Industrial By-products Research Articles

Efficient CO2 adsorption by deoiled flaxseed hydrochar.

This study optimizes CO2 adsorption using hydrochar from de-oiled flaxseed (FDOP), a waste byproduct of the oil extraction industry, through hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). The aim is to enhance CO2 capture sustainably and cost-effectively. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), in optimal conditions achieved 1153.26mg/g CO2 adsorption capacity under 215.15°C synthesis temperature, 3.05h synthesis time, 0.99M acid concentration, 8.997bar pressure, and 25.07°C adsorption temperature. Statistical analysis (F-value: 44.48, R²: 0.9705) confirmed strong model reliability. Kinetic analysis showed both physical and chemical adsorption, while thermodynamic analysis revealed exothermic behavior (ΔH° values: -46.697kJ/mol for M-225, -40.230kJ/mol for MA-203). After 10 regeneration cycles, the adsorption capacity was reduced by only 2.8% and 3.1%, indicating excellent recyclability. This study highlights FDOP-derived hydrochar as a highly efficient, low-cost adsorbent, offering industrial applications for carbon capture and waste management.

Viabilidade do Uso de Pó de Pedra em Argamassas como Substituto de Areia Natural

This article demonstrates the technical feasibility of replacing natural sand with stone dust in mortar mixtures. Laboratory tests were conducted to characterize sand and stone dust samples, an industrial by-product originating from quarries. Using a 1:8 ratio and a water/cement ratio of 0.5, according to ABNT NBR 13.276, the materials were used for mortar mixtures for bricklaying and coating. Cylindrical specimens were molded and stored in a humid chamber for different curing periods (7, 14, and 28 days). Compression tests and verification of the elastic modulus were conducted following ABNT NBR 7.215 recommendations. Additionally, experimental panels were built and coated with mortar mixtures dosed with sand and stone dust. Tensile strength tests on the coating were conducted on these panels. The results indicated that stone dust can replace natural sand in mortar mixtures for bricklaying and coating. In all curing periods studied, the specimens with stone dust showed performance equivalent to those dosed with natural sand. The elastic modulus also showed statistically similar values in both mixtures. Therefore, using stone dust to replace natural sand offers the construction industry a sustainable alternative, reducing environmental impact by utilizing quarry by-products instead of non-renewable natural materials.

A critical review on the removal of lead (heavy metal) by using various adsorbents from aqueous solution.

One of the biggest problems globally is the presence of lead in water resources. Due to increased Industrialization, the presence of the heavy metal lead in the environment is a severe worry. Excessive lead poisoning harms all the aquatic systems, which poses a concern for human health and damages this ecosystem through eutrophication. Various techniques are used to collect and remove lead from wastewater to protect aquatic bodies. Adsorption is among the finest methods for eliminating lead from wastewater since it is easy to use, effective, universal, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. Adsorption is one of the most efficient and effective techniques employed even at low temperatures, as we will explore in this paper. The removal of lead (heavy metal) by adsorption utilizing various adsorbents, including cellulose, industrial by-products, forest wastes, and biotechnology wastes, was evaluated in this paper at various levels from the numerous research and literature. Then, various adsorbent types were assessed in terms of removal efficiency, adsorption capacity, temperature, optimal pH, sorbent dose, and contact time. The paper also examines or researches adsorbent concentration, critical studies, and lead removal percentage. The growth of low-cost adsorbents offers challenges for lead recovery and removal in the near and far future.

High‐performance engineered geopolymer composites: A sustainable approach using recycled brick waste

AbstractThis study examines the viability of using construction waste, specifically recycled brick waste powder (RBWP), as an alternative conventional industrial byproduct (fly ash) in the manufacturing of engineered geopolymer composites (EGC). The EGC mixtures are made with 40 μm diameter and 12 mm length polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber. RBWP replaces class‐F fly ash in EGC by 0, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. This study produces six distinct EGC mixtures in total. The flexural strength, abrasion resistance, sorptivity, and water absorption of the EGC are investigated. Microstructural characterization is carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the results, when fly ash is replaced by 40% and 100%, respectively, adding RBWP to the EGC mixes significantly improves flexural strength by 39% and midspan deflection by 169%. Nevertheless, abrasion resistance significantly improves when fly ash is completely replaced with RBWP, even though sorptivity and water absorption increase by about 128% and 240%, respectively. The volume change is reduced by 25.4% when RBWP is used. Furthermore, the SEM study shows that the RBWP undergoes active geopolymerization in the EGC mixes.

Process Modeling and Convective Drying Optimization of Raspberry Pomace as a Fiber-Rich Functional Ingredient: Effect on Techno-Functional and Bioactive Properties

This study aimed to transform raspberry pomace, a by-product of the berry industry, into a sustainable, fiber-rich functional ingredient using convective drying. Drying experiments were conducted at temperatures of 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 °C to identify the optimal conditions that balance process efficiency and preservation of functional and bioactive properties. The best results were achieved at 70 °C, where a high drying rate (DR) of 0.46 kg H2O·kg−1 db·min−1, effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) of 1.53 × 10−10 m2·s−1, and activation energy (Ea) of 34.90 kJ·mol−1 were observed. The Page model accurately represented the drying behavior (R2 = 0.9965−0.9997). Total dietary fiber (TDF) content remained stable across temperatures (52.52–64.76 g·100 g−1 db), while soluble dietary fiber (SDF) increased by 43.40%, resulting in a solubility (SOL) of 71.8%, water-holding capacity (WHC) of 8.2 mL·g−1 db, and oil-holding capacity (OHC) of 3.0 mL·g−1 db. High retention of bioactive compounds was achieved at 70 °C, including phenolics (32.10 mg GAE·g−1 db) and anthocyanins (25.84 mg C3G·g−1 db), resulting in significant antioxidant activities (DPPH: 33.29 mg AAE·g−1 db, IC50 0.016 mg·mL−1; ABTS: 35.85 mg AAE·g−1 db, IC50 0.029 mg·mL−1). These findings demonstrated the potential of convective drying at 70 °C to efficiently transform raspberry pomace into a high-quality functional ingredient. This process promotes sustainable production and waste reduction in the berry industry.

Machine learning prediction of the unconfined compressive strength of controlled low strength material using fly ash and pond ash.

The sustainable use of industrial byproducts in civil engineering is a global priority, especially in reducing the environmental impact of waste materials. Among these, coal ash from thermal power plants poses a significant challenge due to its high production volume and potential for environmental pollution. This study explores the use of controlled low-strength material (CLSM), a flowable fill made from coal ash, cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures, as a solution for large-scale coal ash utilization. CLSM is suitable for both structural and geotechnical applications, balancing waste management with resource conservation. This research focuses on two key CLSM properties: flowability and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) at 28days. Traditional testing methods are resource-intensive, and empirical models often fail to accurately predict UCS due to complex nonlinear relationships among variables. To address these limitations, four machine learning models-minimax probability machine regression (MPMR), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), the group method of data handling (GMDH), and functional networks (FN) were employed to predict UCS. The MARS model performed best, achieving R2 values of 0.9642 in training and 0.9439 in testing, with the lowest comprehensive measure (COM) value of 1.296. Sensitivity analysis revealed that cement content was the most significant factor with obtaining R = 0.88, followed by water (R = 0.82), flowability (R = 0.79), pond ash (R = 0.78), curing period (R = 0.73), and fine content (R = 0.68), with fly ash (R = 0.55) having the least impact. These machine learning models provide superior accuracy compared to traditional methods, particularly in handling complex interactions between mix components. The proposed models offer a practical approach for predicting CLSM performance, supporting sustainable construction practices and the efficient use of industrial byproducts. The novelty of this study lies in the development of precise design equations for evaluating UCS, promoting both practical applicability and environmental sustainability.

Towards the Valorization of Elderberry By-Product: Recovery and Use of Natural Ingredients for Sorbet Formulations

One of the food industry’s greatest challenges is to find natural ingredients capable of conferring antioxidant and color properties. In addition, the agri-food industry generates by-products that are often treated as waste, despite their abundance of phytochemicals that can be recovered and used as food ingredients. This study explores the potential of elderberry pomace, an industrial by-product of juice processing rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols, as a natural food additive in blueberry sorbet. Elderberry pomace was incorporated into the sorbet formulation in powder form or as aqueous extracts at two different concentrations. The analysis of the pomace extract by UHPLC-DAD-MS showed the presence of four anthocyanins: cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside-5-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside, and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. The physicochemical properties of the sorbets such as pH, °Brix, overrun, melting rate, and color were evaluated, as well as their levels of total phenolic compounds, total monomeric anthocyanins, and in vitro antioxidant activity. The potential of sorbets to stimulate the growth of probiotic bacteria was evaluated and a sensory analysis was conducted to assess consumer acceptance. Results indicated that the sorbet containing the more concentrated extract presented higher overrun, faster melting rate, higher contents of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, and higher antioxidant activity compared to the control. Additionally, this formulation showed a darker hue (lower L* value) and a tendency to stimulate probiotic bacteria. Moreover, the sorbets with pomace in their composition had good consumer acceptability. These findings highlight the potential of elderberry pomace to be used as a natural, sustainable ingredient in the ice cream industry, aligning with growing consumer trends towards healthier and eco-friendly products.

Amorphous silica production from Colombian rice husk: demonstration in scaled-up process Products

Introduction: the agroindustry generates significant waste, posing environmental, health, and economic challenges. Among these, rice husk, a byproduct of the food industry, stands out due to its potential as a source of silicon. Due to its silicon content, rice husk offers a unique opportunity for sustainable energy production and the extraction of high-value products, such as amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO2). However, optimizing processes for its efficient conversion remains a challenge.Objective: the aim of this study was to optimize the nitric acid concentration for the pretreatment of Colombian rice husk in order to produce high-purity amorphous SiO2 and demonstrate the feasibility of scaling up the process.Methods: a two-stage process was developed, which involved treating rice husk with nitric acid, followed by calcination at 620 °C. The nitric acid concentration was optimized to achieve the highest SiO2 purity. Material characterization was performed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and nitrogen adsorption-desorption. To assess the scalability of the process, the treatment was replicated on a larger scale using the optimized acid concentration.Results: the optimized process using a nitric acid concentration of 0.2 M yielded amorphous SiO2 with a purity of 94.9% and a surface area of 298 m²/g. When scaled up, the process achieved SiO2 with a purity of 95.5%, confirming the feasibility of the methodology for industrial applications. Conclusions: the treatment of rice husk with nitric acid followed by calcination proves to be an effective and scalable approach for producing high-purity amorphous SiO2. This process not only holds potential for industrial applications but also provides a sustainable solution for valorizing agroindustrial waste, contributing to the circular economy.

An investigation on workability and strength on compression of GPC with addition of different aspect ratio glass fibers

The heating of limestone and other materials to high temperatures to produce Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), a key component in concrete releases of carbon dioxide CO2 which makes the construction industry a notable contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The search for more sustainable alternatives has led to the exploration of alkali-activated materials as a replacement for OPC. Alkali-activated materials are a class of binders that can be used in concrete production without the need for traditional cement. These materials often include industrial by-products such as fly ash, GGBFS (sometimes also called GGBS) (Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag), and other waste materials. The development and adoption of alkali-activated materials represent a promising avenue for reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry. On-going research and collaboration are crucial to addressing technical challenges and promoting the widespread use of these alternative binders. The exploration and utilization of alternative materials such as GGBFS, fly ash, and geopolymer concrete play a crucial role in mitigating the environmental impact of the construction industry, particularly in terms of reducing CO2 emissions and utilizing industrial by-products effectively. A good concrete mix is obtained from combination of different size of aggregates. Addition of fibers plays a crucial role in enhancing the tensile strength of concrete. Similar synergy of addition of different aspect ratio of optimum dosages fibers as of different size of aggregates may improve strength and ductility of concrete. Short fibres can stop the propagation of micro-cracks with enhancement of toughness, and long fibres can stop the propagation of macro-cracks. From the aforementioned perspective, it is preferable to add the same volume of fibre with a different aspect ratio to improve the pre- and post-cracking performance of concrete. It also aids in boosting maximal strength.This study aims in preparing geopolymer concrete with graded glass fibres in order to investigate improvement the strength in compression and workability.

Effect of sintering temperature on the properties of ceramic binders synthesized from coal gangue-based geopolymer

ABSTRACT As a by-product of the coal industry, the effective use of coal gangue presents significant implications for environmental protection and sustainable development upon effective utilization. Given the rich content of silicon and aluminum in coal gangue, this study converts it into a precursor for ceramic binders used in grinding wheels through the geopolymerization reaction process. Ceramic binders of the SiO2-B2O3-Al2O3-RO-R2O system were prepared at sintering temperatures ranging from 590 to 740°C, and the performance of each sample was tested. The research found that the flexural strength of the ceramic binder reached a peak of 31 MPa when sintered at 690°C. Additionally, the hardness was observed to be the highest at a sintering temperature of 640°C, reaching 211.8 hV. It was observed that as the sintering temperature rose, wettability tended to decrease. Using techniques including XRD, SEM, and EDS, the effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure and phase transformation of the material was analyzed, and these changes determined the properties of the material. This study not only confirmed the potential value of coal gangue in the abrasive tools industry but also opened up new strategies and technical solutions for the field of solid waste resource utilization.

Optimization of Microcrystalline Cellulose Production from Brewer’s Spent Grain by Acid Hydrolysis

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) is the main insoluble solid by-product of the brewing industry. To add value to this non-wood material, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was prepared from BSG by alkaline pretreatment, bleaching, and subsequent acid hydrolysis to produce non-wood MCC. This study aimed to optimize MCC production using a statistical design (Box-Behnken) with three factors at three levels: acid concentration (0.5–1.5 M), hydrolysis time (70–90 min) and hydrolysis temperature (55–65 °C), to achieve the maximum yield and crystallinity of MCC derived from BSG. Results from 17 experimental runs revealed that the hydrolysis condition of 0.63 M HCl for 70 min at 61 °C yielded the highest output of 15% with a crystallinity index of 60%. The chemical structures and characteristics of MCC derived from BSG were verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). FT-IR analysis showed that the major wavenumbers of lignin and hemicellulose after the chemical processes (1500 cm–1 and 1735 cm–1) decreased by 21.40% and 4.60%, respectively. The XRD chromatogram revealed that the XRD characteristic peaks were sharper after the chemical treatments, indicating an increase in cellulose crystallinity due to removing lignin and hemicellulose. The crystallinity index of MCC derived from BSG ranged from 55–64%, which is comparable in quality to commercial pharmaceutical MCC, Avicel® PH-101 (67.37%). These results demonstrated that MCC from BSG was successfully prepared by acid hydrolysis under optimized conditions. BSG proved a viable non-wood source for preparing MCC for application in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Unlocking renewable fuel: Charcoal briquettes production from agro-industrial waste with cassava industrial binders

Increasing global fuel demand has created challenges in sourcing raw materials, making agro-waste biomass utilization for energy production a critical alternative. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the production of charcoal briquettes using different base materials such as coconut shells (TC1), Leucaena leucocephala wood (TC2), and assorted wood charcoal residues (TC3), along with binders derived from cassava industry by-products—namely, tapioca starch (TB1), cassava peel (TB2), and cassava tubers (TB3) at binder content (BC) ratios of 5, 10, 15, and 20 by volume. Initially, assessing the physical properties, including proximate and ultimate analyses, was crucial for predicting effective charcoal production. The TC2 briquettes, using TB2 and TB3 binders at a BC20 concentration, were found to be optimal, displaying a high production capacity and low specific energy consumption. Using cassava peel and tubers as binders not only efficiently uses agricultural by-products, thereby reducing costs and avoiding competition with food resources (TC1) but also results in high-quality briquettes. In scenarios of raw material shortages, TC3 and TC2 can effectively replace TC1. Mechanically, TC3 and TC2 briquettes exhibited superior characteristics. Although BC20 enhances the mechanical properties and facilitates handling, it may compromise heat release. Thermally, a higher BC decreases the charcoal proportion, leading to increased ignition time, reduced calorific value, and heating effectiveness. In conclusion, the successful production of charcoal briquettes from agro-industrial waste using cassava industrial binders presents a viable pathway towards more sustainable energy practices, improves waste management, and adds value to agricultural waste.

Valorization of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) testa as a biocolourant

IntroductionCoconut testa, a by-product of the coconut processing industry, is currently underutilised. This study aimed to extract a coconut testa-based food colourant using various organic solvents and physical methods, and to utilise this colourant in food product preparation.MethodsDifferent organic solvents, along with various time and temperature combinations, were employed for colourant extraction using both a laboratory-scale water bath and ultrasonication. The colour coordinate values (CIELab) of the testa-derived colourants were measured, and the colourants were screened for various phytochemicals. The in vitro antioxidant potential of the testa colourant was assessed by quantifying total phenolics, and the phytochemical composition, including monomeric anthocyanins, was evaluated.ResultsThe study determined the optimal combinations of organic solvents, temperature and time to obtain extracts with maximum antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC). Acidified ethanol-based extracts of testa colourants yielded highest polyphenol content (154.39 ± 2.63 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids content (53.65 ± 0.62 mg QE/g). Similarly, ethanol-based extractants of coconut testa produced high anthocyanin content [823.02 ± 1.81 mg Cy-3-glc equivalents (C3GE)/100 g]. Acidified (0.3 M HCl) solvents at relatively high temperature and time combinations exhibited high antioxidant potential of testa colourant, as measured by CUPRAC, FRAP, and DPPH assays. Following the foam mat drying process of the colourant, a mature coconut water-based jelly was prepared by incorporating the testa colourant extracted with acidified ethanol.DiscussionThis study highlights the biochemical and antioxidant potential of the food colorant derived from coconut testa and explores its suitability for functional food applications. Therefore, coconut testa extract serves a dual purpose: it enhances the aesthetic appeal of food as a colourant and provides significant health-promoting properties due to its high anthocyanin content. Insights from this study could help in promoting the valorization of one of the beneficial by products of coconut industry.

Bacterial Cellulose–Silk Hydrogel Biosynthesized by Using Coconut Skim Milk as Culture Medium for Biomedical Applications

In this study, hydrogel films of biocomposite comprising bacterial cellulose (BC) and silk (S) were successfully fabricated through a simple, facile, and cost-effective method via biosynthesis by Acetobacter xylinum in a culture medium of coconut skim milk/mature coconut water supplemented with the powders of thin-shell silk cocoon (SC). Coconut skim milk/mature coconut water and SC are the main byproducts of coconut oil and silk textile industries, respectively. The S/BC films contain protein, carbohydrate, fat, and minerals and possess a number of properties beneficial to wound healing and tissue engineering, including nontoxicity, biocompatibility, appropriate mechanical properties, flexibility, and high water absorption capacity. It was demonstrated that silk could fill into a porous structure and cover fibers of the BC matrix with very good integration. In addition, components (fat, protein, etc.) in coconut skim milk could be well incorporated into the hydrogel, resulting in a more elastic structure and higher tensile strength of films. The tensile strength and the elongation at break of BC film from coconut skim milk (BCM) were 212.4 MPa and 2.54%, respectively, which were significantly higher than BC film from mature coconut water (BCW). A more elastic structure and relatively higher tensile strength of S/BCM compared with S/BCW were observed. The films of S/BCM and S/BCW showed very high water uptake ability in the range of 400–500%. The presence of silk in the films also significantly enhanced the adhesion, proliferation, and cell-to-cell interaction of Vero and HaCat cells. According to multiple improved properties, S/BC hydrogel films are high-potential candidates for application as biomaterials for wound dressing and tissue engineering.

An AI-driven approach for modeling the compressive strength of sustainable concrete incorporating waste marble as an industrial by-product.

A key goal of environmental policies and circular economy strategies in the construction sector is to convert demolition and industrial wastes into reusable materials. As an industrial by-product,Waste marble (WM), has the potential to replace cement and fine aggregate in concrete which helps with saving natural resources and reducing environmental harm. While many studies have so far investigated the effect of WM on compressive strength (CS), it is undeniable that conducting experimental activities requires time, money, and re-testing with changing materials and conditions. Hence, this study seeks to move from traditional experimental approaches towards artificial intelligence-driven approaches by developing three models-artificial neural network (ANN) and hybrid ANN with ant colony optimization (ACO) and biogeography-based optimization (BBO) to predict the CS of WM concrete. For this purpose, a comprehensive dataset including 1135 data records is employed from the literature. The models' performance is assessed using statistical metrics and error histograms, and a K-fold cross-validation analysis is applied to avoid overfitting problems, emphasize the models' reliable predictive capabilities, and generalize them. The statistical metrics indicated that the ANN-BBO model performed best with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9950 and root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.2017MPa. Besides, the error distribution results revealed that the ANN-BBO outperformed the ANN and ANN-ACO with a narrower range of errors so that 98% of the predicted data points in the training phase by the ANN-BBO model experienced errors in the range of [-10%, 10%], whereas for the ANN-ACO and ANN models, this percentage was 85% and 79%, respectively. Additionally, the study employed SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis to clarify the impact of input variables on prediction accuracy and found that the specimen's age is the most influential variable. Eventually, to validate the ANN-BBO, a comparison was performed with the results of previous studies' models.

Development of an eco-friendly geopolymer mortar using slag and fly ash with high bentonite content for thermal and environmental applications

The construction industry is exploring the use of low-cost waste materials to create eco-friendly geopolymer mortar binders. Our study aims to develop various environmentally friendly geopolymer mortar mixes for thermal and adsorption applications using natural materials like bentonite and industrial by-products such as ground-granulated blast furnace slag and fly ash. Ternary geopolymer mortar pastes are prepared using equimolar amounts of slag (GBFS) and fly ash (FA), with 6%, 8%, 10%, and 12% weight of bentonite (BC) from the total geopolymer weight to study the bentonite replacement effect. The prepared mortar are tested for their physico-chemical, mechanical, adsorption, and thermal stability properties (300 °C to 900 °C). The adsorption behavior of eco-friendly geopolymer mortar mixes against crystal violet dye in aqueous solutions is also identified. The study found that adding 6% bentonite to the slag/fly ash-based geopolymer mortar mix yielded the highest mechanical characteristics. Moreover, all the ternary geopolymer mortar mixes exhibited excellent thermal stability up to 900 °C. In adsorption study, the results indicated that the mortar mixes had excellent capacities and adhered well to the Freundlich isotherm model, suggesting potential applications in treating wastewater. Using bentonite in slag/fly ash geopolymer mortar offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and heat-resistant alternative to traditional cement binders.

Utilising brewer’s spent grain as a cost-effective feed formula for sustainable house cricket (Acheta domesticus) rearing

Abstract This study investigates the potential of brewer’s spent grain (BSG) as a cost-effective alternative to soybean meal in the diets of house crickets (Acheta domesticus) to enhance sustainable cricket rearing. BSG, a by-product of the brewing industry, was chosen due to its local availability and high protein content (38%). Here, the impacts of varying levels of BSG substitution (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) on the growth performance, nutrient utilisation, chemical composition, and volatile compound profiles of crickets over a 45-day period was assessed. Crickets were reared under controlled conditions and divided into five groups, each receiving one of the experimental diets. Growth performance parameters, including body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio, were measured. Chemical analysis of the crickets and their diets was conducted, focusing on protein efficiency ratio, apparent dry matter digestibility (ADMD), and nitrogen retention. Volatile compounds were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Crickets fed BSG diets exhibited higher protein deposition and lower fat content compared to those on a commercial diet, suggesting BSG’s potential to improve protein quality while reducing fat accumulation. ADMD was also higher in BSG-fed crickets, likely due to the prebiotic effects of components such as β-glucans and arabinoxylans. Additionally, the inclusion of BSG up to 30% in cricket diets reduced production costs by up to 29% compared to a commercial diet. Volatile compound analysis revealed that crickets fed BSG diets produced different odour profiles, with 2-heptanone, a compound with a fruity aroma, detected only in BSG-fed crickets. These findings suggest that BSG is a viable and sustainable ingredient for cricket feed, offering both economic and nutritional benefits while also influencing the sensory characteristics of crickets. Further research is recommended to optimise BSG inclusion levels and explore its broader applications in insect and animal farming.

Functional and sensory evaluation of bread made from wheat flour fortified with wine byproducts

Grape pomace is the main byproduct of the wine industry and an important source of dietary fiber and phenolic compounds. Grape pomace powder (GPP) partially substituted 8, 10, 12, 15, and 25% of the wheat flour in bread formulations. The proximate composition, total dietary fiber content, phenolic compounds, texture profile, color, and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in vitro were measured in the bread. Bread sensory acceptance by consumers was determined using a 9-point hedonic scale. Compared with the control bread (CB), the 8% GPB-substituted bread presented the best results and exhibited an increase in total protein content (7.5%) and total dietary fiber content (6.1%). The total phenolic content was greater in GPB (5.1 mg GAE/g) than in CB (2.1 mg GAE/g). Adding GPP to the bread affected the color, and the color of the GPB-treated bread was darker than that of the CB-treated bread. Still, no significant differences were detected regarding the texture profile or consumer sensory acceptance between the GPB-treated and CB-treated bread. The in vitro analysis of phenolic compound bioaccessibility revealed no differences between the two samples during gastrointestinal digestion. GPP is an interesting byproduct that can be used in bakery. The replacement of 8% of the bread with GPP increased the nutritional content of the bread, particularly the protein, total dietary fiber, and total phenolic content, without affecting the texture or sensory acceptance of the bread. To understand the possible beneficial effect of GPB on consumers, further research on the bioavailability of phenolic compounds and the impact of dietary fiber increment needs to be assessed.Graphical

Process Optimization for Development of Edible Plates Using By-products of Rice and Dhal Processing Industries

Edible plates can be used as utensils to serve solids, semi-solids and highly viscous liquid food products whichare made out of food grains and are filled with various nutrients without any added preservatives.Edible plates from the rice bran flour (RBF), pigeonpeabrokens flour (PBF)and wheat flour (WF) were prepared by mixing in different proportions viz., 10, 15 and 20% of RBF, 20, 25 and 30% of PBF and the remaining proportion WF as the base material. Objective of this work is to evaluate the quality characteristics of developed edible plates. The optimized treatment was obtained with 20% of RBF, 30% of PBF and WF of 50%. The hardness and fracturability of the was found to be maximum (25.46 and 12.79 N) in T9. The tensile strength and elongation at break was also more in treatment T9 of 3.36 MPa and 2.13%. The tensile strength and elongation at break increased with the increase in supplementation level of by-products.

Lab-scale biocomposite manufacturing: Exploring rice bran-based bioplastics reinforced with natural fillers through extrusion and injection molding

Bioplastics from agro-food industry by-products offer a sustainable alternative to the environmental concerns linked to petroleum-derived plastics. Rice bran (RB), an abundant and low-cost by-product rich in protein and starch, is a promising feedstock but poses challenges due to its complex composition. This study investigates the integration of natural fillers (cellulose, flax, and hazelnut shell) into a RB-based matrix. At low filler content (2 wt.%), all fillers increased stiffness from 138 MPa to 190, 184 and 196 MPa for cellulose, flax and hazelnut shell, respectively. Higher contents (5–10 wt.%) showed varied effects: flax and cellulose improved Young's modulus only up to 5 wt.% due to agglomeration, while hazelnut shell had beneficial effects even at 10 wt.% even for tensile strength (improving from 2.5 to 3.4 MPa). Additionally, all fillers enhanced viscoelastic moduli and thermal stability, with hazelnut shells showing the most significant improvements, making them a promising additive for bioplastics.