Plant By-products Research Articles

Prediction of compressive strength of geopolymer products using central composite design

Geopolymer products are formed by mixing of raw materials in the presence of activator solution of sodium hydroxide. The raw materials such as fly ash & bottom ash are by-products of power plants and granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) is a by product of steel production units. Environment friendly disposal of these by products are a challenging problem because of the cost involved. This paper deals with the development of eco-friendly geopolymer products by using these industrial by- products. For effective use of these products it is important to know how the composition, concentration of activator solution and exposure to adverse environment affects the compressive strength of the product. In order to develop mathematical models to predict the effects of proportion of different raw materials, exposure time in various atmospheres (such as air, acetic acid, magnesium sulphate, sodium sulphate and sodium chloride) and concentration of activator solution on compressive strength of geopolymers, the statistical technique of Central Composite Design is chosen. The maximum compressive strengths predicted by the models for the cases, when samples are exposed to 1%, 2%, 3% NaCl solution are 12.79Mpa, 10.91 MPa and 11.38 MPa respectively, at the end of 140 days. Compared to that, the predicted compressive strength of the sample exposed to airis 14.33 MPa at the end of 140 days. The other important observation is that, in both the cases, the compressive strengths are increasing with the length of exposure time. This assumes importance as NaCl solution is highly corrosive. The peak values in both the cases are yet to reach. These are the most significant results that are obtained in this study.

Soil Surface Evaporation Control by Plant-based Mulching during the Energy Limiting and Falling Rate Evaporation Stages

Huge quantities of plant by-products and plant wastes generated are stressing to assess their re-usability, probably as mulching, in conserving soil moisture. Magnitude and timing of evaporation reduction by mulching is vital in scheduling irrigation, particularly in dry areas. This study experimentally investigated the effects of six different plant based mulch treatments [coconut coir dust, coconut husk chips, Gliricidia leaves (Gliricidia Sepium), paddy straw, rice husk and saw dust] on controlling soil surface evaporation in sandy loam soil during the two stages of evaporation (energy limiting and falling rate) and degree of dependence of the soil surface evaporation on weather parameters. During the energy limiting evaporation stage, in comparison to the bare soil, all the mulch treatments exhibited the greatest differences in the soil surface evaporation rates (ANOVA, p 0.05) during the falling rate evaporation stage, proved as the least effective mulch in providing prolonged evaporation restriction. Evaporation in saw dust mulched soil was highly dependent on temperature (p<0.01) and relative humidity (p<0.01) during the energy limiting stage.

Multi-class pesticide analysis in cannabis oil using coated blade spray and solid-phase microextraction with liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry

The application of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to mass spectrometry to provide a high-throughput and cost-effective solution to multi-residue analysis of pesticides in cannabis oil samples has not been extensively explored. In this work, the method development steps for the extraction of an initial target list of 74 pesticides from cannabis oil via SPME for analysis with both LC-MS/MS and coated blade spray (CBS) are presented. The exploration of a washing step to remove adhered oil whilst minimally desorbing extracted analytes along with the implementation of central composited design investigation to examine compound extraction kinetics in the non-polar matrix yielded a workflow that was validated via both instrumental techniques. Of the initial target list, 37 pesticides were found to be suitable for screening or quantitation via CBS with performance validated via LC-MS/MS. The majority of compounds were found to meet the EU SANTE guidelines for analysis (i.e. linearity, precision, accuracy) whilst reaching limits of quantitation below or at Health Canada minimum regulatory limits (majority at 10 ng/mL). Examination of factors contributing to poor quantitation of pesticides via CBS are shared and explored, such as contributing isobaric interference sourced from plant byproducts and carrier oil, and comparison of signal-to-noise values achieved in cannabis oil when compared to the cannabis-free medium-chain triglyceride oil used as a carrier oil to stress the importance of matrix-match method development.

Influence of fertilization and chemical recruitment systems on the structure of the garmental complex of gray forest soil

One of the most common soils in Ukraine is soilsof forest origin. These soils are a valuable agriculturalfund, the rational use of which is impossible withouta detailed study of their pedogenesis, physicochemical and other properties in general. These soils were formed under the conditions of the washing water regime and are marked by the acid reaction of the soil solution. The latter contributes to the leaching of bases from the humus-eluvial horizon, which changes the ionic balance in the soil solution and reduces the degree of saturation of the soil absorption complex, which is a set of mineral, organic and organo-mineral components of solid soil capable of iona. The absorptive capacity of soils is one of the most important functions, as it is directly involved in the processes of soil formation and the formation of their fertility. Studies conducted in a long-term field experiment established in 1992 on gray forest soil to determine agrogenic factors, namely — long-term use of various fertilizer systems (mineral green manure and plant by-products and organo-mineral system) and liming, showed changes in the structure of exchange cations the soil-absorbing complex (GVK) and physicochemical properties of the studied soil under conditions ofits intensive use as «arable land» in order to increaseits effective fertility. For a more objective assessment of the above factors for changes in the absorption complex of the soil, the obtained results were compared not only with absolute control, but also tied to the initial state, i.e. the soil of the virgin area located near the experimental field. Against the background of research, it was found that fertilizer systems have different effects on the content of exchange bases in GVK and their ratio, the amount of exchange cations, the absorption capacity of cations and the degree of soil saturation with bases. Liming of acid soils for a long time reduces acidity and improves the complex of properties that affect thelevel of fertility. The application of ameliorant givesa noticeable (on sod-podzolic soil) or significant (onchernozem) increase in yield. The use of mineral fertilizers on calcareous soils has a much greater effect. The positive influence of chemical ameliorants on physicochemical properties of gray forest soil is noted. The content of calcium and magnesium exchange in the soil absorption complex increases, the ratio between them improves, and the absorption content increases.

Antibacterial evaluation of Malaysian Kelulut, Tualang and Acacia honey against wound infecting bacteria

Bacterial infection is the most common contamination on wound. Honey is one alternative plant by-product that can be used as treatment to the bacterial infection. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial properties of Malaysian honey represented by Kelulut, Tualang and Acacia against fourteen clinically isolated bacteria strains from wound. Agar well diffusion assay was utilised to measure the diameter of inhibition zone. Determination of minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were performed to evaluate the bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of the honey. The antibacterial properties of Malaysian honey were compared with manuka honey (UMF 18+). Kelulut, Tualang and Acacia have the diameter of inhibition zones that ranged from 10.7 to 24.5 mm, 9.2 to 17.7 mm and no inhibition to 15.3 mm, respectively. Kelulut, Tualang and Acacia showed bacteriostatic effect against the bacteria at concentration of 50% (w/v) and below. Kelulut was the only honey that owned bactericidal effect against the fourteen bacteria while the effect was absence in Tualang and Acacia on E. coli, K. pneumonia, E. clocae and P. mirabilis. The antibacterial properties of Kelulut was comparable to manuka honey since both honey demonstrated bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against the fourteen clinically isolated bacteria.

Potato peel extracts as an antimicrobial and potential antioxidant in active edible film.

Potato peel is phenolic‐rich plant byproduct that has multiple biological functions. The study explores the antimicrobial efficiency of the peel and its antioxidant potential incorporated with potato starch film. Antimicrobial sensitivity test using microdilution and diffusion test revealed positive response in Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration, 7.5 ± 2, 5.8 ± 2, and 4.7 ± 1 mg/ml, respectively, but had a negative response for Klebsiella pneumoniae and Listeria monocytogenes. HPLC analysis revealed that caffeic, chlorogenic, and neochlorogenic acids are the main chemical compounds found in potato peel extract and responsible for its antimicrobial property. The scavenging ability and phenolic content in the active film range from 10 to 22 mg GAE/g of the dried film with 24%–55% of inhibition, respectively. The scanning electron microscope of the starch film showed homogeneously and ordered structure; however, some cracks and pores shown in the active film. The simulation experiment of phenols migration from the film into fatty and aqueous foods showed higher concentration in aqueous and less in the fatty foods. Therefore, potato peel extract has antibacterial as well as antioxidant property and incorporating with potato starch produce an active film which can be used as an alternative technology for active food packaging.

In-Depth Observation on the Microbial and Fungal Community Structure of Four Contrasting Tomato Cultivation Systems in Soil Based and Soilless Culture Systems.

As soil and soilless culture systems are highly dynamic environments, the structure of rhizosphere microbial communities is consistently adapting. There is a knowledge gap between the microbial community structure of soil based and soilless culture systems and thus we aimed at surveying their impact on diversity and composition of bacterial communities across a 10-month period in a tomato cultivation system. We compared community metrics between an soil based culture system fertilized with malt sprouts and blood meal, known for its slow and high mineralization rate, respectively and a soilless culture system fertilized with fish effluent or supplemented with an liquid organic fertilizer. Bacterial and fungal community composition was followed over time using two complementary techniques, phospholipid fatty acid analysis and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Nitrogen dynamics and plant performance were assessed to provide insight on how bacterial diversity of soil and soilless microbial communities ultimately impacts productivity. Similar plant performance was observed in soilless culture systems and soil based system and yield was the highest with the aquaponics-derived fertilizer. Soil and soilless cultivating systems supplemented with different nitrogen-rich fertilizers differed on its characteristics throughout the experimental period. Fast-paced fluctuations in pH(H2O) and nutrient cycling processes were observed in growing medium. Physicochemical characteristics changed over time and interacted with bacterial community metrics. Multivariate analysis showed that plant length, pH, Flavisolibacter, phosphorus, chloride, ammonium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, electrical conductivity, nitrate, sulfate, and the bacterial genera Desulfotomaculum, Solirubrobacter, Dehalococcoides, Bythopirellula, Steroidobacter, Litorilinea, Nonomuraea were the most significant factors discriminating between natural soils supplemented with animal and plant by-products. Long-term fertilizer regimes significantly changed the PLFA fingerprints in both the soilless culture and soil based culture system. The use of these by-products in the soil was positively associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which may influence rhizosphere communities through root exudates and C translocation. Community structure was distinct and consistently different over time, despite the fertilizer supplementation. The fungal microbial community composition was less affected by pH, while the composition of the bacterial communities (Actinomycetes, Gram-negative bacteria, and Gram-positive bacteria) was closely defined by soil pH, demonstrating the significance of pH as driver of bacterial community composition. Fertilizer application may be responsible for variations over time in the ecosystem. Knowledge about the microbial interactions in tomato cultivating systems opens a window of opportunity for designing targeted fertilizers supporting sustainable crop production.

Formulation of functional energy bars using dairy and non-dairy ingredients: A review

Bars are compact, energy-rich, composite food in which cereals are present in major amounts. Apart from meal replacers, energy bars can be used as a dense and portable source of carbohydrates. Bars are classified as ready-to-eat formulations which are usually based on whole cereal grains, seeds, plants (non-dairy ingredients) and certain animal-based products such as dairy ingredients. An energy bar (45- 80 g) generally contains 3-9 g fat, 7-15 g protein, and 20-40 g carbohydrates that can supply about 200-300 kcal (840–1,300 kJ) energy. Skim milk powder and high protein powders such as milk protein concentrate and milk protein isolate can also act as a suitable ingredient of bars. A number of food constitutes with proven functionality can be added in bars to improve their nutritional potential to cater the need of different consumer segments. By appropriate ingredient selection and efficient processing interventions, low cost energy bars can be developed. However, further research is necessary to find the potential of plant by-products in bars to minimize nutrient wastage and to maintain the production economy.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Bioethanol Plant By-Product Valorization: Exploring Market Opportunities with Protein-Rich Fungal Biomass Production

The feasibility of dry-grind bioethanol plants is extremely dependent on selling prices of ethanol and by-products, known as Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), and sold as animal feed. Increasing the amount and quality of the by-products can widen potential feed and food markets and improve the process economy and robustness to price fluctuations of ethanol and grain. In this study, the techno-economic analysis of a bioethanol plant was investigated. Integration of edible filamentous fungi into the process leading to the conversion of sidestreams into ethanol and protein-rich fungal biomass for food and feed applications was considered, and its impact was investigated. Sensitivity analysis considered variations on process capacity, on the price of grain and ethanol, and on the price of fungal biomass considering its use for various animal feed (e.g., pig and fish) and human food markets. Selling the fungal biomass in the human food market resulted in 5.56 times higher NPV (net present value) than the base case bioethanol plant after 20 years. Integration of a low-performing strain towards ethanol, followed by the usage of the fungal biomass in the food sector, was found to be the most resistant scenario to the low ethanol selling price and increasing grain price. This study showed that the competitiveness of ethanol plants in the fuel market could be reinforced while meeting the increasing demand for protein sources.

Onion Peel Powder as an Antioxidant-Rich Material for Sausages Prepared from Mechanically Separated Fish Meat.

Mechanically separated fish meat (MSFM) can be used for the manufacturing of ready-to-eat products, such as sausages; however, it is highly perishable. Several plant by-products, including onion peel, which is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, can be added to food to extend shelf life. This study investigated the effects of the addition of onion peel powder (OPP) to sausage made from MSFM. Sausages were divided into four groups with different amounts of added OPP: 0% (control), 1%, 2%, and 3%. Cooked sausages were stored for 28 days at 5 °C. Samples were analyzed for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, antioxidant activity, total polyphenol content, pH, and organoleptic properties. The addition of OPP significantly increased antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content and decreased pH, indicating acidic nature of OPP. Polyphenols from OPP effectively suppressed lipid oxidation. A 1–2% addition of OPP enhanced sensory properties. After the 28-day storage, the control samples received the lowest sensory score, due to the presence of a strong fishy odor, which was not present in samples with OPP. HPLC–MS/MS analysis revealed that quercetin is the most dominant compound in OPP. Overall, the results indicate that the addition of OPP in amounts of 1–2% can extend shelf life, without the deterioration of sensory properties.

Bioavailability and Bioefficacy of Hemp By-Products in Ruminant Meat Production and Preservation: A Review.

Plant by-products obtained from agro-industrial processes require valorisation to demonstrate their potential for enhancing animal health, meat production, and shelf life extension. One example is the fast-growing hemp industry, which produces seeds, leaves, seed oil, and cake. Studies on the nutritional value of hempseed cake have shown it can be a valuable source of protein in ruminant diets. However, there is limited documentation on the bioavailability and bioefficacy of hemp phytochemicals for improving ruminant health, production, and extending meat shelf life. The current review provides an overview of existing information on nutrient and phytochemical composition of hemp by-products, their bioavailability, and bioefficacy, and explores current limitations and prospects regarding their valorisation.

Valorisation of table tomato crop by-products: Phenolic profiles and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

Little attention has been paid to the phenolic composition and bioactive properties of primary tomato plant by-products (Solanum lycopersicum L.) as compared to fruits. In this study, axillary green shoots resulting from pruning and aerial biomass at the end of the cultivation cycle were characterized for their composition in chlorophylls and phenolic compounds, as well as for antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn analysis allowed identifying phenolic acids and flavonoids, with prevalence of quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin). The extracts had in vitro antioxidant and antihemolytic activity, especially those produced from pruning materials. Despite their low activity against the tested microfungi, some extracts had ability to inhibit and kill some bacteria more effectively than the antibiotic ampicillin. It was interesting to conclude that table tomato crop remains, currently with no commercial value, can be used to produce extracts with antioxidant and antibacterial activities for possible use in the agri-food sector as natural preservatives.

Determination of Physicochemical Parameters and Levels of Heavy Metals in Food Waste Water with Environmental Effects.

Bioinorganic chemistry is found as a sizzling field in today's era. It deals with chemistry amongst the heavy metals with natural resources, i.e., air, soil, water, plant byproducts (foods), and environmental essences. The aim of this research is to determine the concentration of heavy metals present in the food waste water sample and to study the environmental effects of metal ion concentration. To conduct the research work, the physicochemical parameters and levels of five heavy metals of food waste water samples were collected from five sampling points of renowned hotels, restaurants, canteens, and confectionaries of a state of India and assessed using the standard analytical procedure. Sampling was carried out from January 2017 up to December 2017. The physicochemical parameters were determined such as pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total alkalinity, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, total organic carbon, sulphate, nitrate, and phosphate. The heavy metal concentration was determined by using the UV-spectrophotometer, and the results were compared with the standards prescribed by the WHO, BIS, ICMR, and municipal authorities. The results obtained in the physicochemical analysis revealed that a few parameters were found beyond limits, and the metal ion concentration (iron and zinc) results were found above the permissible limits set by the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), ICMR, BIS, and World Health Organization (WHO), most especially, effluent from point P1. It was concluded that all the effluents required further treatment before releasing them into the water body or land to prevent pollution. The obtained results reveal that waste water used for irrigation and farming of nearby areas and water drained from restaurant kitchens were considerably polluted and not suitable for aquatic organisms, irrigation, and agricultural purposes.

Valorization of Agricultural Lignocellulosic Plant Byproducts through Enzymatic and Enzyme-Assisted Extraction of High-Value-Added Compounds: A Review

Extraction of bioactive molecules has become a major trend in the valorization of food and agroindustrial byproducts, allowing a sustainable production of novel ingredients with different industria...

Alternative animal feeds from agroforestry plants

This special issue idea originated when a few researchers from around the world came together with the goal of compiling the most up-to-date information on the use of alternative animal feed resources derived from agroforestry plants, including woody perennials. It is a common animal feeding practice in many parts of the world, particularly in the tropics; however, no comprehensive source of this information exists as attempted in this special issue. In addition to exploring alternative resources such as foliage of woody plants and other plant products and by-products for animal feed, papers included in this issue also addressed their impacts on ruminant and non-ruminant performance, health and welfare, and ruminal fermentation metabolism and mitigation of methane emission. We received 78 manuscripts from more than 21 countries and 45 papers were accepted following appropriate peer reviews. Overall, alternative feed resources, including woody plant foliage, improved animal performance, particularly during dry season. Several bioactive compounds were identified in agroforestry plants and they had positive impacts as antimicrobials against some the pathogenic bacteria and for controlling gastrointestinal parasites in livestock, which improved the health, welfare and production. Most alternative feeds added at low proportions with regular feed improved digestibility and decreased methane production.

Effect of exogenous enzymes (phytase and xylanase) supplementation on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed different quality diets

The use of plant by-products in aqua-feeds contributes to improving the sustainability of aquaculture, but also leads to increased levels of undesirable non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and phytate. NSP-degrading enzymes (i.e. xylanase) and phytase can be used as a tool to deal with NSP and phytate. A feeding trial was conducted to test whether the effects of phytase and xylanase supplementation on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in Nile tilapia are dependent on diet quality. Two diets were formulated, a control quality (CQ diet; 36% protein and 17% NSP) and a low quality diet (LQ diet; 32% protein and 30% NSP). The difference in diet quality was created by using higher levels of wheat bran, rapeseed meal, sunflower meal, rice bran and wheat dried distiller's grain with solubles in the LQ diet. Both diets had the following enzyme treatments: 1) no enzymes, 2) phytase, and 3) phytase and xylanase. Phytase (Buttiauxella sp.) was supplemented at ca. 660 FTU/kg and xylanase at ca. 6596 U/kg. In total, 18 tanks (6 treatments, 3 replicates per treatment) were used with 30 fish each (mean initial body weight 39 g). Fish were restrictively fed at 80% of expected satiation for 42 days, by hand twice daily. Growth was determined by batch weighing of the fish at the start and at the end of the trial. Faeces were collected non-invasively using settling units in order to determine the nutrient digestibility, using yttrium as an inert marker. Fish fed the LQ diet had lower growth (1.35 g/d vs. 1.52 g/d) and nutrient digestibility (except for calcium and ash), compared to the CQ diet (P < .05). Phytase improved the digestibility of dry matter, total carbohydrates, NSP, energy, ash, phosphorus and calcium (P < .01) Phytase improved growth (g/d) by ca. 7% and phosphorus availability by ca. 29%. The improvement in growth with phytase was comparable between the two diets, improving the FCR from 1.04 to 0.97 and from 1.17 to 1.10 for the CQ and LQ diet, respectively. Xylanase supplementation, on top of phytase, did not enhance growth (P > .05). Xylanase improved digestibility of dry matter, energy, total carbohydrates and NSP (from 29.7% to 36.6%) of the LQ diet, but not of the CQ diet (interaction; P < .05). In conclusion, the effect of phytase on improved nutrient digestibility and performance was independent of diet quality, whereas the effect of xylanase was dependent on diet quality.

Sorption properties of organosolv lignin towards methylene blue

Involvement of secondary raw materials such as plant wastes and by-products of plant materials processing for solving problems of environmental pollution is considered as a promising direction by scientists in many countries of the world. The purpose of the paper is to study the structure and sorption properties of lignin as a by-product of organosolv delignification of wheat straw. In this work lignin precipitated from the spent cooking solution after oxidative-organosolv delignification of wheat straw was used as the raw material. Different methods of analysis were used to study the structure and properties of the obtained lignin, including gravimetric, spectroscopy, and microscopy. The sorption capacity of the material with respect to methylene blue was studied using model solutions and a spectrophotometric method to determine dye concentrations.Investigation of the sample by the method of infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that organosolv lignin is a highly dispersed material with particles of various shapes and sizes, and contains a small number of polysaccharides, the total pore volume of such material is 0.431 cm3. The sorption capacity of lignin towards methylene blue was investigated as a function of the pH of the dye aqueous solution, its initial concentration, and the duration of the process. It is shown that the sorption capacity is largely depends on the pH of the medium and increases with a change in pH from 3 to 6. However, a further increase in pH does not change the specified indicator. This dependence of the sorption capacity is related to the property of the surface of the plant material to change the charge from positive in acidic medium to negative in neutral and alkaline, due to the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups (mainly phenolic and aliphatic hydroxyls), which are easy can be protonated and deprotonated. The absorption kinetics of the dye is quite fast and the sorption equilibrium is reached within the first 120 min of contact. Pseudo-first and pseudo-second order models and intraparticle diffusion were used to study the sorption kinetics. Compared to the kinetic model of pseudo-first order (R2 = 0,985) and intraparticle diffusion (R2 = 0,856), the kinetic model of pseudo-second order (R2 = 0,999) better describes the kinetics of sorption and indicates that fixation of the dye on the surface of the material takes place with the involvement of different mechanisms. To study the adsorption equilibrium in the sorption of methylene blue, model solutions with initial dye concentrations of 30 to 500 mg/l were used. It was found that at an initial concentration of methylene blue in a solution below 100 mg/l, the sorption capacity increases linearly with increasing initial concentrations. Then the increase in the sorption capacity is slower. The maximum sorption capacity is 44.7 mg/g. In the case of the adsorption isotherm, the Langmuir equation (R2 = 0.996) is more suitable than the Freundlich equation (R2 = 0.955) to describe the absorption process of the cationic dye and indicates that the adsorption is a monolayer.In general, it was shown that organosolv lignin from wheat straw with sorption capacity slightly exceeds oreganoslv lignin from other plant raw materials. Creating new, inexpensive and effective materials is an urgent task for scientists. Developing new resource-saving technologies to solve the problem of environmental pollution is a priority for chemical technology and ecology worldwide. This is especially important for Ukraine, as efficient processing of agricultural plant waste with the use of environmentally friendly technologies will help to meet the needs of many industries and improve the environment. It is promising for further to study the structure of organosolv lignin to determine the content of various functional groups and to determine the possibility of its use for absorption heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions.

High-Value Compounds in Fruit, Vegetable and Cereal Byproducts: An Overview of Potential Sustainable Reuse and Exploitation.

Food waste (FW) represents a global and ever-growing issue that is attracting more attention due to its environmental, ethical, social and economic implications. Although a valuable quantity of bioactive components is still present in the residuals, nowadays most FW is destined for animal feeding, landfill disposal, composting and incineration. Aiming to valorize and recycle food byproducts, the development of novel and sustainable strategies to reduce the annual food loss appears an urgent need. In particular, plant byproducts are a plentiful source of high-value compounds that may be exploited as natural antioxidants, preservatives and supplements in the food industry, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the main bioactive compounds in fruit, vegetable and cereal byproducts is provided. Additionally, the natural and suitable application of tailored enzymatic treatments and fermentation to recover high-value compounds from plant byproducts is discussed. Based on these promising strategies, a future expansion of green biotechnologies to revalorize the high quantity of byproducts is highly encouraging to reduce the food waste/losses and promote benefits on human health.

Expanding the Role of Sub-Exploited DOE-High Energy Extraction and Metabolomic Profiling towards Agro-Byproduct Valorization: The Case of Carotenoid-Rich Apricot Pulp.

Traditional extraction remains the method-of-choice for phytochemical analyses. However, the absence of an integrated analytical platform, focusing on customized, validated extraction steps, generates tendentious and non-reproducible data regarding the phytochemical profile. Such a platform would also support the exploration and exploitation of plant byproducts, which are a valuable source of bioactive metabolites. This study deals with the incorporation of (a) the currently sub-exploited high energy extraction methods (ultrasound (UAE)- and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE)), (b) experimental design (DOE), and (c) metabolomics, in an integrated analytical platform for the extensive study of plant metabolomics and phytochemical profiling. The recovery of carotenoids from apricot by-products (pulp) is examined as a case study. MAE, using ethanol as solvent, achieved higher carotenoid yields compared to UAE, where 1:1 chloroform-methanol was employed, and classic extraction. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomic profiling classified extracts according to the variations in co-extractives in relation to the extraction conditions. Extracts with a lower carotenoid content contained branched-chain amino acids as co-extractives. Medium carotenoid content extracts contained choline, unsaturated fatty acids, and sugar alcohols, while the highest carotenoid extracts were also rich in sugars. Overall, the proposed pipeline can provide different the phytochemical fractions of bioactive compounds according to the needs of different industrial sectors (cosmetics, nutraceuticals, etc.).

Effect of Acacia purified tannins extract and polyethylene glycol treatment on in vitro ruminal fermentation pattern and methane production

Condensed tannins are polyphenolic compounds which can exert beneficial effects in ruminants. They have the ability to bind proteins and decrease their degradation. They have also been reported to reduce methanogenesis and improve ruminants performances. The present work aimed to study the effect of purified condensed tannins from Acacia horrida extract on fermentation parameters, gas and methane production. In this context, seven substrates were selected: four Acacia species (Acacia pycnantha, Acacia dealbata, Acacia horrida and Acacia cyanophylla) and three plant by-products (date palm leaves, grenade peel and artichoke stems). Biological activity of tannins was evaluated by the incubation of the substrates in vitro with Polyethylene glycol (PEG). Tannins decreased concentration of all fermentation parameters (gas (p &lt; 0.0001), methane (CH4) (p= 0.0983), ammonia (N-NH3) (p= 0.0382), Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA) (p= 0.0009), acetate (p &lt;0.0001), propionate (p= 0.1024), butyrate (p= 0.0373), isobutyrate (p= 0.0046), valerate (p &lt; 0.0001), isovalerate (p= 0.0032)). Substrates were also characterized by their content in main nutrients (dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ash, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) ,acid detergent lignin (ADL)) and in secondary metabolites (total phenols (TP), total tannins (TT) and condensed tannins (CT) ). All substrates presented high CP content except by-products (&gt; 100 g/kg DM) and moderate cell-wall components. CT content was comprised between 120.5 and 680.4 g/kg DM in plants and between 23.1 and 170.4 g/kg DM in plant by-products. A. horrida presented the highest biological activity. Thus, their CT were extracted and purified on a sephadex LH-20 column. Purified tannins from A. horrida were incubated with two different forages alfalfa hay and barley straw at three different concentrations: 50, 100, 150 mg/g DM. Results showed that purified tannins from A. horrida had no effect on fermentation parameters (P &gt; 0.05). The effects of A. horrida tannins may be strongly linked to their structure and their molecular weight more than to their concentration. For this reason, it is interesting that this work may be completed by physical characterization of these tannins.