Search Results (3,596)

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a versatile class of porous nanomaterials with exceptional surface area, tunable pore architectures, and customizable chemical functionalities, creating new opportunities for advanced food applications. Increasing demand for functional foods, precision fermentation, and sustainable bioprocessing has stimulated interest in MOFs as multifunctional platforms for microbial encapsulation, biocatalyst stabilization, and resource recovery. This review examines recent advances in the design and application of MOFs for probiotic delivery, precision fermentation, and circular food systems. The relationships between MOF structure, physicochemical properties, and functional performance are discussed in the context of probiotic encapsulation, protection against environmental and gastrointestinal stress, and controlled release within the intestinal tract. Emerging applications in precision fermentation are evaluated, including microbial immobilization, enzyme stabilization, metabolite separation, and bioprocess intensification. The potential of MOFs to enable circular food systems through the valorization of fermentation by-products, nutrient recovery, and waste-to-value strategies is also assessed. Despite significant progress, challenges related to biocompatibility, food-grade synthesis, scalability, regulatory approval, and long-term safety continue to limit industrial implementation. Future research directions include the development of sustainable and biodegradable MOFs, data-driven material design, and standardized evaluation frameworks to accelerate the translation of MOF-enabled technologies from laboratory research to commercial food applications. Full article

Agri-food processing generates large quantities of residues that are increasingly recognized as sustainable sources of bioactive ingredients for high-value applications. This narrative review examines agri-food by-products as sources of antioxidant compounds and provides an integrated mechanistic perspective on their applications in skin, oral, and hair care. By highlighting the shared antioxidant mechanisms of action underlying these applications, the review offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the cosmeceutical potential of agri-food-derived bioactive compounds. Peer-reviewed studies published mainly between 2015 and 2026 were considered, focusing on the chemical composition of by-products, green recovery strategies, biological mechanisms, and evidence from in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo, and clinical studies. Fruit and vegetable peels, seeds, skins, pomaces, and other agro-industrial residues contain polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, carotenoids, vitamins, lipids, peptides, and polysaccharides with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, photoprotective, anti-aging, moisturizing, and pigmentation-modulating properties. These compounds can reduce oxidative stress, support endogenous antioxidant defences, modulate redox-sensitive signaling pathways, attenuate inflammation, preserve extracellular matrix integrity, and improve skin barrier-related outcomes. Green extraction technologies, including ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, and natural deep eutectic solvents, enhance their sustainable recovery. Overall, agri-food by-products represent promising resources for circular cosmeceutical innovation, although extract standardization, safety, stability, skin bioavailability, formulation performance, and controlled clinical validation remain essential for translation. Full article

Given the increasing need to reduce food losses and implement circular economy strategies, plant-based processing byproducts represent a promising source of functional ingredients. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the potential of pumpkin peels as a raw material for enriching cereal products, as a value-added ingredient for wheat pasta, and to analyze their nutritional and technological properties. Pumpkin peels were dried, ground, and thoroughly analyzed for chemical composition, bioactive compound content, and functional properties. Model pastas were developed with a 5–15% addition of pumpkin peel powder and assessed for their chemical composition, cooking quality, rheological behavior, antioxidant properties, starch digestibility, texture, oxidative stability, and in vitro prebiotic potential, as well as their health-promoting potential. The results demonstrated that pumpkin peel powder was a rich source of dietary fiber, polyphenols, and carotenoids, which translates into high antioxidant activity. Enriching the pasta with this raw material significantly increased the content of bioactive components and fiber, while having a moderate impact on technological properties. The most beneficial effects were achieved with a 10–15% addition, although higher levels may affect texture and cooking parameters. Pumpkin peels can therefore be a valuable ingredient in functional foods, supporting waste valorization and circular bioeconomy strategies. Full article

Fruit pomace represents a valuable by-product of the fruit processing industry that can be reutilized to improve the nutritional quality of bakery products while contributing to sustainable waste valorisation. This study evaluated the effect of partially replacing wheat flour with apple, sour cherry, and peach pomace (5–15%) on the mineral composition and colour characteristics of biscuits and performed a detailed physicochemical and sensory assessment of biscuits enriched with peach pomace. Biscuits were prepared by substituting wheat flour with 5%, 10%, and 15% fruit pomace. Mineral composition and colour parameters were determined for biscuits containing all three pomace types. Based on the initial screening, peach pomace was selected for further physicochemical and sensory analyses. Fruit pomace significantly improved the mineral composition of biscuits. Sour cherry pomace increased Ca, Cu, and Mg contents, whereas peach pomace enhanced Fe, K, Mg, and Zn levels. Pomace addition also affected colour, resulting in lower lightness (L*) and higher redness (a*) and yellowness (b*), depending on pomace type and concentration. In peach pomace biscuits, increasing the substitution level led to higher moisture and acidity, while biscuit diameter and thickness decreased because of gluten network dilution. Sensory evaluation showed that biscuits containing 5–10% peach pomace achieved the highest scores for colour, aroma, taste, and overall acceptability. Fruit pomace can be successfully incorporated into wheat biscuits to improve their mineral composition while maintaining satisfactory quality attributes at appropriate substitution levels. The applied two-step approach identified peach pomace as the most suitable ingredient for biscuit fortification and supports the sustainable valorisation of fruit processing by-products in bakery applications. Full article

Agricultural biomass, comprising animal manure, food processing residues, lignocellulosic agricultural by-products, and other agro-industrial wastes, is generated in large quantities worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Although these residues pose significant environmental disposal challenges, they represent abundant renewable carbon resources that can be valorized into biofuels, contributing to sustainable waste management and circular bioeconomy initiatives. Biohythane, a gaseous fuel consisting of hydrogen and methane, is primarily produced through two-stage anaerobic digestion, in which dark fermentation generates hydrogen-rich intermediates that are subsequently converted into methane during methanogenesis. The separation of these stages enables independent optimization of hydrogen and methane production, resulting in improved substrate conversion efficiency and higher energy recovery than conventional single-stage anaerobic digestion. In addition, the presence of hydrogen enhances combustion characteristics while reducing greenhouse gas and nitrogen oxide emissions. This review critically evaluates recent advances in biohythane production from agricultural biomass through a structured assessment of peer-reviewed literature retrieved from major scientific databases. The selected studies were synthesized to examine biomass feedstocks, pretreatment technologies, microbial communities, metabolic pathways, reactor configurations, and process optimization strategies influencing biohythane production. The review further discusses the advantages and limitations of different agricultural residues, identifies current technological and economic challenges, and highlights emerging research opportunities to improve process efficiency and facilitate the sustainable commercialization of biohythane as a low-carbon renewable energy source. Full article

The agri-food sector generates significant quantities of by-products and waste biomass, representing both an environmental challenge and an opportunity for resource recovery within a circular bioeconomy. This study developed a decision-support framework for the sustainable valorization of major residues from the Italian agri-food sector. Following a Material Flow Analysis (MFA) of multiple Italian agri-food supply chains, tomato and grape supply chains were selected as representative case studies because they generated the largest quantities of valorizable by-products among the agri-food sectors evaluated, namely tomato pomace and grape marc. MFA based on FAOSTAT and PRODCOM data (2019–2023) was combined with a literature review to assess biomass availability and physicochemical characteristics. The analysis identified tomato pomace and grape marc as the predominant residues. Tomato pomace showed high moisture content (63.34%), balanced organic composition, and a favorable C/N ratio, supporting its suitability for anaerobic digestion with an average biomethane potential (BMP) of 0.143 m³ CH₄/kg TVS. Conversely, grape marc exhibited a carbon-rich lignocellulosic structure, with a carbon content of 47.67%, C/N ratio of 24.73, and BMP of 0.195 m³ CH₄/kg TVS, favoring thermochemical conversion pathways, particularly pyrolysis. The framework also highlights the importance of cascading strategies, prioritizing the recovery of high-value compounds, and pretreatment approaches to improve biomass conversion efficiency. Overall, this approach supports optimized resource recovery and sustainable agri-food waste management. Full article

Isocyanides constitute a valuable class of organic compounds widely employed in multicomponent reactions (MCRs), heterocycle synthesis, and drug discovery. However, their broader application is limited by low commercial availability and hazardous classical synthetic methods. Herein, we report a greener microwave-assisted protocol for the efficient synthesis of isocyanides through a modified Hofmann carbylamine reaction. The methodology is based on the in situ generation of dichlorocarbene from near-stoichiometric amounts of chloroform and sodium hydroxide, using Span^® 80 (sorbitan monooleate) as a biodegradable phase-transfer catalyst under microwave irradiation. Importantly, the protocol eliminates the need for aqueous workup procedures, thereby reducing waste generation and improving the overall sustainability of the process. A broad range of aliphatic-, aromatic-, and amino-acid-derived isocyanides was obtained in moderate-to-excellent isolated yields (43–96%) within 30 min, without isolation of intermediates. Compared with conventional approaches, the proposed methodology avoids toxic dehydrating agents such as POCl₃ and phosgene, eliminates the need for formamide precursors, and reduces hazardous by-products associated with dehydration processes. The protocol is operationally simple, scalable, and represents a practical, convergent, and environmentally more benign alternative for isocyanide synthesis. Full article

Mycotoxin contamination of cereal-based pig feeds is a persistent threat to swine health and global pork safety. Pigs are uniquely susceptible to mycotoxicosis, and the principal toxins—aflatoxins (AFs), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), fumonisins (FUMs), and ochratoxin A (OTA)—cause impaired growth, reproductive failure, hepato- and nephrotoxicity, immunosuppression, and carry-over residues in edible tissue. Anti-mycotoxin feed additives, including mineral adsorbents, biotransforming agents, and multicomponent mycotoxin-detoxifying agents (MMDAs) combining clays, phytogenic antioxidants (curcumin, silymarin), and postbiotics (yeast cell wall, hydrolyzed yeast), constitute the primary mitigation strategy. Beyond animal health, these agents play underappreciated roles in both the circular economy (CE)—enabling safe valorization of by-product feed ingredients and reducing feed waste—and in the life cycle assessment (LCA) sustainability profile of pork production, where feed conversion ratio (FCR) drives 22–95% of greenhouse gas emissions. Field-based in vivo studies in sows and weaned piglets, integrating plasma oxidative stress biomarkers (TBARS, protein carbonyls, total antioxidant capacity) with performance and reproductive endpoints, provide the most comprehensive real-world evidence for MMDA efficacy to date. This review synthesizes mycotoxin toxicology, anti-mycotoxin agent mechanisms, clinical evidence, and the CE/LCA sustainability framework, proposing integrated mycotoxin management as a One Health imperative in modern swine production. Full article

Geothermal energy production requires durable well-cementing materials capable of withstanding extreme thermal fluctuations, yet the high carbon footprint and cost of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) necessitate sustainable alternatives such as fillers and supplementary cementitious materials. This study investigates whether waste-based Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC), a sugar beet industry by-product, is feasible for use as a sustainable partial replacement/filler material in OPC-based concrete mixtures considered for geothermal-related cementitious applications. The experimental program was conducted in two distinct phases. Initially, PCC replaced OPC at 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% by weight to evaluate mechanical performance. In the second phase, optimized mixes with 0%, 5%, and 10% PCC were subjected to thermal cycling between 10 °C and 250 °C for up to 30 cycles to simulate harsh geothermal conditions. Results showed that 5% PCC increased compressive strength by 9.47% (34.3 MPa) and tensile strength by 2.93% (3.0 MPa) relative to the control mixture. During thermal cycling, the 5% PCC mix demonstrated superior stability, maintaining 32.1 MPa after 10 cycles, while higher PCC contents led to significant degradation. Within the limits of the laboratory tests conducted, the study concludes that a low PCC replacement level, particularly 5%, is an optimal threshold, offering improved thermal resilience and mechanical strength while reducing OPC consumption and carbon emissions. Further slurry-level, chemical durability, and field-representative testing are required before broader geothermal well cementing validation. Full article

Coal gangue, a major by-product of coal mining, has long posed significant environmental and resource management challenges. With increasing global emphasis on energy transition and environmental sustainability, the comprehensive utilization of coal gangue has emerged as a critical research and policy priority. This review systematically examines the sources, characteristics, environmental impacts, and integrated utilization pathways of coal gangue. First, the formation mechanisms, mineralogical composition, and physicochemical properties of coal gangue are summarized, with particular attention to hazardous constituents and associated environmental risks, including soil and groundwater contamination, atmospheric pollution, and ecological degradation. Subsequently, current technological approaches for coal gangue management and comprehensive utilization are evaluated, including subsidence areas reclamation and underground backfilling, applications in construction materials and energy conversion, extraction of valuable chemical elements and functional materials, ecological soil engineering, and carbon sequestration. The potential contributions of these pathways to waste reduction, resource efficiency, and low-carbon development are critically discussed. Finally, key environmental, technological, and socio-economic considerations influencing sustainable coal gangue utilization are emphasized. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of existing knowledge and identifies future research directions aimed at advancing environmentally sound, economically viable, and large-scale utilization strategies. The findings are intended to support researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in promoting circular resource systems and sustainable development. Full article

Red mud is a waste byproduct of alumina production. Its release into the environment poses risks, highlighting the need for strategies to limit pollution. Using red mud as a filler in polymer-matrix composites can reduce the leaching of heavy metals and metalloids. We fabricated composites with high red mud content (up to 60 wt.%) using two particle fractions (<125 μm and <500 μm). The study examined how filler concentration and particle size affected the composites’ microstructure and mechanical properties. Results showed that composites with smaller particles had better encapsulation and enhanced structural qualities, such as reduced porosity and fewer cracks. Among four filler mass loadings (20, 30, 40, and 60 wt.%), composites with 40 and 60 wt.% red mud exhibited greater epoxy penetration into agglomerates and partial deagglomeration, resulting in small, uniformly dispersed red mud particles within the matrix. Calorimetry analysis demonstrated that increasing the red mud concentration slows the curing process: for composites with 20 wt.% red mud, the curing time is approximately 10 h, whereas for composites with 60 wt.%, approximately 35 h. We performed a thorough environmental safety evaluation of high-loaded red mud–epoxy composites in accordance with the standard AS 4439.3:2019. The tests showed that epoxy resin significantly reduces the levels of potentially hazardous elements, such as Na and Al, in the leachates, demonstrating the safety of the composites. Composites with 40 wt.% red mud (particle size < 125 μm) showed the most effective epoxy impregnation into red mud agglomerates and demonstrated the best encapsulation behaviour, releasing the least amount of metals compared to red mud during both 20 h and 4-week, long-term leaching tests. Full article

Fish processing generates substantial quantities of by-products, creating important management and valorization challenges, particularly in insular regions. This study provides a first-order quantification of fishery and aquaculture wastes in the Madeira archipelago. The methodology combined a feed-based mass-balance model, targeted data collection, stakeholder analysis, and valorization assessment. Organic matter (OM) released from marine cage aquaculture was estimated at approximately 851.6 t yr⁻¹ (dry weight), while fish by-products from processing activities in factories and retail stores generated approximately 938 t yr⁻¹ (wet weight). These waste streams differ substantially in their physical characteristics and management pathways, with aquaculture producing diffuse environmental discharges and processing activities generating concentrated and potentially recoverable residues. Structured stakeholder interviews identified limited scale and insufficient raw materials, logistics and labor as the main factors affecting valorization initiatives. A comparative multi-criteria assessment further evaluated potential valorization strategies based on environmental performance and economic viability. Despite the generation of organic residues, the results suggest that effective valorization is constrained less by total waste generation than by biomass fragmentation, logistical limitations, and restricted economies of scale, emphasizing the need for integrated circular management approaches. A combined approach, integrating farm usage of decaying OM from cage systems and locally supported valorization strategies is required to transition towards a more resource-efficient production system. Full article

Agricultural and horticultural by-products represent an underexploited source of valuable bioactive compounds that can contribute to the development of more sustainable production systems. This study investigated the chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oil obtained from the horticultural byproducts of Artemisia dracunculus. The waste aerial biomass was subjected to steam distillation, and the essential oil was characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Its antioxidant, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory, phytotoxic, antibacterial, and antibiofilm activities were subsequently evaluated. The essential oil was characterized as an estragole-rich chemotype (70.17%), with trans-β-ocimene and cis-β-ocimene as other main constituents. The essential oil showed moderate antioxidant activity and measurable enzyme inhibitory activity and, despite showing limited effects on seed germination, it significantly inhibited radical elongation in selected plant species. Furthermore, it demonstrated excellent antibiofilm activity, significantly reducing the metabolic activity of mature cells of bacteria associated with biofilm formation: Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. The results demonstrate how horticultural by-products from A. dracunculus maintain a chemical profile comparable to conventional plant material and represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds with promising potential for sustainable agri-food applications. Full article

The rapid growth of insect farming generates significant volumes of insect frass, a novel organic by-product. Utilizing frass-based organo-mineral fertilizers represents a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, yet long-term agronomic efficacy and residual effects require further field validation. This study evaluated pelletized organo-mineral formulations for conventional and organic agriculture, derived from Hermetia illucens and Tenebrio molitor frass. Eight field treatments were evaluated: an unfertilized control; an inorganic NPK fertilizer (150 kg N ha⁻¹); a biostabilized municipal solid waste compost at two nitrogen rates (150 and 300 kg N ha⁻¹); and two novel insect-frass-derived organo-mineral fertilizers (VHTI and VHTO) applied at a standard product dose (1000 kg ha⁻¹) and an N-equivalent dose (150 kg N ha⁻¹). Application of organo-mineral and organic treatments at the same nitrogen dose (150 kg N ha⁻¹) doubled cabbage yield compared to the unfertilized control and significantly outperformed the conventional inorganic treatment. These formulations demonstrated enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiencies, reflecting improved synchronization between nutrient release and crop demand. Furthermore, organo-mineral formulations significantly increased soil available phosphorus without adversely affecting key soil quality parameters. The Integrated Soil–Crop Response Index (ISCRI) confirmed a superior overall agroecosystem response for these treatments. These findings provide important theoretical insights into nutrient synchronization mechanisms in organo-mineral fertilizers, alongside practical applications for sustainable cabbage production. Consequently, frass-based pelletized fertilizers represent a highly sustainable, circular, and efficient alternative to optimize horticultural yield and nutrient use efficiency while enhancing soil health, ultimately supporting the valorization of insect farming by-products as viable substitutes for synthetic fertilizers. Full article

The growing demand for natural food colorants has increased interest in sustainable alternatives derived from agro-industrial by-products. This study developed and characterized a food-grade natural brown colorant from date seed waste of Phoenix dactylifera L. (Khalas variety) by process optimization, mineral profiling, phenolic characterization and analysis of its storage stability. A food-grade aqueous extraction system was employed, and a Taguchi L9 orthogonal array was used to optimize the processing parameters affecting color development. Roasting temperature was identified as the most influential factor, contributing 85.75% of the variation in color intensity. Signal-to-noise ratio analysis determined the optimum processing conditions as 200 °C roasting temperature, 5 min roasting time, and 15 min extraction time, yielding an OD₄₂₀ value of 0.927. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, carbonyl, aromatic, and carbohydrate-associated functional groups related to thermally generated brown pigments. Further studies demonstrated that both temperature and opaqueness of the storage bottle significantly influence colorant stability. Refrigerated storage in amber containers provided superior retention of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, in addition to a superior antioxidant activity compared with room-temperature storage in clear containers. Mineral profiling revealed significantly high levels of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, with the mineral composition remaining largely stable during storage. HPLC analysis identified catechin and gallic acid as the major phenolic compounds, while ellagic acid was detected exclusively in the glycerol–water extract, indicating enhanced recovery of selected phenolics through solvent modification. Overall, the developed date seed colorant combines color-forming, antioxidant and nutritional properties, while providing a sustainable approach for the valorization of date-processing by-products. The findings highlight the potential application of date seed colorant as a clean-label alternative to synthetic brown colorants and support the development of sustainable food ingredients aligned with sustainable development goals. Full article