Search Results (108)

This study proposes an integrated framework for sustainable tropical agriculture by combining biochemical waste valorization with spatial carbon footprint estimation in ‘Phulae’ pineapple production. Peel and eye residues from fresh-cut processing were enzymatically converted into rare sugar, achieving average conversion efficiencies of 35.28% for peel and 37.51% for eyes, with a benefit–cost ratio of 1.56 and an estimated unit cost of USD 0.17 per gram. A complementary zero-waste pathway produced functional gummy products using vinegar fermented from pineapple eye waste, with the preferred formulation scoring a mean of 4.32 out of 5 on a sensory scale with 158 untrained panelists. For spatial carbon modeling, the Bare Land Referenced Algorithm (BRAH) and Otsu thresholding were applied to multi-temporal Sentinel-2 and THEOS imagery to estimate plantation age, which strongly correlated with field-measured emissions (r = 0.996). This enabled scalable mapping of plot-level greenhouse gas emissions, yielding an average footprint of 0.2304 kg CO₂ eq. per kilogram of fresh pineapple at the plantation gate. Together, these innovations form a replicable model that aligns tropical fruit supply chains with circular economy goals and carbon-related trade standards. The framework supports waste traceability, resource efficiency, and climate accountability using accessible, data-driven tools suitable for smallholder contexts. By demonstrating practical value addition and spatially explicit carbon monitoring, this study shows how integrated circular and geospatial strategies can advance sustainability and market competitiveness for the ‘Phulae’ pineapple industry and similar perennial crop systems. Full article

Dragon fruit peel is a by-product rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and betalains. In this study, ultrasound-assisted enzyme extraction (UAEE) was proposed to exploit this, combining the advantages of the enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrasound extraction. The effect of extraction time, temperature, and enzyme quantity were evaluated using a Box–Behnken design. Total betalains and polyphenol contents were determined spectrophotometrically. The results show that the extraction of total polyphenols was significantly affected (p ≤ 0.05) by the enzyme quantity, while temperature had a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on the extracted betalains. The optimal conditions for the extraction of total betalains and polyphenols were a temperature of 20 °C, an extraction time of 20 min, and an enzyme/substrate ratio of 400 mg/g. Under optimized conditions, the extraction efficiency reached 565.6 ± 12.9 µg/g for total betalains and 14.9 ± 2.4 mg/g for total polyphenols. In addition, UAEE showed the best extraction yields compared to other methodologies, such as microwave, ultrasound, and enzymatic hydrolysis extraction (p ≤ 0.05). This study helps us to understand how the temperature, time, and amount of enzymes affect the extraction of total polyphenols and betalains present in the peel of the dragon fruit using the UAEE technique. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that poses a significant gastroenterological challenge. Methods: This study investigates the protective effects of garlic peel extract (GPE) in a rat model of acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis. Rats received oral GPE (100 mg/kg) for 14 days prior to AA administration, and this continued for 14 days post-induction. Results: GC-MS analysis of GPE identified several key phytochemicals, primarily methyl esters of fatty acids (62.47%), fatty acids (10.36%), fatty acid derivatives (6.75%), and vitamins (4.86%) as the major constituents. Other notable compounds included steroids, natural alcohols, organosulfur compounds, fatty aldehydes, carotenoids, sugars, and glucosinolates. GPE treatment significantly improved body weight and colon length. Biochemical analysis showed that GPE downregulated the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), compared to the colitis (AA) group. Additionally, GPE reduced the oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers, including myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as caspase-3, a marker for apoptosis. Furthermore, GPE treatment resulted in enhanced activities of the enzymatic antioxidants catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), along with increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These findings were supported by histological evidence. Conclusions: Collectively, GPE holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for UC, owing to its natural bioactive compounds and their potential synergistic anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. Full article

The Amazon region’s rich biodiversity supports a bioindustry model that utilizes various biological assets from different plant species, and where it will add value to existing production chains, starting to supply bio industrialized products and not just primary products. Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is rich in bioactive compounds that interest the food and pharmaceutical industries. Thus, the main objective of this review is to present ways to add value to the guarana production chain by developing bioproducts using the residues generated in its processing. During processing, various residues are generated, as follows: peel (corresponding to 30% of the total mass of the fruit), and pulp (aryl), shell, and spent seeds, which have potential for application according to their characteristics. These residues were used to obtain bioactive compounds (catechins, theobromine, and caffeine) through different types of extraction (conventional, enzymatic, and pressurized liquid), and, subsequently, encapsulation. They were also applied in biodegradable and active packaging. Due to the high hemicellulose concentration, residual guarana seeds’ characteristics could potentially produce xylooligosaccharides (XOS). Therefore, the concept of biorefinery applied within the guarana production chain provides products that can be studied in the future to determine which processes are viable for expanding and valuing the productive chain of this fruit, in addition to strengthening sustainable development in the Amazon. Full article

Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.), cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) and mango (Mangifera indica L.) are among the most cultivated plants in tropical and subtropical regions due to the high demand around the world. Following the harvesting and processing of pineapple, cashew and mango fruits, a huge amount of waste is generated, which is generally discarded into the environment, contributing to global pollution and water contamination. This study aims to propose alternative feeds for pigs by characterizing cashew, pineapple and mango fruit by-products through an in vitro two-step (gastro-intestinal and caecum) study to provide feeds not competing with humans and promoting eco-sustainable livestock. Ten by-products [i.e., pineapple peel and pomace; cashew nut testa, cashew (var. yellow) whole fruit and pomace; cashew (var. red) whole fruit and pomace; mango peel, kernel and testa] were sampled in Benin. The samples involved chemical analysis and an in vitro two-step digestion method (enzymatic + microbial digestibility). The results report a low dry matter (DM) content specifically in the pomace, peel and whole apple (13.0–27.2%), while higher lipids were observed for cashew nut testa and mango kernel (26.4 and 11.2% DM). The investigated by-products fall within the interval of referenced feeds for structural carbohydrates (NDF: 7.6–47.1% DM) and protein (6.21–51.2% DM), except mango by-products with a low content of protein (2.51–4.69% DM). The total dry matter digestibility, short-chain fatty acid and gas production were low for cashew by-products and stopped after 48 h of incubation. Pineapple pomace, cashew whole apple, pomace and testa can be considered as feedstuff in fattening pigs, presenting characteristics partly similar to beet pulp. Indeed, mango peel and kernel should be combined with a protein feed source to feed pigs. Presently, fruit by-products, such as those from cashew, pineapple and mango, are thrown into the environment, contributing to global warming and water pollution. These problems would be reduced by recycling these wastes in other fields, such as pig nutrition, creating a circular economy to provide feeds promoting eco-sustainable livestock. Indeed, in vivo studies are needed before proposing these by-products for pig diets. Full article

This study evaluates the feasibility of using banana peels as a substrate for cultivating fodder yeast biomass. Banana peels (BPs), representing approximately 38% of the total fruit weight, are rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, thus presenting a significant opportunity for valorisation. The study investigates the effects of microwave and ultrasound treatments on the hydrolysis efficiency of banana peels and the subsequent cultivation of yeast. Two yeast strains, Scheffersomyces stipitis and Meyerozyma guilliermondii, were cultivated in hydrolysates prepared using various methods, including acid–thermal, enzymatic, microwave, and ultrasound treatments. The results demonstrate that enzymatic hydrolysis following microwave or ultrasound pretreatment significantly enhances sugar release, supporting higher biomass yields. The maximum biomass concentration achieved was 7.68 g DM/L, with crude protein content reaching up to 45.46% DM. These results indicate that banana peels can be effectively utilised for single-cell protein production, providing a sustainable alternative for animal feed. The study underscores the potential of integrating microwave and ultrasound technologies in bioprocessing to enhance the efficiency and environmental sustainability of yeast cultivation. Full article

Money Art is a growing contemporary practice where artists transform banknotes into unique visual works. While conceptually powerful, these artworks present significant conservation challenges due to their fragile substrates and complex material compositions. This study investigates the degradation behaviour of UniPosca acrylic markers applied on zero-euro banknotes, drawing on the techniques of artist RichardHTT, and explores bio-based protective strategies suitable for their preservation. Laboratory samples were prepared to replicate the original artwork and subjected to accelerated ageing. A multi-analytical approach was employed, including multispectral imaging, Fourier trasform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) colorimetric analysis. Thickness and adhesion properties were assessed with contact micrometry and peel tests, while wettability was evaluated through static contact angle measurements. Four biopolymer coatings, chitosan and chitosan–nanocellulose films with varying CNC concentrations, were evaluated for their transparency, mechanical stability, and compatibility with the substrate. Results showed that painted areas, especially those with blue and black pigments, experienced marked degradation, while, after coating application, samples demonstrated improved chromatic stability, hydrophobicity, and adhesion. Importantly, all coatings were fully removable via enzymatic cleaning with α-amylase, confirming their reversibility. This research highlights the potential of chitosan-based biocomposites as conservation materials for non-traditional artworks and contributes to developing tailored, reversible strategies for contemporary art preservation. Full article

Highland barley is a low-glycemic-index grain, and its slow-digesting starch can help delay or prevent the onset and progression of type Ⅱ diabetes. Peeling processes can alter the composition of highland barley, potentially changing its digestive properties. This study explored how changes in nutritional components due to different peeling times (zero, one, two, and three times) affected the digestion and absorption of barley during the gastric and intestinal phases and the utilization of undigested substrates at the distal end of the digestive tract, as well as their impact on fasting blood glucose regulation. The findings indicated that highland barley with fewer peeling times, which retained its outer layer that is rich in dietary fiber, protein, and polyphenols, delayed starch digestion and exhibited better hypoglycemic effects. Compared to unpeeled highland barley, the starch digestion rates of highland barley with one, two, and three peeling times increased by 2.82%, 18.62%, and 26.43% (p < 0.05). Based on microstructure, at the same enzymatic digestion time, starch with fewer peeling times retained a more intact granule structure. In mice with dysregulated glucose and lipid metabolism induced by the HFD/STZ method, highland barley with fewer peeling times exhibited a stronger hypoglycemic effect (6.13 mmol/L and 6.07 mmol/L). Additionally, the highland barley dietary intervention improved the gut microbiota composition in these mice, restoring the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio balance and enriching various probiotics, such as Akkermansia and Lactobacillus. Furthermore, this effect was inversely proportional to the number of peeling times. Full article

The solid-state fermentation (SSF) of agro-industrial by-products such as okara, pomegranate peel, and cranberry pomace presents a sustainable approach to enhance the release of bioactive compounds. This study investigated the effects of different microbial cultures—Rhizopus oligosporus, Aspergillus oryzae, Streptococcus thermophilus, and a co-culture of R. oligosporus and S. thermophilus—on the bioconversion of bioactive compounds in 100% okara, okara with 2% pomegranate peel, and okara with 1% cranberry pomace. The objective was to assess whether co-culture fermentation with molds and S. thermophilus augments the release of bioactive compounds in okara-based fermentations through synergistic enzymatic activity. Over a period of 72 h, isoflavone transformation (daidzin, daidzein, genistin, and genistein), pH evolution, and water activity were assessed. The co-culture system exhibited improved bioconversion, leading to significant (p < 0.01) increases in daidzein and genistein in pure okara compared to the starting material. The highest polyphenol content (0.908 mg/g) and antioxidant capacity (24.9 mg Trolox eq/g) were recorded in 100% okara. However, pomegranate peel inhibited β-glucosidase activity, delaying the release of isoflavone aglycones. These findings confirm that co-culture fermentation is an effective strategy for enhancing the bioactive properties of okara-based fermentations. This facilitates the release of bioactive aglycones and supports the upcycling of agro-industrial by-products into functional food ingredients. Future research should focus on optimizing fermentation parameters to further enhance the release of bioactive compounds. Full article

During plant development or interactions with pathogens, modifications of the plant cell wall occur. Among the enzymes involved, pectinases, particularly polygalacturonases (PGases), play a crucial role in the controlled hydrolysis of cell wall polysaccharides, leading to the formation of oligogalacturonides (OGs). These pectin-derived fragments act as key elicitors of plant defense responses, stimulating innate immunity and enhancing resistance to pathogens by modulating the expression of genes involved in immune responses and inducing the production of defense compounds. OGs are of particular interest for plant protection as a natural alternative to conventional phytosanitary products as they can be obtained through chemical, thermal, or enzymatic degradation of plant biomass. In a sustainable approach, agricultural by-products rich in pectin, such as citrus peels, apple pomace, or sugar beet pulp, offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative for OG production. Thus, the current review aims to (i) update the state of the art about the different methods used to produce OGs, (ii) explore the potential of OGs as bio-based biocontrol molecules, and (iii) examine the relevance of new pectin sources for OG production. Full article

Enzyme peels are an emerging and effective cosmetic technique for controlled skin exfoliation. Naturally occurring proteolytic enzymes such as bromelain, ficin, and papain have gained increasing attention as promising cosmetic and cosmeceutical ingredients due to their exfoliating and skin resurfacing properties. These enzymes catalyze the hydrolysis of keratin protein bonds, facilitate the removal of dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the epidermis, and promote cell turnover. The role of these enzymes in skin care is particularly noteworthy due to their gentle, yet effective, exfoliating action, their ability to improve the penetration of active ingredients, and their contribution to skin renewal and regeneration. While proteolytic enzymes are traditionally extracted from fruit pulp, recent research highlights fruit by-products such as pineapple peels, fig latex, and papaya peels, as sustainable and environmentally friendly sources. These by-products, which are often discarded in the food and agricultural industries, are rich in enzymatic activity and bioactive compounds, making them valuable alternatives for cosmetic applications. Their use is in line with the principles of the circular economy. They contribute to waste prevention while improving the availability of effective enzymatic exfoliants. This review provides a comparative analysis of bromelain, ficin, and papain, highlighting their different biochemical properties, their efficacy in cosmetic formulations, and their common mechanisms of action. In addition, the extraction processes from fruit by-products, their incorporation into skin care formulations, and their potential for sustainable cosmetic applications are examined. The results underline the growing importance of proteolytic enzymes, not only as exfoliating agents, but also as multifunctional bioactive components in next-generation cosmetic products. Full article

The bioethanol produced from biomass fermentation is characterised by its renewable nature, as expressed in its life cycle. The Amazonian taro, with 72% starch content, can be an alternative to traditional raw materials such as corn and sugarcane. The objective of this study was to evaluate taro (Colocasia esculenta) as a raw material for bioethanol production through ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis. For the enzymatic hydrolysis process, α-amylase and glucoamylase enzymes were used. Active dry yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was employed for fermentation. The chemical characterisation analysis of the flour with peel (WP) revealed high levels of protein (8.71%), crude fibre (4.21%) and total ash (5.56%). However, taro flour without peel (NP) revealed higher starch results (27.5%). The evaluation of reducing sugars during enzymatic hydrolysis showed better results in the samples with ultrasonic pretreatment, specifically in the sample with peel (WP-US) (1017.8 mg/L). The ethanol yield was significantly higher in the ultrasound-treated samples, achieving an approximately 35% increase in ethanol yield for both peeled and unpeeled samples compared to untreated samples. These findings open up new perspectives for using this tuber in the biofuel industry. Furthermore, they emphasise the need for continued research on biomass conversion processes. Full article

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which is classified as a catecholamine. It is also one of the main metabolites produced by some tumor types (such as paragangliomas and neoblastomas). As such, determining and monitoring the level of dopamine is of the utmost importance, ideally using analytical techniques that are sensitive, simple, and low in cost. Due to this, we have developed a non-enzymatic dopamine sensor that is highly sensitive, selective, and rapidly detects the presence of dopamine in the body. A hybrid material fabricated with NiO and ZnO, based on date fruit extract, was synthesized by hydrothermal methods and using NiO as a precursor material. This paper discusses the role of date fruit extracts in improving NiO’s catalytic performance with reference to ZnO and the role that they play in this process. An X-ray powder diffraction study, a scanning electron microscope study, and a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study were performed in order to investigate the structure of the samples. It was found that, in the composite NiO/ZnO, NiO exhibited a cubic phase and ZnO exhibited a hexagonal phase, both of which exhibited well-oriented aggregated cluster shapes in the composite. A hybrid material containing NiO and ZnO has been found to be highly electro-catalytically active in the advanced oxidation of dopamine in a phosphate buffer solution at a pH of 7.3. It has been found that this can be accomplished without the use of enzymes, and the range of oxidation used here was between 0.01 mM and 4 mM. The detection limit of non-enzymatic sensors is estimated to be 0.036 μM. Several properties of the non-enzymatic sensor presented here have been demonstrated, including its repeatability, selectivity, and reproducibility. A test was conducted on Sample 2 for the detection of banana peel and wheat grass, and the results were highly encouraging and indicated that biomass waste may be useful for the manufacture of medicines to treat chronic diseases. It is thought that date fruit extracts would prove to be valuable resources for the development of next-generation electrode materials for use in clinical settings, for energy conversion, and for energy storage. Full article

Pectinolytic enzymes play a key role in many beverages manufacturing processes, improving their clarification and filtration steps. Fungal pectinases are considered promising green catalysts for industrial applications, and they can be produced using fruit-processing residues as substrate. In this study, we investigated the optimal conditions to produce polygalacturonase from Aspergillus brasiliensis in a solid-phase bioprocess, using cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) peel as substrate. Then, the pectinolytic extract was applied in the clarification of cupuaçu juice. A central composite design was used to determine the optimal fungal cultivation conditions. Thus, the optimal fungal cultivation (maximum production of 11.81 U/g of polygalacturonase) was obtained using cupuaçu peel with 80% moisture, at 34 °C, for 7 days in a medium containing 4.2% phosphorus and 2.6% nitrogen. The enzymatic extract showed greater activity at 60 °C and stability at a pH range between 5.0 and 7.0. The pectinolytic extract was able to clarify the cupuaçu juice, causing a 53.95% reduction in its turbidity and maintaining its antioxidant activity. Our results demonstrate that the cupuaçu peel can be used as a substrate to produce polygalacturonase, and the enzymatic extract produced can be applied in the cupuaçu juice processing, contributing to the circular economy. Full article

Different solvents water, ethanol and ethanol/water (6:4 v/v), were compared in the extraction of pomegranate peels and seeds (PPS) in terms of recovery yields, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial action against typical spoilage bacterial and fungal species. The best performing extract (ethanol/water (6:4 v/v) was shown to contain mostly ellagic acid and punicalagin as phenolic compounds (5% overall) and hydrolysable tannins (16% as ellagic acid equivalents) and was able to inhibit the growth of the acidophilic Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris at a concentration as low as 1%. The preservation of the organoleptic profile of A. acidoterrestris-inoculated apple juice with extract at 1% over 20 days was also observed thanks to the complete inhibition of bacterial growth, while the extract at 0.1% warranted a significant (40%) inhibition of the enzymatic browning of apple smoothies over the first 30 min. When incorporated in whey proteins’ isolate (WPI) at 5% w/w, the hydroalcoholic extract conferred well appreciable antioxidant properties to the resulting coating-forming hydrogel, comparable to those expected for the pure extract considering the amount present. The WPI coatings loaded with the hydroalcoholic extract at 5% were able to delay the browning of cut fruit by ca. 33% against a 22% inhibition observed with the sole WPI. In addition, the functionalized coating showed an inhibition of lipid peroxidation of Gouda cheese 2-fold higher with respect to that observed with WPI alone. These results open good perspectives toward sustainable food preservation strategies, highlighting the potential of PPS extract for the implementation of WPI-based active packaging. Full article