Search Results (1,704)

This study evaluated the sustainability of removing phenolic compounds from olive mill effluents using a nanobiochar synthesized from olive pomace. Catechol, tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, and homovanillic alcohol were chosen as model pollutants due to their presence in agro-industrial wastewater. The surface morphology, elemental composition, crystallographic structure, functional groups, porosity, and thermal stability of the nanobiochar were investigated by SEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, BET analysis, and TGA/DTA. The developed nanobiochar exhibited a predominantly amorphous carbon structure, enriched in carbon (85.6%), with localized graphitic domains. Its mesoporous architecture (S_BET = 15.478 m² g⁻¹; Dp = 2.14 nm) promotes accessibility to active sites, while its thermal stability confirmed its suitability for adsorption applications. In this batch adsorption study, the technological aspect considered is the influence of operating parameters on adsorption efficiency, using kinetic and equilibrium models. Pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, as well as Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms, were used to analyze the experimental data. The pseudo-second-order model proved to be the most suitable for describing adsorption, suggesting that the process is primarily dominated by chemisorption. Similarly, the Langmuir model gave the least satisfactory results regarding equilibrium data, indicating monolayer adsorption on homogeneous active sites. The adsorption capacity of phenolic compounds was variable. The highest adsorption capacities were observed for catechol (250 mg g⁻¹), tyrosol (19.23 mg g⁻¹), homovanillic alcohol (15.38 mg g⁻¹), and hydroxytyrosol (13.16 mg g⁻¹). The results of this research indicate that adsorption affinity depends on molecular structure and electronic properties. Furthermore, computer modeling based on molecular simulations and electronic descriptors was performed to explain the adsorption mechanism. Linear regression, principal component analysis, and elastic regression revealed strong correlations between adsorption parameters and molecular descriptors. These results demonstrate that olive pomace-based nanobiochar is an environmentally friendly adsorbent for the treatment of phenolic effluents, with adsorption primarily controlled by surface interactions. Full article

Cold-active cellulases are highly desirable for temperature-sensitive biomass valorization and food processing, yet they remain scarce in conventional industrial fungal platforms. In this study, a novel cold-induced cellobiohydrolase, VvCBHI-II, was mined from the mushroom Volvariella volvacea and successfully engineered into the industrial workhorse Trichoderma reesei via site-specific homologous replacement. Structural homology modeling revealed that the substitution of the flexible B3 loop with a β-sheet creates a more open substrate-binding cleft in VvCBHI-II. Consequently, the purified VvCBHI-II exhibited robust endoglucanase-like characteristics with superior catalytic efficiency on amorphous cellulose. At 10 °C, the engineered cellulase complex demonstrated an 8.1-fold increase in filter paper activity compared to the wild-type strain. Mechanistic structural analyses indicated that the open cleft architecture elongates and weakens the hydrogen-bonding network with the cellobiose product, facilitating rapid product dissociation and alleviating severe cold-induced product inhibition. In practical applications, the engineered cold-active enzyme complex exhibited an exceptional saccharification capacity on natural pear pomace at 10 °C. Furthermore, when applied to simulated fruit juice processing, it significantly maximized the extraction yield, elevated the sweetness response, and substantially mitigated undesirable bitterness and astringency. This study elucidates the structural-functional paradigm of cold-adapted cellobiohydrolases and provides a promising strategy for formulating highly efficient, energy-saving biocatalysts for the food and biorefinery industries. Full article

Cholinergic dysfunction and impaired synaptic plasticity are key mechanisms underlying cognitive decline in neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Schisandra chinensis pomace (SSP), a by-product of fruit processing, contains bioactive lignans and polyphenols with reported neuroprotective properties; however, its effects under cholinergic dysfunction have not been systematically investigated. In this study, the effects of SSP on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment were evaluated using ex vivo electrophysiological and in vivo behavioral approaches. Multi-electrode array recordings demonstrated that SSP at 0.1 mg/mL significantly restored scopolamine-suppressed hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), whereas a higher concentration (1.0 mg/mL) did not restore hippocampal synaptic potentiation. In vivo, C57BL/6N mice received oral SSP (50 or 100 mg/kg/day) for six weeks, with scopolamine administered during the final three weeks. SSP at 50 mg/kg prevented scopolamine-induced body weight loss, attenuated hyperlocomotor activity, and significantly improved memory retention, as evidenced by enhanced performance in the passive avoidance and Morris water maze tests. Furthermore, SSP restored hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and reduced the p-JNK/JNK ratio, indicating modulation of neurotrophic and stress-responsive signaling pathways. Collectively, these findings suggest that SSP attenuates scopolamine-induced cholinergic dysfunction, accompanied by improved hippocampal synaptic plasticity and changes in BDNF and JNK signaling. These results support the potential of SSP as a neuroactive botanical resource under cholinergic challenge. Full article

Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH), comprising saturated (MOSH) and aromatic (MOAH) compounds, are ubiquitous lipophilic contaminants. This review critically examines their occurrence, toxicology, analysis, contamination sources, and mitigation strategies in the olive oil sector. Emphasis is placed on analytical evolution, highlighting online LC-GC-FID and the EN ISO 20122:2024 standard, including advances in saponification and epoxidation to minimize biogenic interferences. Monitoring data reveal that virgin olive oils from the market can sometimes exceed the 2.0 mg/kg limit for the MOAH. Ten times higher levels are usually found in olive pomace oils (OPOs). In OPO, solvent extraction causes a significant reconcentration of hydrocarbons remaining on the solid matter after physical extraction and accumulating during the open-air storage of pomace. Conversely, for virgin oils, contamination can occur at multiple points along the supply chain, but harvesting emerged as the most important critical step, often due to accidental contact with lubricants, greases, or hydraulic fluids. Post-milling operations may also contribute to contamination. Mitigation strategies rely on Good Agricultural and Manufacturing Practices, focusing on the systematic replacement of technical-grade lubricants with food-grade alternatives. Additionally, olive washing can reduce initial MOSH content, while refining further lowers levels, particularly in lighter fractions. Full article

The large-scale use of compost in arable cropping systems is often limited by the large quantities required to meet the crop’s nutritional needs. Palletization can increase the nutrient density of organic fertilizers and improve their logistical feasibility by reducing storage, transport and application costs. This study evaluated the agronomic and environmental performance of compost pellets derived from pig slurry solids and olive pomace, using them as an alternative nitrogen source for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivated under Mediterranean conditions. A field experiment was conducted during the 2022–2023 growing season, with four treatments arranged in 24 m² replicated plots: an unfertilized control (C); pelletized compost (PSCOP); fresh pig slurry (PS); and mineral fertilization based on monoammonium phosphate and urea (IN). Excluding the control treatment, all fertilized plots received a uniform nitrogen rate of 150 kg N ha⁻¹. Soil chemical properties and nutrient availability (Pext, NH₄⁺-N and NO₃⁻-N) were evaluated at the beginning and end of the experiment, while wheat yield and grain quality were assessed at harvest. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were monitored throughout the cropping season to evaluate environmental impacts. The results showed that the wheat yields achieved with PSCOP were comparable to those obtained with PS, although they remained lower than those achieved with mineral fertilization. Grain quality was not adversely affected by the application of PSCOP. Furthermore, PSCOP resulted in lower GHG emissions than mineral fertilization, with values closer to those observed in the unfertilized control. These findings suggest that pelletized organic fertilizers such as PSCOP may be a promising way to enhance nutrient circularity and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and maintain crop productivity and limit environmental impact in Mediterranean agricultural systems. Full article

The large quantities of agri-food waste produced worldwide by the tomato processing industry require recovery. This study evaluated the efficiency of the by-product resulting from tomato juice preparation as an innovative biomaterial for removing lead from water. The pomace was dried and tested in two forms: raw (RT) and after extraction of soluble compounds (ET). The extracts obtained from the preparation of ET, could be reintroduced into the food industry (as colorants, etc.) according to the “zero waste” principle, but further studies are needed. No other chemical pre-treatment was applied to improve the lead-adsorption capacity. The pH influence, biosorbent dosage, kinetics and equilibrium were evaluated. Analytical methods, such as atomic absorption spectrometry, elemental chemical analysis, FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, and predictive models, were applied. The outcomes demonstrated a lead-adsorption efficiency of 99.22% for ET and 89.83% for RT, an optimum pH of 4.0 ± 0.5, and an initial solution containing 20 mg Pb²⁺/L. The Langmuir model predicted high removal capacities: 142.18 mg/g for ET and 90.91 mg/g for RT. Both forms of tomato pomace were efficient for sustainable and cost-effective water remediation, but an improvement was noticed after the extraction of soluble components that could be valorized in other products within the circular economy. Full article

This study presents a comparative evaluation of four drying methods for carrot, red beet, and pumpkin pomace to produce natural functional food ingredients. The work addresses the valorization of 35–45% vegetable processing waste—a rich source of bioactive compounds—aligning with circular bioeconomy principles and Kazakhstan’s goals for deep processing of agricultural raw materials. The compared methods were convective drying (CD), ultrasound pretreatment + convective drying (US + CD), vacuum-microwave drying (VMD), and ultrasound pretreatment + vacuum-microwave drying (US + VMD). Drying kinetics, water activity, physicochemical and functional properties of powders, retention of bioactive compounds, color characteristics, thermal stability, and sensory attributes were assessed. Kinetics were fitted using Midilli et al., Page, and Weibull models. US + VMD provided the highest drying acceleration (6–11 times faster than CD), reaching final moisture of 5.1–5.9%, water activity a_w 0.27–0.31 in 80–170 min, and bioactive compound retention of 90–95% (carotenoids 92–95%, betalains 90–94%). It also delivered superior flowability (Carr’s index 22.5–30.4%), dispersibility (80–88% in 30 s), and thermal stability (75–85% at 200 °C). Acceleration varied by raw material: maximum for beet (up to 11×) due to soluble sugars and nitrates, minimum for pumpkin (5.5–8×) due to dietary fibers and pectins, and intermediate for carrot (6–9×) influenced by carotenoids’ dielectric properties. The results highlight US + VMD’s strong potential for producing functional powders to replace synthetic additives in food systems. Effective method selection and parameter optimization require consideration of raw material type and rheological characteristics. Full article

Zinc deficiency is recognized as a global public health concern, affecting populations of all ages. This study aims to develop zinc supplements (nutraceuticals) based on by-products of the fruit and vegetable processing industry. Dehydrated apple and beetroot pomace powders were enriched with vitamin C and zinc via fluid-bed wet granulation, producing granules with substantially improved flowability (Carr’s index reduced by up to 45%, Hausner ratio by up to 25%, while the bulk and tapped density were reduced by up to 25% and 40%, respectively). Microbiological and long-term storage stability was demonstrated by low water activity (aw) (≤0.3), moisture content (<10%), and glass transition temperatures (T_g = 29–34 °C) that were well above standard storage conditions. The formulated nutraceuticals exhibited stronger antioxidant activity compared to the starting powders, as well as significant anti-hyperglycemic activity. Furthermore, the enhanced bioaccessibility of zinc was confirmed upon in vitro digestion of granulated samples, using atomic absorption spectrometry and differential pulse voltammetry. The present findings demonstrate that apple and beetroot pomaces can be successfully valorized as sustainable and functional matrices for zinc enrichment, being free of gluten, artificial sweeteners, colorants, preservatives, anti-caking agents, and anti-nutritional factors such as phytic acid. Full article

This study evaluated olive leaves from three cultivars (Hojiblanca, Picual, and Arbequina) and olive pomace as complementary sources of bioactive compounds, comparing ultrasound-assisted extraction using organic solvents (UAE) with supercritical CO₂ extraction (SFE). The aim was to determine how the plant matrix and extraction method influence phytochemical composition and functional properties, including antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The results showed that both factors strongly affected extract composition and bioactivity. UAE favored the recovery of phenolic compounds associated with antioxidant activity, particularly in leaf extracts, while SFE promoted a distinct compositional profile enriched in flavonoids and lipophilic constituents, especially in olive pomace. Multivariate analysis confirmed a clear differentiation between matrices and extraction methods. Leaf extracts from Picual and Arbequina were mainly associated with phenolic compounds linked to antioxidant activity, including luteolin, ethyl vanillin, tyrosol, and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside. In contrast, olive pomace extracts were more strongly associated with flavonoids and lipophilic metabolites, such as triterpenes (oleanolic, maslinic, and ursolic acids) and lipid derivatives (oleic acid and lauric isopropanolamide). These compositional differences were reflected in biological activity: UAE extracts showed higher antioxidant activity, whereas SFE extracts, enriched in lipophilic and triterpenic compounds, exhibited stronger antimicrobial effects against Pseudomonas savastanoi and Hanseniaspora sp. Overall, these findings demonstrate that extraction-driven selectivity enables the production of olive-derived extracts with targeted functionalities, with UAE favoring antioxidant-oriented extracts and SFE promoting extracts enriched in lipophilic compounds with antimicrobial potential, particularly from olive pomace. Full article

Plum pomace (PP), a key by-product of plum juice processing, is a rich yet underutilized source of dietary fiber. However, its high-value exploitation is severely limited by the lack of efficient extraction and modification technologies. This study optimized the extraction of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) from plum pomace (PP) via Design of Experiments (DOE), and evaluated their modification effects. Alkaline extraction was screened as the optimal method for IDF, and orthogonal experiments determined the optimal conditions: solid-to-liquid ratio 1:20 g/mL, 14 g/L NaOH, 60 °C, and 80 min, achieving a high extraction yield of 62.18%. For SDF, enzymatic extraction was superior, and response surface methodology (RSM) optimized the process to a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:15.5, 1.0% enzyme dosage, 61.5 °C, and 92 min, with a yield of 29.3%. Physical, chemical, and biological modifications all significantly enhanced SDF’s water/oil-holding capacity, cholesterol/glucose adsorption capacity, and cation exchange capacity. Biologically modified SDF showed the most significant enhancement, with WHC of 5.58 ± 0.05 g/g, OHC of 4.38 g/g, CAC of 7.68 mg/g, and CEC of 3.28 mmol/g. These results provide technical support for the high-value utilization of PP and lay a foundation for its application in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Full article

The wine industry generates large quantities of grape pomace (GP), a lignocellulosic by-product rich in fibers, polyphenols, lipids, and minerals. Improper management and disposal of GP can lead to significant environmental impacts, whereas its valorization creates significant opportunities within a circular economy framework. This review examines the conversion of GP from an agro-industrial residue into functional materials for water and wastewater treatment. Recent advances in GP characterization, thermochemical conversion into biochars, development of hybrid silica- and biopolymer-based composites, and the use of polyphenol-rich extracts for green synthesis of nanomaterials are critically reviewed. GP-derived materials have exhibited high removal efficiencies for dyes, heavy metals, and emerging contaminants, while hybrid systems improve stability, selectivity, and catalytic performance. Despite promising laboratory-scale results, major challenges remain regarding regeneration efficiency, long-term stability, and scalability, which currently limit the competitiveness of GP-derived materials compared to commercial adsorbents. Furthermore, the lack of comprehensive life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis hinders the validation of their environmental and economic viability, underscoring the need for integrated assessments to guide sustainable implementation. Overall, GP is positioned as a second-generation residue with strong potential for cascading valorization strategies that integrate high-value compound recovery with environmental applications, supporting the development of sustainable water purification technologies. Full article

Aging is closely linked to oxidative stress and inflammation. This review provides a critical overview of the antioxidant compounds present in apple pomace and explores how they may mitigate age-related oxidative damage and inflammatory responses. We focus on the nutritional profile of apple pomace including its macro- and micronutrients, with particular focus on polyphenols, such as procyanidin tannins, quercetin glycosides (rutin, quercetin-3-glucoside), phloridzin, dietary fiber, vitamins, and lipids alongside current techniques for isolating its bioactive components. Special attention is given to biological pathways through which these compounds influence aging: redox regulation via Nrf2, inflammatory modulation via NF-κB, and metabolic regulation via AMPK, SIRT1 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR. Evidence from in vitro cellular models (HepG2, CCD-986Sk fibroblasts), in vivo rodent studies and limited human pilot trials is summarized, as well as existing and emerging applications of apple pomace in functional foods, cosmeceuticals, and other sectors. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future opportunities in harnessing this by-product of the food industry. Although clinical data remain limited, preclinical findings support the repurposing of apple pomace as a sustainable functional ingredient contributing to healthier aging and circular economy goals. Future long-term randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm efficacy in humans. Full article

Natural by-products (NBPs), including pomace, peels, stems, and skins, account for over 50% of materials generated during fresh fruit processing. Most of these are discarded or landfilled, contributing to environmental pollution. NBPs are rich in bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and flavonoids, suggesting their potential as functional ingredients for health promotion. Accordingly, twelve types of NBPs from Korea were extracted with 70% ethanol. Each extract was comparatively evaluated at a uniform concentration for antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibition, and elastase inhibition activities. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities were additionally evaluated to identify extracts with superior overall activity profiles. Based on these findings, four extracts exhibiting the highest activities were combined, and the NBP complex was further tested for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Although certain individual NBPs extracts showed strong activities, the NBP complex exhibited enhanced overall effects. These findings indicate that selected NBPs, both individually and in combination, possess significant potential as health-promoting functional ingredients. The study provides scientific evidence supporting the valorization of fruit processing residues into value-added products while addressing environmental concerns associated with their disposal. Full article

Industrial processing of apple to obtain products like juice or cider generates a significant amount of pomace, which represents 25–30% of the fresh fruit mass. Different technologies are needed to valorize apple pomace (AP), considering its significant amount of high-value compounds, such as fiber, vitamins, and polyphenols. Hot-air convection (CA) and infrared (IR) drying are widely used methods for preserving polyphenols from by-products, such as apple pomace (AP), while also extending their shelf life. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of CA and IR drying on drying kinetics, color parameters, and the preservation of polyphenolic compounds, as well as to identify a sustainable extraction approach. Both drying methods significantly affected the color characteristics and content of polyphenols with high antioxidant activity. A significant impact was noticed at higher temperatures, which may be associated with the partial inactivation of browning enzymes. IR drying resulted in a shorter drying time and lower specific energy consumption compared to CA. Furthermore, the assessment of solvent efficiency in ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) indicated that the natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES) composed of choline chloride and glycerol (1:1 molar ratio) provided superior recovery of phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity compared to conventional solvents and the other NaDES analyzed. Optimization of UAE conditions using this polyol-based NaDES allowed for achieving an extract characterized by a polyphenolic profile dominated by flavan-3-ols (catechin and epigallocatechin), followed by phenolic acids, mainly chlorogenic acid. These results confirm the potential of AP as a valuable source of bioactive compounds and of polyol-based NaDESs as a sustainable and efficient alternative for their recovery. Full article

Apple pomace represents an important agro-industrial residue with high moisture content and significant environmental burden if improperly managed. This study investigated its thermochemical valorisation into biochar via two processes, followed by comprehensive physicochemical characterization and agronomic evaluation. Elemental analysis revealed carbon enrichment from 47.89% in raw material to 77–78% after the thermal process, evidencing a progressive aromatization. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman analysis confirmed a temperature-dependent transition from partially amorphous carbon (400 °C) to more ordered aromatic structures (450 °C), while excessive thermal treatment (550 °C) increased structural defects. ICP-OES revealed an enrichment in thermally stable metals (Fe, Al, Mn) and limited Cd accumulation. Germination assays using Triticum aestivum L. demonstrated that biochar produced at 400 °C significantly improved the germination uniformity and seedling height (14.1 mm), as well as biomass accumulation compared to the control soil sample. The fertilizer addition increased the soluble Na and electrical conductivity (up to 643 µS/cm), potentially inducing transient salinity stress. Soil chemical analysis indicated increased K availability in soils amended with biochar produced at 400 °C, whereas the combination of biochar obtained at 450 °C with fertilizer conducted to elevated concentrations of certain trace metals, mainly Ni and Cr, highlighting the demand for careful monitoring. Overall, the biochar produced at 400 °C yielded to an optimal balance between structural stability, nutrient enrichment, and agronomic performance, evidencing that apple pomace may be a viable feedstock for sustainable biochar production within circular bioeconomy frameworks. Full article