International Journal of Molecular Sciences

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Dear Colleagues,

The challenge of climate change requires a deep re-evaluation of development models based on intensive exploitation of fossil resources, in favor of those based on a circular economy. In this context, by-wastes, especially from food and agricultural activities, play a key role as promising feedstock in biorefining, as a renewable source of value-added compounds as chemicals, bioactive compounds, nutraceutical materials, and biofuels. The evolution of a bioeconomy based on the by-waste valorization passes through several aspects, moving from biomass characterization to the design of novel and low-impact processes and the definition of new applications.

Technological innovation for the valorization of agro-food wastes, or the chemical–analytical characterization of raw materials and by-products, is mandatory for the green transition. This Special Issue aims to collect cutting-edge works on the extraction, characterization, processing, and valorization of agri-food and industrial by-wastes, including papers on green preparation procedures, novel food sources to be exploited, methods for nutraceuticals analysis, and so on.

Dr. Cosima Damiana Calvano
Dr. Davide Blasi
Dr. Giovanni Ventura
Guest Editors

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Keywords

by-product characterization
bio-compound valorization
green synthesis
green extraction procedures
mass spectrometry
nutraceuticals

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 2328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Milling on the Ethanolic Extract Composition of Dried Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Shells

by Giovanni Ventura, Davide Mesto, Davide Blasi, Tommaso R. I. Cataldi and Cosima Damiana Calvano

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(17), 13059; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241713059 - 22 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1602

Abstract

This study investigates the ethanolic extract of dried walnut (Juglans regia L.) shells upon hammer milling (HM) and ball milling (BM) grinding processes. Marked differences were observed in the attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra. The two extracts were investigated by reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization and high-resolution mass spectrometry (RPLC-ESI-HRMS). Following enzymatic digestion, the fatty acids (FAs) were examined, and tandem MS of epoxidized species was applied to establish the C-C double bond position; the most abundant species were FA 18:2 Δ^9,12, FA 18:1 Δ⁹, and FA 18:3 Δ^9,12,15. However, no significant qualitative differences were observed between FAs in the two samples. Thus, the presence of potential active secondary metabolites was explored, and more than 30 phenolic compounds, including phenols, ellagic acid derivatives, and flavonoids, were found. Interestingly, the HM samples showed a high concentration of ellagitannins and hydrolyzable tannins, which were absent in the BM sample. These findings corroborate the greater phenolic content in the HM sample, as evaluated by the Folin–Ciocalteu test. Among the others, the occurrence of lanceoloside A at m/z 391.1037 [C₁₉H₂₀O₉-H]⁻, and a closely related benzoyl derivate at m/z 405.1190 (C₂₀H₂₂O₉-H]⁻), was ascertained. The study provides valuable information that highlights the significance of physical pre-treatments, such as mill grinding, in shaping the composition of extracts, with potential applications in the biorefinery or pharmaceutical industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Value-Added Compounds from Food Wastes and By-Products)

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15 pages, 2532 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Coffee Waste to Active Ingredient for Cosmetic Applications

by Giovanna Grigolon, Kathrin Nowak, Stéphane Poigny, Jane Hubert, Alexis Kotland, Laura Waldschütz and Franziska Wandrey

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(10), 8516; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24108516 - 10 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2964

Abstract

Coffee silverskin (CS) is the thin epidermis covering and protecting the coffee bean and it represents the main by-product of the coffee roasting process. CS has recently gained attention due to its high content in bioactive molecules and the growing interest in valuable reutilization of waste products. Drawing inspiration from its biological function, here its potential in cosmetic applications was investigated. CS was recovered from one of the largest coffee roasters located in Switzerland and processed through supercritical CO₂ extraction, thereby generating coffee silverskin extract. Chemical profiling of this extract revealed the presence of potent molecules, among which cafestol and kahweol fatty acid esters, as well as acylglycerols, β-sitosterol and caffeine. The CS extract was then dissolved in organic shea butter, yielding the cosmetic active ingredient SLVR’Coffee™. In vitro gene expression studies performed on keratinocytes showed an upregulation of genes involved in oxidative stress responses and skin-barrier functionality upon treatment with the coffee silverskin extract. In vivo, our active protected the skin against Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)-induced irritation and accelerated its recovery. Furthermore, this active extract improved measured as well as perceived skin hydration in female volunteers, making it an innovative, bioinspired ingredient that comforts the skin and benefits the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Value-Added Compounds from Food Wastes and By-Products)

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