Biotechnological Approaches to the Valorization of Agro-Industrial By-Products

A special issue of Fermentation (ISSN 2311-5637). This special issue belongs to the section "Industrial Fermentation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 January 2026) | Viewed by 1773

Editors


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Guest Editor
1. MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, 2520-630 Peniche, Portugal
2. Escola Superior de Turismo e Tecnologia do Mar, Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, 2520-641 Peniche, Portugal
Interests: nutraceuticals; functional foods; foods formulation; antioxidant activity; health benefits
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1. School of Agriculture, Santarém Polytechnic University, Quinta do Galinheiro - S. Pedro, 2001-904 Santarém, Portugal
2. Research Centre in Natural Resources, Environment and Society (CERNAS), Santarém Polytechnic University, Quinta do Galinheiro - S. Pedro, 2001-904 Santarém, Portugal
Interests: food technology; food safety; water footprint; efficient water use in industry; sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Technology and Safety Unit, National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research, I. P. (INIAV), Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
Interests: agri-food technology; healthy and safety food; modeling and shelf-life estimation; sensorial evaluation; sustainable food systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Agro-industrial by-products, often regarded as waste, represent a vast and underutilized resource with significant economic and environmental potential. In recent years, biotechnological approaches have emerged as powerful tools for the transformation of these residues into high-value products. Through microbial fermentation, enzymatic treatments, and genetic engineering, it is now possible to extract bioactive compounds and produce biofuels, bioplastics, animal feed, and other bioproducts from materials such as fruit peels, cereal husks, and dairy waste.

These strategies not only contribute to waste reduction and environmental sustainability, but also support the development of a circular bioeconomy. By optimizing the use of raw materials and reducing our dependency on fossil-based resources, biotechnology plays a crucial role in creating sustainable and innovative solutions for the food, pharmaceutical, and energy industries. The valorization of agro-industrial by-products thus represents a promising means of achieving more resilient and eco-conscious industrial systems.

Dr. Joaquina Pinheiro
Dr. Igor Dias
Dr. Elsa M. Gonçalves
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • fruit and vegetable by-products
  • residues
  • aquafeed
  • bioactive
  • antimicrobial
  • functional
  • food

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 320 KB  
Article
Biotechnological Valorization of Almond Hulls via Solid-State Fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Fibrolytic Enzyme Supplementation: Enhancing Ruminal Fermentation and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
by Khalil Abid
Fermentation 2026, 12(2), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation12020106 - 12 Feb 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1243
Abstract
Valorization of agricultural by-products is a key component of circular strategies aimed at enhancing the sustainability of livestock systems. Almond hulls (AHs), a major residue of the almond-processing industry, are characterized by their high non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) content, but low crude protein (CP) [...] Read more.
Valorization of agricultural by-products is a key component of circular strategies aimed at enhancing the sustainability of livestock systems. Almond hulls (AHs), a major residue of the almond-processing industry, are characterized by their high non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) content, but low crude protein (CP) content and ruminal fermentation. This study evaluated the effects of treating AHs with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFEs) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) via solid-state fermentation. Treatments were applied individually or in combination (SC + EFEs). The effects on chemical composition and ruminal fermentation were assessed. EFEs reduced the fiber content and increased the NFC content. This accelerated ruminal fermentation and reduced the lag time. However, it did not change the overall fermentation extent. SC increased the CP content and ether extract but reduced the NFC content. This modification promoted the growth of ruminal bacteria. As a result, the ruminal fermentation extent, ruminal degradability and volatile fatty acid (VFA) content improved. However, methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions relative to the substrate, degraded substrate and total gas emission were not affected. SC + EFEs had synergistic effects. This further increased the CP content and ether extract and reduced the NFC and fiber contents. The treatment modulated ruminal microbiota by decreasing protozoa and increasing bacteria. It also reduced the fermentation lag time and enhanced the fermentation extent, degradability and VFA production favoring propionate formation. Additionally, it reduced CH4 and CO2 emissions per unit of degraded substrate and the total gas emission. Overall, the SC + EFEs represent an effective approach to enhance the nutritional value of AHs while partially mitigating greenhouse gas emissions relative to substrate utilization and fermentation pathways. Full article
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