deff = 4.97 × 10−11 ± 0.3491 × 10−11), (p = 0.723; 0.05). The study of drying kinetics is crucial for selecting the optimal biowaste treatment based on its generation context. This could enable its use as feedstock for bioproduct or bioenergy production, thereby reducing waste accumulation in landfills and environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of coffee and peapod waste presents significant environmental challenges, with millions of tons generated annually, leading to disposal issues and resource inefficiencies. Hydrothermal processes offer a promising valorization method, though biomass characteristics significantly influence the resulting products. Biomass characterization revealed distinct profiles for coffee cherry waste (moisture: 10.94%, ashes: 7.79%, volatile matter: 79.91%, fixed carbon: 1.36%, cellulose: 27.6%, hemicellulose: 12.5%, and lignin: 13.7%) and peapods (moisture: 7.77%, ashes: 4.22%, volatile matter: 74.18%, fixed carbon: 13.0%, cellulose: 20.2%, hemicellulose: 17.4%, and lignin: 5.0%). Experiments were conducted in 100 mL and 500 mL hydrothermal reactors with varying conditions for temperature (120–260 °C), time (1–4 h), stirring (none and at 5000 and 8000 rpm), biomass/water ratio (1:5, 1:10, 1:20, and 1:40), particle size (0.5–5 mm), and catalysts (acids and bases). The results showed that peapods produced over 30 times more platform chemicals than coffee. High temperatures (over 180 °C) degraded peapods, whereas coffee yields increased. Both biomasses were influenced similarly by reaction conditions: lower biomass/water ratios, smaller particle sizes, acid catalysts, and no stirring increased yields. Peapods consistently had higher yields than coffee in all conditions. Biochar analysis revealed anthracite from coffee and coal from peapods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walnut shell (WS), which is discarded in a large amount, is usually utilized for heating purposes; therefore, obtaining fuctional products can add value to this waste biomass. In this study, xylan was determined as the dominant carbohydrate (18.6% of dry weight) in WS. The potential applicability of liquid hot water (LHW) treatment to WS was investigated in order to solubilize hemicellulose and hydrolyze it into oligomers such as xylooligosaccharide (XOS) as a prebiotic oligosaccharide and recover solid and liquid fractions, which can be raw materials for other value-added products. LHW was applied at different temperatures (170-210 °C) for various times (15-120 min), and their effect was combined calculating severity factor (log Ro = 3.39-4.74). The solubilization of biomass was increased (up to 60.9%) with severity. Under optimum conditions (log Ro of 3.95, 190 °C-15 min), 81.5% of xylan was hydrolyzed and recovered as mainly XOS (69.8% of xylan), and also xylose and arabinose. The total oligosaccharide (XOS, arabino, gluco- and galacto-oligosaccharides) and monosaccharide (mainly xylose) concentration were 14.3 and 2 g/L, respectively, and by-products did not exceed 1.6 g/L. Moreover, 2.5 mg GAE/mL of total phenolics were obtained at those conditions, whereas that was raised to 3.4 mg GAE/mL at harsher conditions. This study presented that LHW treatment was an eco-friendly alternative method for valorization of WS through production of a liquid with high value-added compounds such as oligosaccharides and solid rich in cellulose and lignin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic waste is an underutilized resource that has the potential to be transformed into value-added materials. However, its chemical diversity leads to cost-intensive sorting techniques, limiting recycling and upcycling opportunities. Herein, we report an open-loop recycling method to produce graded feedstock from mixed polyolefins waste, which makes up 60% of total plastic waste. The method uses heat flow scanning to quantify the composition of plastic waste and resolves its compatibility through controlled dissolution. The resulting feedstock is then used to synthesize blended pellets, porous sorbents, and superhydrophobic coatings via thermally induced phase separation and spin-casting. The hybrid approach broadens the opportunities for reusing plastic waste, which is a step towards creating a more circular economy and better waste management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pistachio tree (Pistacia vera) is globally renowned for its nutritious nuts, while its leaves remain an underutilized source of chemicals with significant potential value as food preservatives. Similar value may be found in the leaves of other wild Pistacia species common in Central Asia, the Levant, and around the Mediterranean. Some species' leaves have been used as natural preservatives, demonstrating their effectiveness and highlighting their rich bioactive components. This review investigates the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Pistacia leaves, comparing both cultivated and wild species. A comprehensive search was performed across several scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, utilizing a combination of keywords related to Pistacia species and their bioactive compounds. The inclusion criteria focused on articles published in English from 2017 till the end of June 2024, analyzing the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Pistacia leaves and employing relevant extraction methods. A total of 71 literature sources were included, covering species such as P. vera, P. atlantica, P. terebinthus, and others sourced from countries such as Iran, Turkey, and Italy. This review found that Pistacia leaves are rich in polyphenolic compounds and exhibit robust antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, with certain wild species outperforming P. vera, suggesting species-specific traits that enhance their preservative potential. The major findings indicate that extracts from wild species exhibit superior bioactivity, which could be harnessed for food preservation. These insights underscore the promising role of Pistacia leaves as natural food preservatives, with further research needed to address challenges in extraction and application. Exploring their synergistic effects with other preservatives could lead to innovative solutions in food preservation while fostering local economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising demand for açaí berries in Amazonian Brazil and French Guiana generates a significant amount of waste, namely the fruit's stone, which accounts for 80% of the dry fruit's mass. Recently, various studies have explored the potential valorization of açaí waste in the civil engineering sector, including the functionalization of the fibers surrounding the stone and the multiphysics testing of composite materials based on açaí fibers and/or stones, treated or untreated. This literature review aims to provide an overview of the technology readiness levels (TRLs) of the existing techniques capable of reducing the environmental impact of both the cultivation and management of naturally occurring açaí. While the research to date is promising, it remains at the prototype stage, and the mass ratio of waste in composites, regardless of their type, limits addressing the underlying ecological problem of açaí waste processing. Further experimental investigations are required to improve the functionalization processes, enabling the use of higher proportions of fibers and/or stones in cementitious composites and their large-scale production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers are increasingly concerned about cosmetic ingredients' origin, looking more than ever to sustainable and greener formulations. The Natural Park of Montesinho, located in Portugal, is characterized by an enormous fauna and flora diversity. Among them, beeswax and strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo) have attracted the cosmetic researchers' interest due to their bioactive compounds' richness, particularly fatty acids and phenolic compounds. The main goal of this study was to develop an innovative cosmetic product with antioxidant properties composed by both matrices. Briefly, samples were obtained in the Natural Park of Montesinho in October 2022. Beeswax was analysed for lipid profile and contaminants, while extracts were obtained from fruits by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using water as a solvent. The effect of extraction time (15–90 min) was studied on the total phenolic content (TPC), in vitro antioxidant/antiradical activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity. The beeswax lipid profile presented a high incidence of palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids. The extract obtained at 60 min presented the highest TPC (30.27 mg GAE/g dw) and antioxidant/antiradical activities (ABTS = 30.36 mg AAE/g dw; DPPH = 43.83 mg TE/g dw; FRAP = 415.61 µmol FSE/g dw). An IC50 of 19.78 µg/mL was achieved for the hypochlorous acid, while for superoxide radical and peroxyl radical the IC50 were, respectively, 90.51 µg/mL and 0.19 µmol TE/mg dw. The phytochemical profile revealed a high content of gallic acid, and catechin and its derivatives. The hydrophilic cream developed revealed ideal technological parameters, particularly its stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem facing the industry of cocoa powder in Indonesia is that cocoa powder on the market has a high fat content, high acidity, a color quality that is not comparable with imported cocoa products, and a variety of flavors and aromas. Alkalization is a method that can handle these problems. Alkalization is a process to improve the quality and appearance of cocoa powder. Alkalization is carried out by adding potassium, magnesium, and others to cocoa. High potassium content can be found in cocoa pod husks. Cocoa pod husks are the main by-product from the cocoa industry, constituting 67 – 76% of the cocoa fruit weight. Cocoa pod husk contains potassium, fiber, and antioxidants that function as biomaterials for food and non-food products. The aims of the study were to determine and evaluate the quality of cocoa powder with the effect of alkalization treatments using cocoa pod husks. The study was carried out at The Indonesian Industrial and Beverage Crops Research Institute, Sukabumi, West Java, from January to June 2022. This study was designed in a factorial completely randomized design. The first factor was the alkaline material, which consisted of two levels (cocoa pod husk and baking soda). The second factor was the concentration, which consisted of 3 levels (1%, 2%, and 3%). The variables observed were the L*, a*, b*, moisture content, ash content, fineness, pH, fat content, protein, antioxidant activity, and organoleptic properties. The results showed that the alkalization process with alkaline material from cocoa pod husk and a concentration of 2% is the best quality characteristic of cocoa powder in accordance with SNI 01-3747-2013.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cassava, yam and sweet potato peels on Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) production. Four different treatments were performed in triplicate in a completely random block consisting of soy bran (TSB), cassava peel (TCP), yam peel (TYP) and sweet potato peel (TPP). A density of 1 larva/g of substrate was used with a uniform ratio of 100 mg/larva/day. Larval growth duration was ten days, and growth monitoring was carried out every 2 days. The daily weight gain (DWG) ranged from 2.19 ± 0.09 g/day (TYP) to 4.53 ± 0.02 g/day (TSB). The production of these BSFL ranged from 43.90 ± 1.87 g/kg of substrate (TYP) to 90.56 ± 0.54 g/kg of substrate (TSB). The degradation rate ranged from 36.00 ± 2.30% (TYP) to 65.00 ± 2.88% (TSB), and the survival rate ranged from 77.66 ± 1.45% (TYP) to 99.00 ± 0.28% (TSB). According to the Z correlation test, there was a strong correlation between the organic matter content of the substrates and the DWG (99.1%). It was also observed that phosphorus content was strongly correlated with DWG (92.9%). Regarding the nutritional quality of the larvae, the protein content varied from 33.51 ± 0.94% (TYP) to 40.64 ± 032% (TSB), and the lipid content varied from 26.24 ± 0.35% (TYP) to 30.44 ± 0.18% (TSB). A significant difference (p

Plastic waste is an underutilized resource that has the potential to be transformed into value-added materials. However, its chemical diversity leads to cost-intensive sorting techniques, limiting recycling and upcycling opportunities. Herein, we report an open-loop recycling method to produce graded feedstock from mixed polyolefins waste, which makes up 60% of total plastic waste. The method uses heat flow scanning to quantify the composition of plastic waste and resolves its compatibility through controlled dissolution. The resulting feedstock is then used to synthesize blended pellets, porous sorbents, and superhydrophobic coatings via thermally induced phase separation and spin-casting. The hybrid approach broadens the opportunities for reusing plastic waste, which is a step towards creating a more circular economy and better waste management practices.

Lignin, the earth’s second-most abundant biopolymer after cellulose, has long been relegated to low-value byproducts in the pulp and paper industry. However, recent advancements in valorization are transforming lignin into a sustainable and versatile feedstock for producing high-value biofuels, bioplastics, and specialty chemicals. This review explores the conversion of lignin’s complex structure, composed of syringyl (S), guaiacyl (G), and p-hydroxyphenyl (H) units, into value-added products. We critically assess various biochemical and analytical techniques employed for comprehensive lignin characterization. Additionally, we explore strategies for lignin upgrading and functionalization to enhance its suitability for advanced biomaterials. The review emphasizes key areas of lignin valorization, including catalytic depolymerization methods, along with the associated challenges and advancements. We discuss its potential as a feedstock for diverse products such as biofuels, bioplastics, carbon fibers, adhesives, and phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the review briefly explores lignin’s inherent properties as a UV protectant and antioxidant, alongside its potential for incorporation into polymer blends and composites. By presenting recent advancements and case studies from the literature, this review highlights the significant economic and environmental benefits of lignin valorization, including waste reduction, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and decreased reliance on non-renewable resources. Finally, we address future perspectives and challenges associated with achieving large-scale, techno-economically feasible, and environmentally sustainable lignin valorization.

One of the approaches for increasing the contribution of biomass to the renewable energy mix is the valorization of biomass to bioenergy. Evaluating the potential of unconventional biomass sources could significantly accelerate the assessment for suitability as feedstock for bioenergy production as a sustainable solution. The study aimed to characterize the Prosopis africana biomass of wood, barks, leaves, and pods towards providing valuable data for scaling up and incorporating these materials into the bioenergy crop database. Characterizations of wood, leaves, barks, and pod wastes from Prosopis africana biomass were investigated based on the proximate, ultimate, and compositional analysis of pulverized samples of the PA biomass to determine their physical, thermal, and chemical properties towards assessing their potential for valorization to bioenergy. The lignocellulosic materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the pulverized sample wastes have porous structures with varying degrees of crystallinity (wood: 89.20 %, bark: 23.90 %, leaves: 32.48 %, pods: 23.08 %), suggesting different susceptibilities to conversion processes. Notably, the wood sample had the lowest moisture content (3.13 %), and the pod sample had the highest volatile matter content (75.83 %), indicating a high potential for biofuel production. The higher heating values (HHV) and lower heating values (LHV) of the samples ranged from 15.23 to 20.49 MJ/kg and 13.83 to 18.79 MJ/kg, respectively. These calorific values are competitive with established lignocellulosic bioenergy feedstocks, positioning PA biomass as promising candidates for solid biofuel applications.

For over a decade, numerous Greater Caribbean and Western African coasts have received enormous masses of holopelagic Sargassum spp. (sargasso). A promising use of this beached biomass as a feed ingredient in the animal industry is restricted by its high arsenic (As) content. This proof of concept aimed to demonstrate that simple, low-cost processes involving hot water (either fresh or seawater) and/or citric acid can remove arsenic from the sargasso. Sargasso collected from a Mexican Caribbean beach in December 2023 had a total arsenic level of 62.2 mg/kg, which decreased to 7.2 mg/kg after treatment with hot freshwater (90 °C for 15 min), and then further decreased to 0.8 mg/kg when followed up with a citric acid treatment. Sargasso collected in March 2024 had total arsenic of 89 mg/kg, which was lowered to 2.6 mg/kg by applying hot freshwater and citric acid sequentially. Employing only citric acid reduced the arsenic concentration to 8.0 mg/kg, while treating the sargasso only with hot seawater reduced the As level to 10.1 mg/kg. Thus, simply using hot water, either fresh or seawater, lowered the arsenic levels to acceptable levels for the animal feeding sector. These straightforward and potentially cost-effective methods may transform the restraint of high arsenic contents into a valuable opportunity to use these seaweeds as animal feed.

Abstract Grapefruit pomace, has been considered a valuable waste byproduct and a rich source of health promoting and functional components. The present work aims to prepare a flour by hot air drying of grapefruit pomace, in order to explore and incorporate it into the formulation of cookies at a level of 0, 5, 10 and 15% replacement with the straight grade wheat flour. The effect of grapefruit pomace powder on the physical, bioactive, chemical, textural and organoleptic properties of the cookies was assessed. Results showed the presence of 8.25% fibre, 9.63% ash, 8.96 mg/GAE g total phenolic content, 3.64 mg QE/g total flavonoid content, 2.05 mg/g total carotenoid contents and 42.12% antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) in the grapefruit pomace powder. The addition of pomace powder at varying amount in the cookies resulted in significant (p

Abstract The production of pineapple generates significant quantities of harvest and processing residues, which are very little used. This study evaluates compost quality using pineapple residues and poultry litter. Five composting treatments were tested, varying following proportions of crown, pineapple processing wastes (PPW), pineapple harvest residue (PHR), and poultry litter (PL). Various parameters were analyzed, including pH, electrical conductivity, CO2 evolution rate, water content, organic carbon, nitrogen compounds, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc. Additionally, the perceptions of producers and processors regarding compost quality were gathered. Results indicated that microbial decomposition increased temperature, pH, CO2 release, and nitrogen content while reducing electrical conductivity and organic carbon. Composts demonstrated favorable characteristics for crop fertilization, with C4 (75% PHR + 25% PL) compost showing the best chemical properties. Producers and processors preferred the color, odor, and structure of C4 (75% PHR + 25% PL) and C5 (56.25% crown + 18.75% PPW + 25% PL) composts. Overall, composting pineapple residues with poultry litter yields composts suitable for plant fertilization, particularly C4 and C5 formulations, offering potential for sustainable waste valorization in agriculture.

Abstract The exploration of citrus waste valorization extends beyond its environmental benefits to encompass potential health implications, particularly in cancer prevention. The bioactive compounds extracted from citrus waste, notably polyphenols like quercetin, gallic acid, hesperidin, and ferulic acid, hold promising anti-cancer properties. Research suggests that these compounds exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which are integral in combating carcinogenesis. Quercetin, a flavonoid abundantly found in citrus extracts, has garnered attention for its ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, thereby impeding tumor growth. Gallic acid, another prevalent compound, demonstrates anticancer potential through its modulation of signaling pathways associated with cell survival and proliferation. Hesperidin, known for its antioxidative properties, has shown promise in suppressing tumor growth and metastasis by targeting various molecular pathways involved in cancer progression. Ferulic acid, renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, exhibits chemopreventive effects by inhibiting carcinogen activation and promoting detoxification processes within the body. The present study compares conventional (soxhlet, maceration) and non-conventional (ultrasound, microwave) techniques to obtain these polyphenols from mandarin peels. The maximum total phenolic content of 3.78 mg GAE/ g dry peels and DPPH activity of 69.89% was observed using 80% methanol and ultrasound assisted extraction. The presence of these compounds was confirmed using advanced analytical methods such as FT-IR and HPLC. The phenolic compounds (mg/g dry peels) such as gallic acid (0.29 ± 1.08), p-coumaric acid (0.17 ± 0.52), chlorogenic acid (0.30 ± 0.56), ferulic acid (1.49 ± 1.36), hesperidin (1.34 ± 0.51), naringenin (0.56 ± 0.94), and quercetin (0.33 ± 1.02), observed during UAE were 25–35% higher values compared to other techniques. By harnessing the bioactive potential of citrus waste-derived compounds, particularly for cancer prevention, this study contributes to both environmental sustainability and human health enhancement, paving the way for innovative strategies in functional food development and nutraceutical applications.

Oat husks are produced during the milling process of oats. Oat husks are a lignocellulosic material that have the potential for valorization thereby improving the circular economy of agricultural by-products. However, due to the high lignocellulosic content, there are limited valorization pathways for oat husks. To improve the anaerobic digestibility of oat husks, pretreatment was investigated as a method to aid valorization. A novel extrusion process was used in an attempt to fragment the lignocellulosic structure of oat husks prior to anaerobic digestion. The extrusion pre-treatment was investigated to determine the effect it may have on altering the methane yield and digestibility of oat husks. Biochemical methane potential assays were undertaken using oat husks with no pre-treatment and extruded oat husks. These assays demonstrated that extruded oat husks produced a significantly higher methane yield of 264ml/gVS fed, which was 27% greater than the methane yield produced from the untreated oat husks. Similarly, the total solids degradation was also significantly higher for extruded oat husks treatment compared to the untreated oat husks. Overall, the extrusion process demonstrated an increased methane yield for oat husks compared to previously published data. The biomethane potential tests suggest that extruded oat husks would be a feedstock suitable for anaerobic digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beer and spirits are two of the most consumed alcoholic beverages in the world, and their production generates enormous amounts of by-product materials. This ranges from spent grain, spent yeast, spent kieselguhr, trub, carbon dioxide, pot ale, and distilled gin spent botanicals. The present circular economy dynamics and increased awareness on resource use for enhanced sustainable production practices have driven changes and innovations in the management practices and utilization of these by-products. These include food product development, functional food applications, biotechnological applications, and bioactive compounds extraction. As a result, the brewing and distilling sector of the food and drinks industry is beginning to see a shift from conventional uses of by-products such as animal feed to more innovative applications. This review paper therefore explored some of these valorization initiatives and the current state of the art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pretreatment is a major step in bioethanol production as it breaks the structure of lignocellulosic biomasses, improving the enzymatic digestibility and ethanol yield during fermentation. The present study proposes pretreatments of maize cob based on glycerol and persulfate, as well as their combinations. The greatest delignification, hemicellulose removal, and cellulose enrichment were obtained in combined pretreatments. The addition of persulfate in acidified glycerol solution matches the performance of the separate strategies, presenting similar chemical composition and sugar release in enzymatic hydrolysis. Enzymatic hydrolysis lignins (EHL) were easily obtained by simple filtration after saccharification, and they provided high adsorption capacity of methylene blue dye. The persulfate in the pretreatments affects the EHL increasing adsorption capacity. The unusual methodology described in this study provided a successful combination in enzymatic digestibility, and as a trigger of chemical modifications of EHL, due to the synergistic action of glycerol, water, sulfuric acid, and persulfate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to valorize banana rachis that is generated as waste after removal of banana fingers from the stalk. Rachis of Musa acuminata was used to synthesize cellulose fibre (CF) and nanocellulose (NC), and bioactive aerogels were developed from CF and NC. CF and NC were characterized for particle size, functional groups, crystallinity, thermal analysis, and morphology. The particle size of NC was ⁓122 nm. The bioactive compounds from butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) were extracted in ethanol. CF and NC were treated with polyvinyl alcohol and butterfly pea flower extract to develop aerogels by physical cross-linking method and compared with aerogel with control that had no flower extract for various properties. The density of aerogels decreased (<0.1 g/cm3), while the porosity increased (>90%) after the addition of CF and NC. The water absorption capacity of aerogels with CF and aerogels with CF/NC was 1116.99% and 1821.66%, respectively, whereas aerogels made with pure PVA had the lowest water absorption capacity of 460.66%. The antioxidant activity of the aerogels reduced due to dilution effect of CF and NC. The in vitro release study showed that the developed aerogels preserved their integrity and allowed for gradual release of the bioactive compounds. Thus, the results indicated that CF and NC synthesized from banana rachis are useful for bioactive aerogel development that could effectively encapsulate bioactive compounds and help in their controlled release. The aerogels have scope to be used as bioactive delivery vehicle for application in food packaging structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging field of biorefinery presents an opportunity to extract valuable resources from plant biomass like hemp, while tissue culture techniques, such as micropropagation, can produce uniform and high-quality plant material for biorefinery purposes. This study evaluated the use of hormonal and organic diets in creating callus from leaf fragments in three medical hemp cultivars over 8 weeks for biorefinery applications. The most effective treatment was the modified MS diet supplemented with 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D plus 0.5 mg/L KN, which induced callus formation in all three cultivars with an average size of 2.1 cm. Adding 150 mg/L of coconut water to the MS formula also showed significant results, inducing up to 50% callus formation in all three cultivars with an average size of 1.3 cm. Three different photoperiods were tested, with the 16:8 photoperiod being the most effective. White light was the most effective color, followed by blue light. The highest yield of extract was obtained from the callus section of Carmagnola hemp in the MS formula without growth regulators, with a yield of 2.75%. Consequently, this study provides valuable insights into the use of hormonal and organic diets, photoperiod, and light color for callus formation from leaf fragments in medical hemp, which could have important implications for producing high-value compounds via biorefinery processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A substantial amount of process waste is generated during the manufacture of soft‐wheat products (SWPs), such as biscuits/cookies, crackers, wafers, and cakes. A small portion of waste is reused in specific biscuits, whereas the rest is usually discarded. This study aimed to investigate the suitability of this waste for the co‐production of bioethanol and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs or biodiesel). Two groups of waste generated in the SWP industry were included in the study: (a) the waste of low‐moisture (<10%) biscuits, crackers, and wafer sheets with no fillings and/or coatings, and (b) the waste of high‐moisture (>10%) biscuits, crackers, wafers, and cakes with fillings and/or coatings. The study involved extracting each sample with hexane, and the recovered fat was converted to the FAME through alkali‐catalyzed transesterification. The remaining carbohydrate‐rich fraction was then converted to bioethanol through amylolytic hydrolysis and yeast fermentation. A great portion (92.42%–93.17%) of the fat was extracted from the wastes and converted to the FAME with adequate yields (13.81–14.55 g FAME/g waste, dm) and acceptable conversion efficiencies (85.19%–89.04%). However, bioethanol production from the defatted carbohydrate‐rich fractions proceeded rather slowly, yielding only 16.54–18.02 (g ethanol per g of waste, dm), corresponding to fermentation efficiencies ranging from 43.32% to 48.29%. Upon the co‐production of FAME and ethanol, a considerable amount (50.93%–53.08%) of waste solids remained in the residue fraction. These findings indicated that production of the FAME with adequate yields and conversion efficiencies is viable from the SWP industry wastes; however, bioethanol yields and fermentation efficiencies are rather limited, which warrants further investigation. Practical Application: The soft‐wheat processing industry generates 1%–5% of total production as waste. The waste was studied to produce FAME and bioethanol. The fat was extracted from the waste and converted to FAME. Bioethanol yields and fermentation efficiencies are limited due to dough modifiers and antimicrobial additives used in SWP production. Further research is required to improve ethanol yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For over a decade, numerous Greater Caribbean and Western African coasts have received enormous masses of holopelagic Sargassum spp. (sargasso). A promising use of this beached biomass as a feed ingredient in the animal industry is restricted by its high arsenic (As) content. This proof of concept aimed to demonstrate that simple, low-cost processes involving hot water (either fresh or seawater) and/or citric acid can remove arsenic from the sargasso. Sargasso collected from a Mexican Caribbean beach in December 2023 had a total arsenic level of 62.2 mg/kg, which decreased to 7.2 mg/kg after treatment with hot freshwater (90 °C for 15 min), and then further decreased to 0.8 mg/kg when followed up with a citric acid treatment. Sargasso collected in March 2024 had total arsenic of 89 mg/kg, which was lowered to 2.6 mg/kg by applying hot freshwater and citric acid sequentially. Employing only citric acid reduced the arsenic concentration to 8.0 mg/kg, while treating the sargasso only with hot seawater reduced the As level to 10.1 mg/kg. Thus, simply using hot water, either fresh or seawater, lowered the arsenic levels to acceptable levels for the animal feeding sector. These straightforward and potentially cost-effective methods may transform the restraint of high arsenic contents into a valuable opportunity to use these seaweeds as animal feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin, the earth's second-most abundant biopolymer after cellulose, has long been relegated to low-value byproducts in the pulp and paper industry. However, recent advancements in valorization are transforming lignin into a sustainable and versatile feedstock for producing high-value biofuels, bioplastics, and specialty chemicals. This review explores the conversion of lignin's complex structure, composed of syringyl (S), guaiacyl (G), and p-hydroxyphenyl (H) units, into value-added products. We critically assess various biochemical and analytical techniques employed for comprehensive lignin characterization. Additionally, we explore strategies for lignin upgrading and functionalization to enhance its suitability for advanced biomaterials. The review emphasizes key areas of lignin valorization, including catalytic depolymerization methods, along with the associated challenges and advancements. We discuss its potential as a feedstock for diverse products such as biofuels, bioplastics, carbon fibers, adhesives, and phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the review briefly explores lignin's inherent properties as a UV protectant and antioxidant, alongside its potential for incorporation into polymer blends and composites. By presenting recent advancements and case studies from the literature, this review highlights the significant economic and environmental benefits of lignin valorization, including waste reduction, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and decreased reliance on non-renewable resources. Finally, we address future perspectives and challenges associated with achieving large-scale, techno-economically feasible, and environmentally sustainable lignin valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]