Search Results (114)

This study presents the fabrication and characterization of sustainable polylactic acid (PLA)-based biocomposites reinforced with bio-origin fillers derived from food waste: seashells, eggshells, walnut shells, and spent coffee grounds. All fillers were introduced at 15 wt% into a commercial PLA matrix modified with a compatibilizer to improve interfacial adhesion. Mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact strength), morphological characteristics (via SEM), and hydrolytic aging behavior were evaluated. Among the tested systems, PLA reinforced with seashells (PLA15S) and coffee grounds (PLA15C) demonstrated the most balanced mechanical performance, with PLA15S achieving a tensile strength increase of 72% compared to neat PLA. Notably, PLA15C exhibited the highest stability after 28 days of hydrothermal aging, retaining ~36% of its initial tensile strength, outperforming other systems. In contrast, walnut-shell-filled composites showed the most severe degradation, losing over 98% of their mechanical strength after aging. The results indicate that both the physicochemical nature and morphology of the biofiller play critical roles in determining mechanical reinforcement and degradation resistance. This research underlines the feasibility of valorizing agri-food residues into biodegradable, semi-structural PLA composites for potential use in sustainable packaging or non-load-bearing structural applications. Full article

The olive oil industry, a key component of Southern Europe’s agricultural sector, generates large amounts of by-products during processing, including olive leaves, branches, stones, and seeds. In the context of growing environmental concerns and limited natural resources—particularly in the Mediterranean regions—there is increasing interest in circular economy approaches that promote the valorization of agricultural residues. These by-products are rich in bioactive compounds, particularly phenolics such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which are well known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of by-products from three olive cultivars using high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC–PDA) and mass spectrometry (MS). The leaves and seeds, particularly from the “Cobrança” and a non-identified variety, presented the highest antioxidant activity, as well as the highest concentration of phenolic compounds, demonstrating once again the direct relationship between these two parameters. The identification of the compounds present demonstrated that the leaves and branches have a high diversity of phenolic compounds, particularly secoiridoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phenylethanoids, and lignans. An inverse relationship was observed between the chlorophyll and carotenoid content and the antioxidant activity, suggesting that phenolic compounds, rather than pigments, are the major contributors to antioxidant properties. Therefore, the by-products of the olive oil industry are a valuable source of sustainable bioactive compounds for distinct industrial sectors, such as the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries, aligning with the European strategies for resource efficiency and waste reduction in the agri-food industries. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hermetia illucens larvae can efficiently convert agri-food residues into high-protein biomass for animal feed and nutrient-rich frass for soil amendment. However, the potential spread of carbapenem resistance genes (CRGs), which confer resistance to last-resort carbapenem antibiotics, and Enterobacteriaceae, common carriers of these genes and opportunistic pathogens, raises important safety concerns. This study aimed to assess the influence of different agri-food-based diets on Enterobacteriaceae loads and the CRG occurrence during the bioconversion process. Methods: Four experimental diets were formulated from agri-food residues and anaerobic digestate: Diet 1 (peas and chickpea waste), Diet 2 (peas and wheat waste), Diet 3 (onion and wheat waste), and Diet 4 (wheat waste and digestate). Enterobacteriaceae were quantified by viable counts, while five CRGs (bla_KPC, bla_NDM, bla_OXA-48, bla_VIM, and bla_GES) were detected and quantified using quantitative PCRs (qPCRs). Analyses were performed on individual substrates, formulated diets, larvae (before and after bioconversion), and frass. Results: Plant-based diets sustained moderate Enterobacteriaceae loads. In contrast, the digestate-based diet led to a significant increase in Enterobacteriaceae in both the frass and mature larvae. CRGs were detected only in legume-based diets: bla_VIM and bla_GES were found in both mature larvae and frass, while bla_OXA-48 and bla_KPC were found exclusively in either larvae or frass. No CRGs were detected in onion- or digestate-based diets nor in young larvae or diet inputs. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the diet composition may influence the proliferation of Enterobacteriaceae and the persistence of CRGs. Careful substrate selection and process monitoring are essential to minimize antimicrobial resistance risks in insect-based bioconversion systems. Full article

Background: The accumulation of agri-food waste is a major environmental and economic challenge and converting these by-products into bioactive compounds fits within the circular bioeconomy. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of extracts derived from Cannabis sativa L. leaves (CSE), Crocus sativus tepals (CST), and Prunus avium L. cherry waste (VCE) against four key bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays were performed to assess antibacterial activity, while a bioinformatic pipeline was implemented to explore possible molecular targets. Full-proteome multiple sequence alignments across the bacterial strains were used to identify conserved, strain-specific proteins, and molecular docking simulations were applied to predict binding interactions between the most abundant compounds in the extracts and their targets. Results: CSE and CST demonstrated bacteriostatic activity against S. aureus and B. subtilis (MIC = 15.6 mg/mL), while VCE showed selective activity against B. subtilis (MIC = 31.5 mg/mL). CodY was identified as a putative molecular target for CSE and CST, and ChaA for VCE. Docking results supported the possibility of spontaneous binding between abundant extract constituents and the predicted targets, with high binding affinities triggering a strong interaction network with target sensing residues. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the antimicrobial activity of these agri-food wastes and introduces a comprehensive in vitro and in silico workflow to support the bioactivity of these agri-food wastes and repurpose them for innovative, eco-sustainable applications in the biotechnology field and beyond. Full article

The valorization of agri-food waste has emerged as a global priority. In this context, fruit seed waste is being investigated for oil extraction due to its richness in bioactive compounds with remarkable health benefits. This review (2020–2025) focuses on the current state of eco-friendly extraction techniques for obtaining high-yield oils enriched with compounds such as tocopherols, polyphenols, fatty acids, phytosterols, and carotenoids. A comparison of the present method with conventional extraction techniques reveals several notable distinctions. Conventional methods are generally characterized by prolonged extraction times, elevated temperatures, and high amounts of solvents and/or energy. The findings of this review suggest that the extraction methodologies employed exerts a substantial influence on the yield and bioactive composition of the oil, which in turn affects its health-promoting properties. Furthermore, the results have demonstrated that alternative methodologies (microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, electric pulse extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, subcritical extraction, and combinations thereof) have analogous oil yields in comparison with conventional methods. In addition, these oils present a superior bioactive profile with feasible potential in industrial and health applications. The novelty of this work lies in its emphasis on the valorization of fruit seed waste, as well as its sustainable approach. This sustainable approach utilizes experimental design strategies, the implementation of developments that employ comprehensive ecological metrics, and the latest trends in the application of artificial intelligence. Full article

The article presents the results of research on the effect of pyrolysis oil used as a binder in the pelletization process. The materials used to produce pyrolysis bio-oil were municipal organic waste and residues from greenhouse tomato production. The research assessed the mechanical strength, physicochemical properties, and modifications of the energy and emission parameters of the produced pellets. As a result, formed fuels were obtained, whose physicochemical properties, among others, were improved in terms of combustion heat (the value increased by up to 15.7%). After selected binders were used, the mechanical strength of the fuels also increased, which in the best variant increased by 2.87%. In all research cycles, valuable data was obtained that can be used, for example, in companies producing formed fuels, as well as in the agri-food industry, where a large amount of waste is generated, the properties of which have not previously allowed their use for energy purposes. Full article

Membrane processes are extensively employed in a range of industrial and food applications. Due to growing environmental concerns and the introduction of regulatory measures, it is imperative to develop innovative membrane materials that can effectively replace petrochemical-based polymers, in line with the principles of a circular economy. The focus of this review is the use of polysaccharides for obtaining films/membranes for food and industrial applications using selected case studies. Besides the polysaccharides extracted from biomass, the valorization of agrifood residues and the use of plants adapted to arid lands (i.e., cactus) to produce polysaccharide films for food packaging is addressed. Moreover, microbial polysaccharides produced using renewable resources present a significant alternative to commercial hydrophilic membranes for gases and ethanol dehydration. To meet industry requirements, the mechanical and barrier properties of the films can be improved by the inclusion of inert impermeable fillers and/or the chemical modification of the polysaccharides. The adsorption of proteins, dyes, and pharmaceutical compounds using a cellulose-based polymer is discussed. Despite their unique characteristics, polysaccharide production costs are still higher than most synthetic polymers. This is a challenge that can be overcome by scaling up the production and by valorizing agro-industrial wastes and by-products to make the application of polysaccharide membranes/films in the food and industry sectors more widespread. Full article

As sustainability gains prominence, the circular economy has encouraged the valorization of agri-food by-products, which are rich in phenolic compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Conventional extraction methods commonly employ organic solvents, which contradict green chemistry principles. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) have emerged as environmentally friendly alternatives for recovering bioactive compounds from food waste. This review investigated recent studies (2020–2024) on ultrasound (UAE), microwave (MAE), and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) using NaDESs to extract phenolic compounds from agri-food by-products. A total of 116 publications were initially identified, of which 19 met the inclusion criteria. UAE combined with NaDESs proved effective, particularly for fruit and oilseed residues. MAE achieved good yields for phenolic acids and flavonoids but showed limitations on high temperatures. PLE, though less explored, demonstrated promising results when optimized for temperature, pressure, and NaDES composition. The combination of NaDESs with assisted extraction techniques enhanced yield, selectivity, and environmental performance compared to conventional approaches. These findings highlight a greener and more efficient strategy for phenolic recovery within a biorefinery framework. Ultimately, this approach contributes to the sustainable management and valorization of agri-food by-products, supporting circular economy principles and the development of cleaner extraction technologies for functional ingredients. Full article

This study investigates the valorization of agri-food residues by repurposing industrial rosehip oil waste for sustainable food packaging development. Market demands for environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional packaging materials prompted the development of laminated multilayer materials for trays through thermo-compression, using modified cassava starch with citric acid as a compatibilizer. Physicochemical characterization revealed appropriate surface roughness (Rz of 31–64 μm) and controlled water absorption capacities of the composite materials (contact angle of 85–95°), properties critical for food quality preservation and safety. The incorporation of polylactic acid (PLA) films in the laminates significantly enhanced the mechanical performance, increasing the stress resistance by 5 to 10 times, and improved moisture resistance, showing a 78–82% reduction in the materials’ water absorption capacity and an almost 50% decrease in water content and solubility, depending on the processing method. Results indicated that these biocomposite laminates represent a viable alternative to conventional polystyrene foam trays for food packaging. Two distinct multilayer manufacturing processes were comparatively evaluated to optimize production efficiency by reducing the energy consumption and processing time. This research contributes to circular economy principles by transforming agricultural waste into value-added laminated materials with commercial potential. Full article

The agro-industrial sector generates large volumes of fruit waste each year, leading to environmental concerns and sustainability challenges. In this study, we evaluate the potential of fruit residues—apple, pear, blueberry, tomato, papaya, and a mixed fruit juice blend—as alternative sources of high-value polysaccharides, including pectins, hemicelluloses, and cellulose. Additionally, white strawberry, included as a reference from fresh fruit rather than agro-industrial waste, was analyzed to expand the comparative framework. These biopolymers, naturally derived from the plant cell wall, are renewable and biodegradable, and they possess physicochemical properties suitable for applications in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, textile, and bioenergy industries. Using a combination of cell wall fractionation, biochemical characterization, and immunodetection of specific structural domains, we identified significant variability in polysaccharide composition and structure among the samples. Blueberry, pear, and apple residues showed high levels of rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) with extensive branching, while variations in rhamnogalacturonan-II (RG-II) dimerization and the degree of methylesterification of homogalacturonan were also observed. These structural differences are key to determining the gelling properties and functional potential of pectins. In the hemicellulose fractions, xylans and xyloglucans with distinct substitution patterns were especially abundant in apple and pear waste. Our findings demonstrate that fruit processing waste holds significant promise as a sustainable source of structurally diverse polysaccharides. These results support the reintegration of agro-industrial residues into production chains and emphasize the need for environmentally friendly extraction methods to enable industrial recovery and application. Overall, this study contributes to advancing a circular bioeconomy by transforming underutilized plant waste into valuable functional materials. Full article

The production of mezcal from agave is one of the main beverage industries worldwide, generating large amounts of waste, such as agave bagasse. Improper management of this waste often causes environmental contamination. Some studies have begun to demonstrate that agave bagasse has the potential to be recycled as a source of functional ingredients due to its dietary fiber and bioactive compound content. However, the greatest disadvantage of using these wastes is the significant variation in compound content and bioactivity in response to seasonal climatic variations. This study aimed to analyze the chemical and bioactive content of agave bagasse from three mezcal factories in Mexico. We conducted proximate composition analysis, phenolic compound measurement, dietary fiber assessment, antioxidant capacity evaluation, and structural analysis using FTIR- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The study found significantly higher ash content (17.75%), carbohydrates (86.71%), and soluble fiber (30.91%) in the spring compared to other seasons. The summer showed a higher lipid content (10.25%), while the highest concentration of sugars (47.77%) was observed during the winter. The highest antioxidant capacity (106.15 mM eq Trolox/mg) was recorded in autumn. The FTIR analysis revealed that the greatest abundance of bioactive compounds was observed in the spring and summer, while structural carbohydrates were more prominent in autumn and winter. This study is the first to thoroughly analyze the seasonal variation in phytochemicals and macromolecules in agave residues, crucial for exploring new ingredient sources to expand our food supply and recycling agri-food wastes. Full article

The agri-food supply chain and other industries that convert agricultural raw materials into various consumer goods generate large quantities of by-products, most of which end up in landfills. This waste, rich in cellulose, provides a significant opportunity for the conversion of agricultural residues into valuable products. In this paper, soybean hulls and hemp waste were subjected to chemical treatments with alkaline (NaOH 2% w/v) and acidic solutions (HCl 1 M) to remove non-cellulosic components and isolate cellulose. The biomass was characterized after each chemical process through FTIR, SEM, EDX, elemental analysis, TGA, and XRD. Lignin was determined following two different procedures, a conventional TAPPI protocol and a method recently proposed in the literature (CASA method). The results indicated that the chemical treatments favored the removal of organic compounds and minerals, increasing the cellulose content in biomass after each step. The purified product of soybean hulls consists of fibers 35–50 µm long and 5–11 µm thick, containing nearly pure cellulose arranged in crystalline domains. Fibers of variable sizes, rich in crystalline cellulose, were isolated from hemp waste. These fibers have diameters ranging between 2 and 60 µm and lengths from 40 to 800 µm and contain considerable amounts of lignin (~14%). Full article

Sustainable solutions to the use of petrochemical products have been increasingly sought after in recent years. While alternatives such as biofuels have been extensively explored and commercialized, major challenges remain in using heterogeneous feedstocks and scaling-up processes. Among biofuels, higher alcohols have recently gained renewed interest, especially in the context of upcycling agri-food residues and other industrial organic wastes. One of the higher alcohols produced via fermentation is butanol, which was developed over a century ago. However, the commercial production of butanol is still not widespread, although diverse feedstocks are readily available. Hydrolysis of the feedstocks and scale-up challenges in the fermentation and purification of butanol are recurring bottlenecks. This review addresses the current state of fermentative butanol production and opportunities to address scale-up challenges, including purification. With the significant interest and promise of precision fermentation, this review also addresses some of the recent advances and potential for enhanced fermentative butanol production. Full article

The agrifood industries generate tremendous amounts of waste, with the valorization of these wastes being of the utmost importance. The aim of this work was to synthesize green zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) using hydromethanolic extracts of spent coffee grounds (SCGs) and post-distillation residues of Cistus ladanifer L. leaves (CLL). The synthesized nZVI were then analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), and their size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP) were determined. Different dispersants (water and methanol) and the impact of a surfactant (Tween^® 20) were tested for DLS analysis. nZVI dispersed in water and added with Tween^® 20 displayed lower agglomeration, particle size, and PDI, but higher ZP than nZVI without the addition of surfactant and methanolic suspension. These results provide further insight into the applicability of surfactants in nZVI characterization. Full article

Recent advancements in analytical strategies have enabled the efficient extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds from agri-food bio-residues, emphasizing green chemistry and circular economy principles. This review highlights the valorization of several agri-food bio-residues for the extraction of high-value-added bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoids, and fatty acids, as a biorefinery approach. To this end, the adoption of environmentally friendly extraction technologies is essential to improve performance, reduce energy consumption, and minimize costs. This study therefore examines emerging methodologies such as supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, pulsed electric fields, and matrix solid-phase dispersion, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Additionally, the chemical characterization of these bioactive compounds is explored through spectrophotometric and high-resolution chromatographic techniques, crucial for their accurate identification and quantification. This is complemented by an analysis of bioactivity assays evaluating antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties, with a focus on their applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. However, the analytical control of toxic compounds, such as alkaloids, in these bio-residues is undoubtedly needed. Ultimately, this approach not only promotes sustainability but also contributes to the development of eco-friendly solutions in various industries. Full article