Search Results (234)

The growing demand for fresh fruit, coupled with high postharvest losses, highlights the need for sustainable and effective preservation technologies. In this context, polymeric biocoatings are emerging as a promising alternative to conventional synthetic packaging, thanks to their biodegradability, film-forming capacity, and potential to incorporate bioactive compounds. This review article summarizes recent advances in the development of coatings based on polysaccharides, proteins, and nanomaterials, analyzing their physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties, and the main conventional and emerging application methods used in fresh fruit. It also highlights the role of phenolic compounds and essential oils as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents, along with the valorization of agro-industrial by-products under circular economy schemes. Finally, it discusses the challenges associated with standardization, industrial scaling, and consumer acceptance, proposing future perspectives aimed at designing multifunctional systems that extend the shelf life and improve the quality of fresh products, in line with environmental sustainability objectives. Unlike recent reviews, this work unifies structure–function relationships with quantitative comparisons of coating performance across fruits. It further contributes a critical evaluation of emerging application technologies and their technological and regulatory readiness, offering a distinctly more integrated perspective. Full article

Fungi have emerged as versatile biotechnological platforms for addressing environmental challenges with potential co-benefits for human health. Among them, Pleurotus ostreatus stands out for its ligninolytic enzyme systems (notably laccases), capacity to valorize lignocellulosic residues, and ability to form functional mycelial materials. We conducted an evidence-mapped review, based on a bibliometric analysis of the Scopus corpus (2001–2025; 2085 records), to characterize research fronts and practical opportunities in environmental remediation and sustainable bioprocesses involving P. ostreatus. The mapped literature shows sustained growth and global engagement, with prominent themes in: (a) oxidative transformation of phenolic compounds, dyes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; (b) biodegradation/bioconversion of agro-industrial residues into value-added products; and (c) development of bio-based materials and processes aligned with the circular bioeconomy. We synthesize how these strands translate to real-world contexts, reducing contaminant loads, closing nutrient loops, and enabling low-cost processes that may indirectly reduce exposure-related risks. Key translational gaps persist: standardization of environmental endpoints, scale-up from laboratory to field, performance in complex matrices, life-cycle impacts and cost, ecotoxicological safety, and long-term monitoring. A practical agenda was proposed that prioritizes field-scale demonstrations with harmonized protocols, integration of life-cycle assessment and cost metrics, data sharing, and One Health frameworks linking environmental gains with plausible health co-benefits. In conclusion, P. ostreatus is a tractable platform organism for sustainable remediation and bio-manufacturing. This evidence map clarifies where the field is mature and where focused effort can accelerate the impact of future research. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable and renewable materials has intensified interest in agro-industrial waste as an alternative source of cellulose. This review critically examines current approaches to cellulose production from major agro-industrial residues, including cereal straw, corn residues, rice waste, sugarcane bagasse, and oilseed by-products. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between feedstock composition and extraction efficiency, highlighting how lignin distribution, hemicellulose content, and mineral impurities influence pretreatment severity, cellulose yield, and process sustainability. The review systematically analyzes chemical, enzymatic, and mechanical processing routes, with particular attention being paid to pretreatment strategies, fibrillation intensity, and yield variability. Beyond cellulose recovery, key sustainability indicators—such as energy demand, water and chemical consumption, waste generation, and chemical recovery—are evaluated to provide a system-level perspective on process efficiency. The analysis demonstrates that cellulose yield alone is an insufficient criterion for sustainable process design and must be considered alongside environmental and techno-economic metrics. Advanced applications of agro-waste-derived cellulose are discussed using a feedstock-driven approach, showing that high functional performance can often be achieved with moderately processed cellulose tailored to specific end uses. Finally, the review addresses challenges related to feedstock heterogeneity, mineral management, standardization, and industrial scale-up, underscoring the importance of biorefinery integration, closed-loop resource management, and harmonized quality descriptors. These insights provide a foundation for the development of scalable and sustainable cellulose production pathways based on agro-industrial waste. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of apple pomace (AP) incorporation on the physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of high-moisture meat analogs from a sustainability perspective. AP, an abundant agro-industrial by-product rich in dietary fiber and polyphenols, was upcycled at inclusion levels of 0–20%. By transforming this food waste into a value-added ingredient, the study aligns with circular bioeconomy principles to reduce environmental footprints. Increasing AP content led to reductions in textural attributes such as hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, and chewiness. Integrity index and cutting strength also declined, particularly beyond 15%, due to the disruption of the protein-starch matrix by dietary fibers. In contrast, antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS) improved significantly with higher AP levels, reflecting polyphenol release during extrusion. These findings highlight a trade-off between enhanced nutritional functionality and reduced structural integrity. Moderate inclusion below 10–15% may therefore offer a balance between antioxidant benefits and acceptable texture. Overall, this research demonstrates the potential of sustainable AP valorization in developing senior-friendly and plant-based meat analog products. The outcomes not only provide practical formulation guidance but also contribute to resource efficiency, waste reduction, responsible consumption, and sustainable food production systems, and the advancement of a circular bioeconomy. Full article

The growing global population, along with evolving dietary trends and increasing concerns about health and the environment, underscores the urgent need to transform current food systems to minimize their environmental footprint and enhance global food security. This transformation has driven the development and demand for alternative food sources. In this context, alternative proteins emerge as promising options due to their production from plants, microorganisms, and insects, which potentially reduces the environmental impact of food production while supporting global food security. Nevertheless, the transition toward alternative proteins presents significant challenges related to the presence of antinutritional compounds, poor amino acid composition, lower digestibility, and undesirable organoleptic characteristics. Moreover, these new generations of alternative foods are highly processed, raising concerns about their nutritional adequacy compared to traditional products. In this context, fermentation technologies have emerged as promising tools to overcome these limitations. Traditional fermentation can degrade antinutritional factors, improve digestibility, and release bioactive compounds, allowing the production of new products with health-promoting properties. Beyond traditional fermentation, biomass fermentation to single-cell protein or microbial protein production represents a sustainable alternative, promoting a climate-friendly approach aligned with circular bioeconomy principles by upcycling various agro-industrial streams. Thus, this review discusses how microbial strategies (from traditional fermentation to cutting-edge microbial protein production) can enhance the nutritional properties of alternative protein-based foods. Emphasis is placed on the capacity of traditional fermentation to improve nutritional quality and bioactivity, mitigate undesirable sensory traits, and preserve or enhance micronutrient content. Additionally, integrating biomass fermentation and emerging precision fermentation positions microorganisms as valuable contributors to more nutritious and sustainable food systems. Full article

Orange peel waste has potential to be valorized from agro-industrial and food sectors to formulate products for personal hygiene and public health. This study presents the formulation of alcohol-based antibacterial gels incorporating essential oils extracted from Citrus sinensis orange peel waste and its sensory evaluation among 770 participants in a holistic approach. The orange essential oil, obtained via hydrodistillation, demonstrated a high limonene content of 96.5% by GC-MS. Antibacterial activity assessed by agar diffusion assays showed orange essential oil efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition zones of 25.9 mm and 23.62 mm, respectively. Two gel prototypes, GSA and GSB, were developed and sensorily evaluated. GSA was preferred for its superior appearance, spreadability, absorption, and smell, with 99% acceptability. Appearance and spread sensory parameters were the differentiators between both formulations according to user preferences. Thus, 93% of respondents are willing to use either GSA or GSB as a daily hygiene product over commercial ones. Although the gels exhibited reduced antibacterial activity relative to essential oil, with inhibition zones measuring 8.3 mm for E. coli and 9.0 mm for S. aureus, they retained satisfactory user acceptability. These findings support the use of citrus biowaste-derived essential oils in sustainable personal hygiene products. Full article

Most polymeric plastics used as food packaging are obtained from petroleum or made with non-biodegradable synthetic molecules, which slowly degrade and leach into the environment, resulting in the accumulation of microplastics along the trophic chains. To mitigate these impacts, biodegradable packaging derived from agro-industrial biomass residues has emerged as a promising alternative. In this study, bio-based methylcellulose films reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) extracted from low-quality coffee beans were developed and fully characterized. The extracted CNCs presented a needle-like morphology, with an average height of 7.27 nm and a length of 221.34 nm, with 65.75% crystallinity, were stable at pH 7–8, and presented thermogravimetric mass loss of 8.0%. Methylcellulose films containing 0.6% w/w of CNC were produced by casting and characterized in terms of thermal, mechanical, and optical properties. Notably, the incorporation of CNCs resulted in significantly more flexible and less rigid films, as evidenced by the higher elongation at break (57.90%) and lower Young’s modulus (0.0015 GPa) compared to neat methylcellulose film. The tensile strength was not affected (p > 0.05). Additionally, the MCNC 0.6% films effectively blocked UV light in the 200–300 nm range without compromising transparency. Altogether, these findings underscore the MCNC 0.6% film as a flexible, biodegradable packaging material suitable for food industry application. Full article

The wine industry generates significant quantities of agro-industrial waste, with grape pomace representing its main fraction. White grape pomace (WGP), rich in fermentable sugars and lipids, can serve as a substrate for biosurfactant production. In this study, the sugar fraction of WGP was used as substrate to produce sophorolipids (SL), a class of microbial biosurfactants, by the yeast Starmerella bombicola. To examine efficient SL production, both a sugar source and lipid source were examined. Three lipid sources were tested: grape seed oil (GSO) extracted from WGP, spent frying oil (SFO), and rapeseed oil (RO), the later serving as a commercial reference. WGP-aqueous extraction yielded a sugar-rich fraction (WSE, 67% w/w) comprising ca. 97% carbohydrates, of which 60% were free sugars, mainly glucose and fructose. GSO accounted for 11% of the seeds’ weight and was predominantly composed of esterified linoleic (71%) and oleic (18%) acids. Bola-type SL were produced under optimized shake-flask conditions at 30 °C and 200 rpm in all WSE conditions, with SFO yielding the highest SL concentration (6.03 g/L), attributed to its oleic acid richness, and GSO yielding 3.75 g/L. This work demonstrates the potential of WGP-derived biomolecules as low-cost alternatives to first-generation substrates (commercial glucose and RO) in SL production by S. bombicola, contributing to the development of sustainable biosurfactants that can serve as a green alternative to petroleum-based surfactants, while reducing the environmental footprint of the wine industry. Full article

This work presents the development and characterization of laminated composite panels produced from açaí residues and fibers, incorporated into a castor oil-based vegetable polyurethane matrix. The study aimed to evaluate the potential of these Amazonian agro-industrial residues as lignocellulosic reinforcement in sustainable materials. The manufacturing process was carried out by manual lamination and cold pressing, following the recommendations of ABNT NBR 14810-2:2018. The physical (moisture, density, and swelling) and mechanical (perpendicular tensile and static flexural) properties of the resulting panels were analyzed. The results revealed an average moisture content of 6.23% and a 24 h swelling of 2.76%, which are values within and well below the regulatory limits, respectively. The perpendicular tensile strength (0.49 N/mm²) exceeded the minimum required value, indicating good interfacial adhesion and internal cohesion. However, the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity (2.4 N/mm² and 1323 N/mm²) were below the standards due to the absence of oriented fibers and density heterogeneity. It is concluded that the composite has high potential for indoor applications with low structural stress, standing out for its lightness, dimensional stability and environmental viability in the use of açaí residues. Full article

This study aimed to extract rice bran oil rich in γ-oryzanol from white (WB) and parboiled rice bran (PB) using ultrasound as a pre-treatment to supercritical fluid extraction (US + SFE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and conventional solvent extraction. PB oil exhibited superior quality compared to WB, with low free fatty acid (FFA) levels and higher γ-oryzanol content. PB oil extracted by US + SFE achieved a yield of 18.2 ± 0.4%, γ-oryzanol content of 1.53 ± 0.19 g 100 g⁻¹, and low FFA content (0.27 ± 0.01%), showing improved oil quality compared to SFE (yield 13.5 ± 0.3%, γ-oryzanol 1.13 ± 0.08%, FFA 0.55 ± 0.01%) and conventional extraction (yield 25.0 ± 1.3%, γ-oryzanol 2.03 ± 0.04%, FFA 1.12 ± 0.01%). The US + SFE oil also showed lower peroxide value (1.7 mEq kg⁻¹) and preserved fatty acid profiles containing palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids. US induced structural disruption in bran, enhancing oil release. Additionally, chitosan–gelatin nanoemulsions were developed to protect the extracted oil. Formulations exhibited droplet sizes of 119–352 nm, polydispersity indices below 0.3, and zeta potentials from –12.4 to 38.8 mV. Gelatin-based nanoemulsions maintained FFAs at 0.56 ± 0.2% and peroxide values at 4.71 ± 0.2 mEq kg⁻¹ over 90 days, demonstrating superior oxidative stability. These results highlight the potential of US and SFE combined with nanostructured delivery systems to valorize agro-industrial byproducts and develop stable, functional ingredients and drug carrier systems. Full article

The irrigation sector urgently needs more eco-sustainable materials able to guarantee the same performance as traditional fittings manufactured from virgin fossil-based polymers. In this study, sustainable composites were developed by melt-compounding virgin and recycled polypropylene (RPP) with hazelnut shell (HS) powder with or without maleic-anhydride-grafted polypropylene (PPC) coupling agent. The materials were characterized by a rheological and mechanical point of view. At high shear rates, the viscosity curves of matrices and composites converge, making the difference between neat and filled systems negligible in terms of processability. This indicates that standard injection-molding parameters used for the neat matrices can also be applied to the composites without significant adjustments. Tensile tests showed that adding 10 wt% HS powder increased the elastic modulus by approximately 30% (from 960 MPa to 1.2 GPa) while reducing elongation at break by about 90% compared with neat RPP. The use of PPC mitigated this loss of ductility, partially restoring tensile strength and increasing EB from 6% to 18% in RPP-based composites (+200%). Finally, sleeve bodies and nuts injection-molded from RPP/HS5 and RPP/HS5/PPC successfully resisted internal water pressure up to 3.5 bar without leakage or structural damage. These findings demonstrate that agro-industrial waste can be effectively valorized as a functional filler in recycled polypropylene, enabling the manufacture of irrigation fittings with mechanical and processing performances comparable to those of virgin PP and supporting the transition toward a circular economy. Full article

This article presents the results of a comprehensive study aimed at developing automated diagnostic methods for identifying spring wheat phytopathologies using hyperspectral imaging (HSI). The research aimed to create an effective plant disease detection system, including at the early stages, which is critically important for ensuring food security in regions where wheat plays a key role in the agro-industrial sector. The study analyses the spectral characteristics of major wheat diseases, including powdery mildew, fusarium head blight, septoria glume blotch, root rots, various types of leaf spots, brown rust, and loose smut. Healthy plants differ from diseased ones in that they show a mostly uniform tone without distinct spots or patches on hyperspectral images, and their spectra have a consistent shape without sharp fluctuations. In contrast, disease spectra, differ sharply from those of healthy areas and can take diverse forms. Wheat diseases with a light coating (powdery mildew, fusarium head blight) exhibit high reflectance; chlorosis in the early stages of diseases (rust, leaf spot, septoria leaf blotch) exhibits curves with medium reflectance, and diseases with dark colouration (loose smut, root rot) have low reflectance values. These differences in reflectance among fungal diseases are caused by pigments produced by the pathogens, which either strongly absorb light or reflect most of it. The presence or absence of pigment production is determined by adaptive mechanisms. Based on these patterns in the spectral characteristics and optical properties of the diseases, a classification model was developed with 94% overall accuracy. Random Forest proved to be the most effective method for the automated detection of wheat phytopathogens using hyperspectral data. The practical significance of this research lies in the potential integration of the developed phytopathology detection approach into precision agriculture systems and the use of UAV platforms, enabling rapid large-scale crop monitoring for the timely detection. The study’s results confirm the promising potential of combining hyperspectral technologies and machine learning methods for monitoring the phytosanitary condition of crops. Our findings contribute to the advancement of digital agriculture and are particularly valuable for the agro-industrial sector of Central Asia, where adopting precision farming technologies is a strategic priority given the climatic risks and export-oriented nature of grain production. Full article

Fungal diseases represent relevant constraints on global agricultural productivity, causing severe yield losses and deterioration of crop quality. The extensive use of chemical fungicides has produced environmental and health concerns due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, toxicity, and the increasing development of resistant fungal strains. To promote sustainable plant protection strategies, this study aimed to evaluate natural alternative products derived from botanical sources and agro-industrial wastes. Eighteen putative inhibiting products (PIPs), selected based on their availability as spontaneous plants or agro-industrial wastes, together with a commercial resistance inducer, were screened in in vitro assays against a collection of 31 phytopathogenic fungi. The inhibitory activity (IA) from the PIPs was evaluated, and statistical analyses were performed to identify the best performer. Several PIPs showed significant inhibitory activity against several fungal species, while others promoted fungal growth, highlighting the dual nature of the tested PIPs as potential bio-fungicides and growth-promoting agents for beneficial fungi. These findings highlight the value of plant-derived metabolites and agricultural waste valorization as promising sources for the development of sustainable botanical fungicides as well as support the transition toward eco-friendly crop protection strategies aligned with the European Green Deal objectives. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable aquafeeds necessitates the development of alternative protein sources that support both economic efficiency and ecological responsibility. This study evaluates the potential of using hempseed meal (a nutrient-dense agro-industrial by-product) as a functional ingredient in carp aquaculture diets. The paper presents a proof-of-concept evaluation demonstrating the potential of hempseed meal as a circular bio-ingredient that aligns with the principles of sustainable aquaculture, rather than providing a comprehensive assessment of its long-term physiological effects on fish. A 90-day feeding trial was conducted under controlled pond conditions to assess the effects of graded hempseeds meal inclusion levels on growth performance, feed utilization, and environmental sustainability indicators for three Cyprinus carpio varieties. Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated: a control diet (R1) based on conventional plant protein sources such as soybean and pea meal, and three experimental diets containing 5%, 10%, and 20% hempseed meal (R2–R4). Growth indices including absolute weight gain (WG), average daily gain (ADG), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined, and data was analyzed via two-way ANOVA with Tukey HSD post hoc testing. Results indicated that 10% hempseed meal inclusion produced optimal growth responses, improving specific growth rate by 12.6% and reduced feed conversion ratio by 10.8% compared to the control. The most pronounced effects were observed for Frăsinet carp variety (SGR 1.23%·day⁻¹; FCR 1.39). Environmental assessments demonstrated that substituting conventional protein sources (soybean and pea meal) with hempseed meal at 20% inclusion valorized 200 kg of hemp press cake per ton of feed, reduced conventional protein use by 33.3%, diverted up to 80% of waste from disposal. These findings validate hempseed meal as a sustainable, cost-effective, and nutritionally viable alternative to conventional protein sources in freshwater aquaculture, advancing circular bioeconomy strategies and supporting low-carbon fish production systems. Full article

In light of the increasing prevalence of metabolic disorders and immune-deficiency conditions, the development of complex plant-based biologically active supplements (BAS) represents a pressing challenge in modern food science. The aim of this study was to develop an immunomodulatory BAS using Jerusalem artichoke, sprouted oats, sprouted barley, and licorice root. Physicochemical, organoleptic, and microbiological analyses of raw materials and experimental samples were performed. It was established that sprouted grains are characterized by increased protein content (oats—12.64%, barley—11.87%) and elevated levels of amino acids (lysine—1.42% in sprouted barley). Jerusalem artichoke demonstrated high levels of dietary fiber (24.65%) and vitamin C (31.95 mg/100 g), while licorice root contained significant amounts of glycyrrhizic acid and vitamin B₂ (0.77 mg/100 g). The combination of Jerusalem artichoke, sprouted grains, and licorice root forms a solid foundation for the development of a complex BAS capable of normalizing metabolism and supporting the immune system, particularly in individuals with diabetes mellitus. This approach aligns with current trends in functional nutrition and contributes to import substitution and the advancement of Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial sector. Four BAS formulations were evaluated, and Sample 4 (Jerusalem artichoke—60 g, sprouted oats—12.5 g, sprouted barley—12.5 g, licorice root—15 g) was identified as optimal due to its balanced composition and high technological performance. It demonstrated good flowability (angle of repose—34°), satisfactory water-holding capacity (0.701 g/g), and the highest stability in organoleptic characteristics. The protein content of this sample was 11.97%, fiber—9.24%, and vitamin E—57.75 mg/100 g. The results confirm that the developed BAS is a valuable source of dietary fiber, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, providing a pronounced synergistic immunomodulatory effect. The practical significance of the study lies in the potential application of the developed composition in the production of functional foods aimed at metabolic correction and diabetes prevention. Full article