Search Results (949)

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

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

The agro-industrial sector in Indonesia produces significant amounts of nutrient-rich waste and wastewater, which pose environmental risks but also present opportunities for valorization within a circular bioeconomy. Microalgae provide a promising solution for transforming these wastewaters into valuable products such as biomass for bioenergy, biofertilizers, or pigments, all while helping to remediate pollutants. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the use of major Indonesian agro-industrial effluents, specifically palm oil mill effluent (POME), byproducts from cassava and sugarcane, and soybean residues, as substrates for microalgal biomass production and cultivation. Furthermore, various cultivation strategies are summarized, including autotrophic, heterotrophic, and mixotrophic methods, as well as the use of open ponds, photobioreactors, and hybrid systems. These cultivation processes influence biomass yield, metabolite production, and nutrient removal. Reported studies indicate high removal efficiencies for organic loads, nitrogen, and phosphorus, along with considerable production of lipids, proteins, pigments, and biofuels. Yet, effluent pretreatment, concerns about heavy metal and pathogen contamination, high downstream processing costs, and biosafety issues remains as challenges. Nonetheless, the application of microalgal cultivation into Indonesia’s agro-industrial wastes treatment can provide the dual benefits of waste mitigation and resource recovery, helping to advance climate goals and promote rural development. Full article

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

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

Agro-industrial processes generate large volumes of by-products rich in proteins, lipids, and bioactives, yet their valorization remains limited. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFLs) offer a sustainable route to convert these residues into nutrient-rich biomass. We evaluated six seasonal by-product diets (pea–chickpea, chickpea–green bean, wheat–green bean, spinach–chickpea, tomato–chickpea, tomato–wheat) and profiled diets and larvae for tocopherols, carotenoids, fatty acids, and amino acids; principal component analysis assessed assimilation patterns. Larvae did not mirror diets but clustered into two compositional regimes, indicating selective metabolism. Tomato-based diets enhanced larval α-tocopherol (22.54 mg/kg dw) and lycopene (6.87 mg/kg dw), while spinach-based diets contributed higher lutein and other xanthophylls. Significant diet–larvae correlations were observed for lycopene (r = 0.6719) and β-cryptoxanthin (r = 0.5845). Across treatments, lauric (C12:0) and palmitic (C16:0) acids remained dominant, confirming the conserved BSFL lipid hierarchy (SFA > MUFA > PUFA). Amino acid profiles were relatively stable, with lysine and glutamic acid prevailing among essential and non-essential classes. Overall, BSFLs enriched with tocopherols and provitamin A carotenoids offer functional benefits for oxidative stability and micronutrient restoration, underscoring their dual role in waste valorization and nutritional enhancement within circular food and feed systems. Full article

Agricultural and agro-industrial waste, produced in vast quantities worldwide, presents both environmental and economic challenges. Microbial valorization offers a sustainable solution, with bacterial cellulose (BC) emerging as a high-value product due to its purity, strength, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. This review highlights recent advances in producing BC from agricultural and agro-industrial residues via optimized fermentation processes, including static and agitated cultivation, co-cultivation, stepwise nutrient feeding, and genetic engineering. Diverse wastes such as fruit peels, sugarcane bagasse, cereal straws, and corn stover serve as cost-effective carbon sources, reducing production costs and aligning with circular bioeconomy principles. Advances in strain engineering, synthetic biology, and omics-guided optimization have significantly improved BC yield and functionalization, enabling applications in food packaging, biomedicine, cosmetics, and advanced biocomposites. Process innovations, including tailored pretreatments, adaptive evolution, and specialized bioreactor designs, further enhance scalability and product quality. The integration of BC production into circular bioeconomy models not only diverts biomass from landfills but also replaces petroleum-based materials, contributing to environmental protection and resource efficiency. This review underscores BC’s potential as a sustainable biomaterial and identifies research directions for overcoming current bottlenecks in industrial-scale implementation. Full article

Due to environmental disasters caused by the use of plastic packaging, particularly expanded polystyrene (EPS), there is an urgent need to identify sustainable alternatives. Biodegradable foams derived from renewable polysaccharides have emerged as highly promising candidates to replace EPS, given their comparable cushioning and barrier properties. However, despite the rapid growth of research in this area, there has not yet been a comprehensive review addressing biodegradable foams as a specific class of packaging materials, particularly regarding their processing routes, raw materials, and functionalization. This work discusses conventional techniques for producing biodegradable foams, such as thermoforming and extrusion, as well as innovative methods, including supercritical fluids and 3D printing. It also examines key renewable polysaccharides and the incorporation of agro-industrial residues into foam matrices, aiming to improve performance and reduce costs. Furthermore, the article highlights advances in composite and nanocomposite foams, with particular emphasis on active properties such as ethylene absorption and antimicrobial activity capable of extending food shelf life. By directing attention to biodegradable foams as substitutes for expanded polystyrene, this review provides a unique contribution, filling a critical gap in the field and offering a foundation for future studies aimed at developing scalable, low-cost, and eco-friendly alternatives to plastics. Full article

The growing concern over the environmental impacts caused by plant agriwaste has intensified the search for sustainable alternatives in manufacturing processes. This review explores the valorization of agro-industrial residues, such as those derived from banana, coconut, and pineapple, for example. It highlights their potential to be converted into value-added products, particularly within the textile sectors. Emphasis is given to the environmental and economic benefits of reusing biomass rich in fibers and bioactive compounds while discussing key technological, regulatory, and logistical barriers that still limit large-scale applications. In parallel, it presents recent advances in processing technologies, such as biocomposites and biochar, and the integration of circular economy principles to promote resource efficiency and waste reduction. The analysis also underscores the importance of public policies and financial incentives to drive innovation and ensure the viability of sustainable practices in industrial contexts. The article proposes an ideal circular production flow model that contrasts current linear practices with a regenerative, bio-based alternative. By mapping current challenges and future perspectives, this review expects to contribute to the debate on environmental responsibility, green technologies, and the economic potential of plant residue reuse in manufacturing chains. Full article

Substantial agro-industrial waste is generated by the food industry, including pistachio green hulls (PGH), which can constitute 40% to 60% of the fresh fruit weight. This by-product contains bioactive functional components, especially phenolic compounds (PCs). An overview of research focused on PCs extracted from PGH is presented, highlighting their chemical composition, extraction methods, compound identification, and antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Extraction techniques such as ultrasound, microwave-assisted extraction, and solid-state fermentation are utilized, with mild organic solvents like water, ethanol, methanol, or their mixtures employed. The quantification of PCs is commonly performed using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, HCl-Butanol technique, and aluminum chloride colorimetric assays. Furthermore, identification of compounds is generally accomplished through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC), often coupled with mass spectrometry or photodiode-array detectors to enhance accuracy and reliability. Gallic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, cyanidin, and catechin are the main PCs identified, with their antioxidant activity validated by ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), and FRAP (ferric-reducing antioxidant power) assays. Antibacterial effectiveness has been demonstrated against bacteria using disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration methods. These findings indicate potential uses of PGH by-products in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, contributing to a circular economy and enhancing agro-industrial waste management. Full article

Microbial bioconversion of agro-industrial by-products into high-value-added metabolites such as polysaccharides or lipids serves a dual purpose: mitigating environmental pollution through waste reduction and supporting the development of novel bioproducts. In this study, a non-conventional, poorly studied Cryptococcus albidus strain was initially assessed for its ability to grow on semi-defined media containing lactose, glycerol, or glucose under three distinct nitrogen availability conditions at C/N equal to 20, 80, and 160 mol/mol in shake flask cultures. The goal was to evaluate biomass production and synthesis of valuable metabolites under these conditions. C. albidus demonstrated robust growth on all commercial carbon sources, particularly under nitrogen-rich conditions, producing more than 25.0 g/L of microbial biomass with a high intracellular polysaccharide content (>45%, w/w). Additionally, mannitol production was detected in cultures with glycerol and glucose (9.1 and 13.1 g/L, respectively), especially after nitrogen depletion. Subsequently, C. albidus and a Cutaneotrichosporon curvatus strain were batch-cultivated using pretreated secondary cheese whey (SCW) as a carbon-rich waste substrate. When cultivated on SCW, both yeast strains partially metabolized lactose and produced polysaccharide-rich biomass, dominated by β-glucans (>29% of total biomass), compounds known for their functional and bioactive properties. The cellular polysaccharides (cPS extracted from C. albidus exhibited cytotoxic effects against cancer cells, suggesting their potential use as biological response modifiers. In contrast, the cPS from C. curvatus did not affect cell viability, indicating their promise as ingredients for applications in the food, feed, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic sectors. Full article

The transition toward sustainable panel technologies is driving intensive research on binderless boards and self-bonded lignocellulosic composites. Particleboard, an engineered wood composite made by hot pressing wood particles with synthetic adhesives, is among the most widely produced wood-based panels due to cost-effectiveness and versatility. However, pressure on forest-derived raw materials and concern over formaldehyde emissions are accelerating the search for renewable resources and greener routes. Residues and underutilized materials from agro-industrial, food, and forestry sectors (such as cereal straws, sugarcane bagasse, brewer’s spent grain, and fruit-processing by-products) offer a sustainable alternative, enabling waste valorization, lowering environmental burdens, and supporting circular bioeconomy models. Binderless boards, produced without adhesives, exploit natural bonding among lignocellulosic components, including lignin softening, thermoplasticization, and covalent crosslinking during hot pressing. This review adopts a complex network approach to systematically map and analyze the scientific landscape of binderless board production. Using citation-based networks from curated seed papers and their first- and second-degree neighbors, we identify thematic clusters, with cluster “A” as the research core. The examination of this cluster, complemented by word-cloud analysis of titles and abstracts, highlights prevalent raw materials and key research lines, like raw-material sources and lignocellulosic composition, processing parameters, and pretreatment strategies. Based on these findings, brewer’s spent grain is selected as a representative case study for cost analysis. This approach synthesizes the state of the art and reveals emerging directions, research gaps, and influential works, providing a data-driven foundation for advancing self-bonded lignocellulosic composites. Full article

Decarbonising the construction industry’s substantial ecological footprint demands credible substitutes that preserve structural performance while valorising waste. Although construction and demolition waste (CD&W) has been widely studied, the vast potential of agricultural residues (e.g., corncob, rice husk) and, crucially, their synergy remains underexplored. This study couples a systematic literature review with mathematical modelling to evaluate binary CD&W–agro-waste binders. A modified Andreasen–Andersen packing framework and pozzolanic activity indices inform multi-objective optimisation and Pareto analysis. The optimum identified is a 70:30 CD&W-to-agricultural ratio at 20% total cement replacement, predicted to retain 86.0% of OPC compressive strength versus a 79.4% average for single-waste systems (8.3% non-additive uplift). Life-cycle assessment (cradle-to-gate) shows a 20.3% carbon reduction for the synergistic blend (vs. 19.6% CD&W-only; 19.3% agro-only); when normalised by strength (kg CO₂-eq/MPa·m³), the blend delivers 6.3% better carbon efficiency than OPC (5.63 vs. 6.01), outperforming agro-only (5.79) and CD&W-only (6.61). Global diversion arithmetic indicates feasible redirection of 0.246 Gt y⁻¹ of wastes (5.7% of CD&W and 1.8% of agricultural residues) at 30% market penetration. Mechanistically, synergy arises from particle size complementarity, complementary Ca–Si reactivity generating additional C–S–H, and improved rheology at equivalent flow. Monte Carlo analysis yields a 91.2% probability of ≥40 MPa and 78.3% probability of ≥80% strength retention for the optimum; the 95% interval is 39.5–55.3 MPa. Variance-based sensitivity attributes 38.9% of output variance to the Bolomey constant and 44% to pozzolanic indices; interactions contribute 19.5%, justifying global (not local) uncertainty propagation. While promising, claims are bounded by cradle-to-gate scope and the absence of empirical durability and end-of-life evidence. The results nevertheless outline a tractable pathway to circular, lower-carbon concretes using co-processed waste. The approach directly supports circular economy goals and scalable regional deployment. Full article

The valorisation of agro-industrial residues in polymer composites represents a promising strategy for waste valorisation and the development of sustainable packaging materials. In this study, coffee silverskin (CSS), a lignocellulosic by-product, was added at concentrations up to 15 wt.% and processed into sheets via extrusion, followed by thermoforming using moulds with different draw ratios. Processability (MFI) and structural (FTIR), morphological (SEM, optical microscopy), thermal (TGA, DSC), and mechanical characterizations (tensile tests) were performed. Although the SEM images showed that CSS particles were well dispersed in the polymer matrix, and the mechanical behaviour was negatively affected when compared to the neat biopolymer. On the other hand, the addition of CSS increased the melt flow index, suggesting a lubricating/plasticizing effect. DSC results showed a reduction in cold crystallization temperature with CSS addition, confirming a nucleating effect, while glass transition and melting temperatures remained unchanged. Despite a narrower thermoforming temperature window with increasing CSS content, defect-free parts with adequate mould replication were successfully obtained for all formulations. Overall, the incorporation of CSS into PLA matrix provides a viable pathway for producing thermoformable as potential compostable composites, enabling waste valorisation within a circular bioeconomy framework. Full article

In the studied process of moisture removal there is an increase in the driving force, due to centrifugation during rotor rotation, the emergence of electroosmotic pressure when creating conditions for one-sided diffusion, the filtering of the technological mass of the load through the rotor perforations, as well as the introduction of low-frequency oscillations of the dryer’s actuators. Therefore, the purpose of this scientific study is to substantiate the operating modes of the vibration convective dryer by evaluating the amplitude–frequency parameters of the beet pulp dehumidification process. According to the results of the studies, the use of the angular velocity of the drive shaft of the vibrator in the range of 80…110 rad/s and the amplitude of oscillations within 2.5…3.0 mm allow the process to be carried out at maximum energy consumption of about 700…750 W. The developed technology involves the sequential implementation of vibration, filtration, and electroosmotic technological action, which allows for a reduction in the duration of beet pulp processing during dehumidification by almost two times compared to the duration when performing filtration moisture removal in a stationary layer of products. Low-frequency oscillations with force field acceleration (of the order of 2…3 g) are used to create a pseudo rapid layer of products before convective processing, and when this parameter is reduced to (0.9…1.0 g), they ensure maximum compaction of the pulp mass, which significantly increases the efficiency of electroosmotic moisture removal. Such a combination of the noted physical and mechanical factors makes it possible to reduce the specific energy consumption for the removal of 1 kg of moisture by 2.7 times compared to traditional convective drying. Full article