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Valorization of Agri-Food Waste Biomass for the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds

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A special issue of Biomass (ISSN 2673-8783).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 January 2024) | Viewed by 9541

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Vassilis Athanasiadis

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Guest Editor

Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Thessaly, Terma N. Temponera Str., 43100 Karditsa, Greece
Interests: functional foods; polyphenols; antioxidants; public health; nutritional evaluation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Theodoros G. Chatzimitakos

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Guest Editor

Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Thessaly, Terma N. Temponera Str., 43100 Karditsa, Greece
Interests: antioxidant compounds; bioactive compounds; sample preparation; extraction; nanomaterials; metabolomics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Dimitris P. Makris

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Guest Editor

Green Processes & Biorefinery Group, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
Interests: antioxidants; biorefinery; food waste valorization; green processes; polyphenols
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is undeniably true that more and more agri-food waste is produced every year. The disposal of waste biomass is fraught with serious concerns, including economic and environmental issues. Valorizing waste biomass is extremely important, and many scientists are focusing heavily on this subject. This can be achieved by extracting useful compounds from the waste. The pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries can employ these components to replace synthetic chemicals.

Compounds with bioactivity represent a common class of such substances. Antioxidant activity, as well as antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities, are some examples of the physiologically important behaviors exhibited by bioactive compounds. For example, many plant parts that are rejected during fruit and vegetable processing (e.g., leaves, branches, peels, roots, stems, and seeds) carry a significant load of such phytochemicals, including polyphenols. This makes the recovery of valuable compounds from waste biomass an appealing prospect in this regard.

This Special Issue aims to collect research articles that discuss novel approaches to valorize agri-food waste biomass. Therefore, this Special Issue will address a variety of subjects, including the employment of green technologies, the design and optimization of extraction techniques, the use of innovative solvents, and the valorization of less-discussed agri-food waste biomass.

Dr. Vassilis Athanasiadis
Dr. Theodoros G. Chatzimitakos
Dr. Dimitris P. Makris
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomass is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

agri-food waste
antioxidants
bioactive compounds
biomass
by-products
green extraction
health potentials
novel solvents
polyphenols
valorization

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Mediterranean Tree Leaves as Valuable Biomass of Digestive Enzymes and Bacterial Inhibitors in the Concept of Circular Bioeconomy

by Atalanti Christou, Konstantina Stavrou, Christodoulos Michael, George Botsaris and Vlasios Goulas

Biomass 2024, 4(2), 442-454; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass4020022 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024

Abstract

This study aspires to evaluate the antibacterial and inhibitory effects of carbohydrate digestive enzymes in tree leaves that are widely distributed in the Mediterranean region. Leaves were sequentially extracted with solvents of increasing polarity. The results demonstrated a wide range of phenolic (3.5–770.7 mg gallic acid equivalent g⁻¹) and flavonoid (0.2–321.3 mg catechin equivalent g⁻¹) contents in leaf extracts. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration of leaf extracts was determined for six bacteria using the broth microdilution method. The polar extracts of carob, lentisk, and white mulberry leaves exerted strong antibacterial potency against Gram-positive bacteria, while the susceptibility of Escherichia coli on relative apolar extracts of carob, fig, and olive leaves was also observed. In parallel, the inhibitory effects of leaf extracts on carbohydrate digestive enzymes were evaluated. A robust inhibition of α-glucosidase was found for carob and lentisk leaf extracts, followed by extracts produced by white mulberry and olive leaves. Carob and lentisk leaves also act as a-amylase inhibitors at high concentrations. Overall, this study provides valuable data for the nutraceutical value of the “forgotten” treasure of Mediterranean tree leaves and assesses these plants as potential sources of antibacterial and carbohydrate digestive enzyme inhibitory agents for drug discovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Agri-Food Waste Biomass for the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds)

12 pages, 1576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing the Extraction of Phenolic Antioxidants from Amazonian Assai (Euterpe oleracea Martius) Fruit Waste through Response Surface Methodology Optimization

by Yasmin Cunha-Silva, David Dias, Luiz Felipe Ravazi Pereira, Carlos Victor Lamarão Pereira, Emerson Silva Lima, Klenicy Kazumy de Lima Yamaguchi and Valdir Florêncio da Veiga-Junior

Biomass 2024, 4(2), 402-413; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass4020019 - 9 May 2024

Viewed by 112

Abstract

Assai (Euterpe oleracea Martius) is a superfruit widely consumed in several countries, mainly produced in the Amazon region. The significant growth of the market for this fruit has raised environmental concerns regarding the disposal of production waste, especially the seeds that are not utilized and represent approximately 80% of the fruit. In the present study, strategies were developed for transforming these seed wastes into new products, using green solvents for extraction under conditions conducive to technology transfer and with feasible quality control through simple bench techniques, which represents an ideal approach for establishing a truly sustainable process. A significant interaction between solvent and extraction method was observed, impacting both yields and total phenols. Phenolic compounds are substances known for their health benefits, functioning as antioxidants and consequently aiding in disease prevention. The phenolic content observed in the extractions increased from 22.68% to 44.74% under optimal conditions during extraction via hot maceration (50 °C) in 100% ethanol for 2 h, which also enhanced yield and increased antioxidant capacity. The extracts displayed remarkable free radical scavenging activities (IC₅₀ = 6.54 μg/mL in ABTS and IC₅₀ = 14.71 μg/mL in DPPH), approaching the Trolox and quercetin standards, respectively. The optimized method paved the way for the industrial-scale utilization of the residues of this valuable Amazonian fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Agri-Food Waste Biomass for the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds)

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31 pages, 27516 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Admissibility Grid to Support the Decision for the Preferential Routing of Portuguese Endogenous Waste Biomass for the Production of Biogas, Advanced Biofuels, Electricity and Heat

by Ana T. Crujeira, Maria A. Trancoso, Ana Eusébio, Ana Cristina Oliveira, Paula C. Passarinho, Mariana Abreu, Isabel P. Marques, Paula A. S. S. Marques, Susana Marques, Helena Albergaria, Filomena Pinto, Paula Costa, Rui André, Francisco Gírio and Patrícia Moura

Biomass 2023, 3(4), 336-366; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass3040021 - 16 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1554

Abstract

A methodology was developed to assess the allocation of different types of endogenous waste biomass to eight technologies for producing electricity, heat, biogas and advanced biofuels. It was based on the identification of key physicochemical parameters for each conversion process and the definition of limit values for each parameter, applied to two different matrices of waste biomass. This enabled the creation of one Admissibility Grid with target values per type of waste biomass and conversion technology, applicable to a decision process in the routing to energy production. The construction of the grid was based on the evaluation of 24 types of waste biomass, corresponding to 48 sets of samples tested, for which a detailed physicochemical characterization and an admissibility assessment were made. The samples were collected from Municipal Solid Waste treatment facilities, sewage sludges, agro-industrial companies, poultry farms, and pulp and paper industries. The conversion technologies and energy products considered were (trans)esterification to fatty acid methyl esters, anaerobic digestion to methane, fermentation to bioethanol, dark fermentation to biohydrogen, combustion to electricity and heat, gasification to syngas, and pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction to bio-oils. The validation of the Admissibility Grid was based on the determination of conversion rates and product yields over 23 case studies that were selected according to the best combinations of waste biomass type versus technological solution and energy product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Agri-Food Waste Biomass for the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds)

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12 pages, 3134 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Combined Effects of Deep Eutectic Solvents and Pulsed Electric Field Improve Polyphenol-Rich Extracts from Apricot Kernel Biomass

by Ioannis Makrygiannis, Vassilis Athanasiadis, Eleni Bozinou, Theodoros Chatzimitakos, Dimitris P. Makris and Stavros I. Lalas

Biomass 2023, 3(1), 66-77; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass3010005 - 1 Feb 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2048

Abstract

Apricots are one of the most important fruits in the Mediterranean region for both their nutritional and economic value. They are widely cultivated and consumed fresh or dried or are used in the food industry for the production of jams, juices, etc. In any case, the seeds they contain constitute waste. The kernels are very rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, a fact that makes them very appealing in cosmetology. However, the extraction of the bioactive compounds of apricot kernels is poorly examined. In this study, the preparation of polyphenol-rich extracts from apricot kernel biomass is discussed. To this end, a common extraction procedure with water as a solvent was employed. To enhance the extraction yield, the use of a deep eutectic solvent (DES) was examined. In addition, the use of pulsed electric field (PEF) either as a standalone extraction method or as a complementary step was also examined. According to the results, it was evident that when PEF was applied before the extraction procedure, an increase of 88% in the total polyphenol content (TPC) was recorded. Likewise, the use of a glycerol:choline chloride (2:1, w/w) DES increased the TPC by ~70%. When the two approaches were combined, a 173% increase was recorded. According to the above, it can be concluded that apricot kernel biomass is a very good source of polyphenols, especially using the proposed extraction procedure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Agri-Food Waste Biomass for the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds)

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Review

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39 pages, 4818 KiB

Open AccessReview

Revolutionizing Sustainable Nonwoven Fabrics: The Potential Use of Agricultural Waste and Natural Fibres for Nonwoven Fabric

by Hamdam Gaminian, Behzad Ahvazi, J. John Vidmar, Usukuma Ekuere and Sharon Regan

Biomass 2024, 4(2), 363-401; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass4020018 - 6 May 2024

Viewed by 431

Abstract

There has been a growing interest in recycling and upcycling different waste streams due to concerns for environmental protection. This has prompted the desire to develop circular economies and optimize the utilization of bioresources for different industrial sectors. Turning agricultural and forestry waste streams into high-performance materials is a promising and meaningful strategy for creating value-added materials. Lignocellulose fibres from plants are emerging as a potential candidate for eco-friendly feedstock in the textile industry. Nonwoven fabric is one of the most innovative and promising categories for the textile industry since it currently utilizes about 66% synthetic materials. In the upcoming wave of nonwoven products, we can expect an increased utilization of natural and renewable materials, particularly with a focus on incorporating lignocellulosic materials as both binders and fibre components. The introduction of low-cost fibres from waste residue materials to produce high-performance nonwoven fabrics represents a shift towards more environmentally sustainable paradigms in various applications and they represent ecological and inexpensive alternatives to conventional petroleum-derived materials. Here, we review potential technologies for using agricultural waste fibres in nonwoven products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Agri-Food Waste Biomass for the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds)

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25 pages, 2816 KiB

Open AccessReview

Orange Peel Waste as a Source of Bioactive Compounds and Valuable Products: Insights Based on Chemical Composition and Biorefining

by Mariana Ortiz-Sanchez, Carlos Ariel Cardona Alzate and Juan Camilo Solarte-Toro

Biomass 2024, 4(1), 107-131; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass4010006 - 2 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1377

Abstract

Few valorization pathways have been implemented as alternatives to reduce the orange peel waste (OPW) disposal in landfills. OPW can be a source of income or economic savings in juice production factories since this waste is a potential source of value-added products (e.g., bioactive compounds) and energy vectors (e.g., biogas). Valorization alternatives should be based on (i) orange peel chemical composition, (ii) market analysis, and (iii) availability. Nevertheless, few literature papers have highlighted the chemical composition change caused by the different juice production schemes as a potential opportunity to obtain different value-added products and biorefinery schemes. Thus, the aims of this review paper are related to (i) reviewing different orange fruit processing pathways, (ii) analyzing several OPW chemical compositions reported in the open literature, (iii) providing a summary of OPW extraction pathways for bioactive compounds production, and (iv) evaluating the effect of applying different extraction methods on bioactive compound extraction performance. This review includes a description of the OPW matrix, market insights, packaging, physicochemical characterization, processing technologies, and suggested biorefinery approaches. Finally, different extraction methods for obtaining bioactive compounds from OPW are compared. As a result, the supercritical fluid extraction process has the highest extraction performance and selectivity since this method extracted a high amount of hesperidin (8.18 g/kg OPW db.). In conclusion, OPW is a source of bioactive compounds and valuable products that can be introduced in juice-producing factories to increase product portfolio or economic savings by changing the energy matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Agri-Food Waste Biomass for the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds)

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15 pages, 853 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Production of High-Added-Value Bioproducts from Non-Conventional Biomasses: An Overview

by Alcilene Rodrigues Monteiro, Andrei Pavei Battisti, Germán Ayala Valencia and Cristiano José de Andrade

Biomass 2023, 3(2), 123-137; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass3020009 - 26 Apr 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2691

Abstract

In recent decades, biomasses from different industrial segments have created new interesting perspectives, including sustainable development. Moreover, reusing waste, such as biomass, also impacts the economy, i.e., the circular economy. The main biomasses and their applications are evident in the energy, food, chemistry, fine chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors. Several questions should be asked regarding the trending topic of the circular economy, including biomass availability and seasonality, energy demand (processes), and the real environmental impact. Thus, this review focuses on biomass collected from non-conventional (unusual technology at the industrial scale) food-processing residues, particularly from 2016 to 2023, to produce biomaterials and/or bioproducts for the food sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Agri-Food Waste Biomass for the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds)

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