Source Of Valuable Compounds Research Articles

Valorization of residual walnut biomass from forest management and wood processing for the production of bioactive compounds

The aim of this work was the valorization of various biomass residues (shavings, edged cuts, and pruning wastes) from walnut (Juglans major 209 × Juglans regia) obtained from forest maintenance and wood processing, as sources of antioxidant compounds by means of a green extraction process. A Plackett-Burmann experimental design was applied to analyze the influence of temperature, liquid/solid ratio, time, and aqueous ethanol concentration on extraction yield (EY) and extract properties (total phenols content (TPC) and FRAP antioxidant activity). Under the operational conditions selected, experiments were carried out at a larger scale, and the extracts were analyzed to determine the TPC and the antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays). In addition, to identify and quantify the compounds with potential antioxidant activity, the extracts were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Temperature and ethanol concentration were the most significant variables for all the fractions studied, and in general, increasing both variables, the extraction yield and extract properties improved. Extraction of walnut shavings with 50% EtOH at T = 80 °C, L/S = 10/1, and t = 30 min led to the extracts with the greater TPC and antioxidant activities. All walnut extracts showed the same phenolic profile. Gallic, ellagic, and ferulic acids were the major phenolic acids, and the flavonol quercetin-3-β-D glucoside was the main flavonoid. The greater antioxidant activity of shaving extracts was related to their greater contents in gallic and ellagic acids. This study contributed to the valorization of various walnut biomass residues as sources of valuable compounds with bioactive functions and various potential industrial applications.

Polyphenol Composition of Extracts of the Fruits of Laserpitium Krapffii Crantz and Their Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activity.

During inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in large amounts, causing oxidative stress. Several studies confirm that plant extracts rich in phenolic compounds may inhibit ROS production. For that reason, the aim of this work is the qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic acids and flavonoids in the etheric (LAEN) and methanolic (LAM) extracts of the fruits of Laserpitium krapffii Crantz, as well as their antioxidative and cytotoxic properties. Liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-ESI-MS/MS) enabled the identification of 12 phenolic acids and nine flavonoids. Both tested extracts scavenged ROS in a concentration-dependent manner. Stronger activity was observed for the methanolic extract. The cytotoxic effect of both extracts in increasing concentrations on five types of cancer cell lines was also investigated. The cytotoxicity was estimated using trypan blue vital staining. It was found that the analyzed extracts induced the apoptosis of the cells of all the tested cell lines. In conclusion, our results present that the fruits of L. krapffii can be a source of valuable compounds with protective effects against oxidative damage.

Brazilian native species of Gracilaria (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) as a source of valuable compounds and as nutritional supplements

In Brazil species of Gracilaria play a social and economic role in some poor communities of the northeastern coast. Considering that these algae are typically consumed after depigmentation and drying, little is known about the chemical composition and nutritional value after processing. In the present study dried and depigmented samples of Gracilaria birdiae (GB), Gracilaria caudata (GC), Gracilaria domingensis (GD), and a commercially available sample of G. birdiae (C-GB), provided by a local community, were studied as a source of valuable compounds and as nutritional supplements. In nutritional terms, the dietary fiber and mineral contents of the studied algae were higher than those of the traditional foods in the standard Brazilian diet. The results suggest that these algae have functional properties and consequently may be used as a source of nutraceutical. GB and GC showed a high antioxidant potential, similar to that of some staple foods (e.g., cereals and legumes), but lower than that of rich-antioxidant foods (e.g., berries and nuts). The polysaccharides from both G. birdiae samples (GB and C-GB) showed a low sulfation degree and higher yields, suggesting that they are a good source of agar. GB was also rich in mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), mainly porphyra-334. In contrast, C-GB contained the lowest values of MAAs and antioxidants. The reduction in these compounds may compromise the use of C-GB for other purposes such as cosmetic production. However, the sample of C-GB showed the highest potential as a source of dietary fiber and agar. In general, the analyzed species are alternatives to traditional foods and a source of valuable compounds.

Effect of Oven-Drying on the Recovery of Valuable Compounds from Ulva rigida, Gracilaria sp. and Fucus vesiculosus.

The effect of oven-drying at 25, 40 and 60 °C was evaluated on three macroalgae of relevance in Europe, namely Ulva rigida, Gracilaria sp. and Fucus vesiculosus, with respect to quality aspects, including their potential to be exploited as a source of valuable compounds. Notably, as compared to freeze-drying, oven-drying at 25 °C promoted the extraction of chlorophylls and carotenoids from U. rigida, as well as those of phycoerythrin and chlorophyll a from Gracilaria sp., while 40 °C favored the recovery of fucoxanthin and pheophytin a from F. vesiculosus. On the other hand, the use of oven-drying had a negative impact on the extraction of phenolic compounds from this alga, also diminishing the antioxidant activity of the resulting extracts. Instead, the impact of oven-drying of raw material on the recovery of specific polysaccharides differed among the macroalgae. While the amounts of ulvans and fucoidans obtained from macroalgae dried at higher temperatures tended to be superior, the recovery of agar was not affected with the drying temperatures applied to Gracilaria sp. The overall results showed that oven-drying might serve as a good alternative to stabilize Ulva rigida, Gracilaria sp. and Fucus vesiculosus, especially if extraction of pigments and polysaccharides is aimed, thought the appropriate temperature applied must be adapted for each macroalgae.

Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of agri-food waste and by-products

Agri-food waste (AFW) and by-products represent sources of phytochemicals, such as phenols and antioxidant compounds that can be used as functional ingredients in animal feed. In this study, a selection of AFW and by-products were collected and analysed for their nutrient composition. After chemical (with methanol) and physiological (in vitro digestion) extraction, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (AOC) were determined in AFW and by-product samples using Folin–Ciocalteu and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline 6-sulfonic acid)-ABTS methods, respectively. Sample digestibility was also assessed using a multi-step enzymatic technique. After chemical extraction, grape marc showed the highest total phenolic content (4480.5 ± 886.58 mg TAE/100g; p < .05). Fruit and vegetable waste (FVW), orange peel, strawberry, citrus pulp and Camelina sativa cake showed a total phenolic content ranging from 238.0 ± 4.24 to 1583.0 ± 154.35 mg TAE/100g. Grape marc also showed the highest AOC (15440.7 ± 2671.85 mg TE/100g). In all other samples, AOC ranged from 43.3 ± 3.17 to 1703.9 ± 391.07 mg TE/100g. After physiological extraction, total phenolic content values higher than 3000 mg TAE/100g were observed in FVW, grape marc and orange peel. Grape marc, C. sativa cake and orange peel had AOC values of over 5000 mg TE/100g. The digestibility of AFW and by-products ranged from 44.20 to 97.16%. The lowest digestibility value was observed in grape marc (44.2 ± 2.31%). In conclusion, the results obtained in this study indicate that AFW and by-products could be a source of bioaccessible phenols and antioxidant molecules as ingredients for monogastric compound feeds.HighlightsAgri-food waste and by-products can be reused in feed industry.Agri-food waste and by-products are a source of valuable compounds as phenols and antioxidant molecules.

Waste mitigation: From an effluent of apple juice concentrate industry to a valuable ingredient for food and feed applications

Retentate is a by-product of the concentrate apple juice industry, resultant from clarification through an ultrafiltration process. It has a liquid to sludgy appearance, with 8% of total solids content, usually discarded as industrial waste, conveyed as wastewater directly to the sewage plant. However, its origin and expected composition may allow to define its use as a source of valuable compounds as well as its application in food and feed. The present work shows that retentate is very rich in carbohydrates, namely 40% fructose (dry weight), glucose (8%), oligosaccharides (5%), and polysaccharides (3%). It is also rich in protein (8%) and an available and inexpensive source of β-sitosterol (0.6%). This was the major sterol identified, accounting for 21% of total lipophilic compounds recovered by n-hexane. The retentate suspension was successfully used as nutritive medium for production of cider by a microbrewery and the protein-rich water insoluble material (28% of protein) was successfully used in feed formulations for racing pigeons.

Growth, Proximate Composition and Pigment Production of Tetraselmis chuii Cultured with Aquaculture Wastewater

Microalgae are cultured commercially as healthy food, cosmetic products, food preservatives, and a source of valuable compounds. However, the high cost of commercial culture medium is one of the challenges to microalgal production. Therefore, it is essential to find an alternative cost-effective culture medium. Aquaculture wastewater is considered as a highly potential candidate due to its high nutrient content and large quantity generated from the rapid growth of aquaculture sector. In this study, Tetraselmis chuii cultured in different media with or without wastewater was evaluated for its growth, proximate composition and carotenoid production. The results showed that significantly (P < 0.05) higher growth (4.3 × 105 cells mL−1) and protein (56.4% dry weight), lipid (44% dry weight) and carbohydrate (20% of dry weight) contents were found in T. chuii when they were cultured in the combination of both wastewater and Conway (wastewater + Conway) medium. However, carotenoid production of T. chuii was significantly increased (P < 0.05) when it was cultured in wastewater only, followed by Conway + wastewater and Conway medium only. Therefore, the incorporation of wastewater with commercial medium Convey is recommended for a cost-effective microalgae culture, as well as for the enhancement of growth and nutritional content of microalgae.

The role of the glycosyl moiety of myricetin derivatives in anti-HIV-1 activity in vitro

BackgroundPlant extracts are sources of valuable compounds with biological activity, especially for the anti-proliferative activity against pathogens or tumor cells. Myricetin is a flavonoid found in several plants that has been described as an inhibitor of Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) through its action against the HIV reverse transcriptase, but myricetin derivatives have not been fully studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-HIV-1 activity of glycosylated metabolites obtained from Marcetia taxifolia and derived from myricetin: myricetin rhamnoside and myricetin 3-(6-rhamnosylgalactoside).MethodsCompounds were obtained from organic extracts by maceration of aerial parts of M. taxifolia. All biological assays were performed in the MT4 cell line. Antiviral activity was measured as inhibition of p24 and reverse transcriptase with a fluorescent assay.ResultsBoth flavonoids have antiviral activity in vitro, with an EC50 of 120 µM for myricetin 3-rhamnoside (MR) and 45 µM for myricetin 3-(6-rhamnosylgalactoside) (MRG), both significantly lower than the EC50 of myricetin (230 µM). Although both compounds inhibited the reverse transcriptase activity, with an IC50 of 10.6 µM for MR and 13.8 µM for MRG, myricetin was the most potent, with an IC50 of 7.6 µM, and an inhibition greater than 80%. Molecular docking approach showed correlation between the free energy of binding with the assays of enzyme inhibition.ConclusionsThe results suggest that glycosylated moiety might enhance the anti-HIV-1 activity of myricetin, probably by favoring the internalization of the flavonoid into the cell. The inhibition of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase is likely responsible for the antiviral activity.

Sugarcane bagasse valorization by fractionation using a water-based hydrotropic process

Sugarcane bagasse is abundant agro-industrial waste that can be potentially utilized as a source of valuable compounds and biopolymers. In the present study, sugarcane bagasse from Brazil was fractionated employing an environmentally friendly hydrotropic process. Several treatments were carried out at 150 and 170°C and dwell times of 60 and 120min using unmodified 30% hydrotropic solutions as well as the solutions acidified with formic acid. The major produced fraction was cellulose pulp obtained with the yield of 44–67% (bagasse based) and the cellulose content of 60–92%. Lignins dissolved during the treatments were isolated from the spent solutions by dilution with water and filtration. The yields of the lignins were 11.8–14.7% (bagasse based) and their purity ranged from 88 to 94%. Generally, the purity of both fractions and the yield of lignin were higher at more severe process conditions. However, the more severe conditions resulted in lower average molar masses of the lignins and lower intrinsic viscosity values of the cellulose fractions. The composition of the spent solutions also varied with the treatment conditions, and, besides the lignins, they contained different amounts of dissolved hemicelluloses, sugar monomers, furfural and acetic and formic acids. The results of the present study showed that the hydrotropic process could be successfully applied for the valorization of sugarcane bagasse by its fractionation into lignin, cellulose and other products.

Extraction and purification of high added value compounds from by-products of the winemaking chain using alternative/nonconventional processes/technologies

ABSTRACTGrape byproducts are today considered as a cheap source of valuable compounds since existent technologies allow the recovery of target compounds and their recycling. The goal of the current article is to explore the different recovery stages used by both conventional and alternative techniques and processes. Alternative pre-treatments techniques reviewed are: ultrasounds, pulsed electric fields and high voltage discharges. In addition, nonconventional solvent extraction under high pressure, specifically, supercritical fluid extraction and subcritical water extraction are discussed. Finally alternative purification technologies, for example membrane processing were also examined. The intent is to describe the mechanisms involved by these alternative technologies and to summarize the work done on the improvement of the extraction process of phenolic compounds from winery by-products. With a focus on the developmental stage of each technology, highlighting the research need and challenges to be overcome for an industrial implementation of these unitary operations in the overall extraction process. A critical comparison of conventional and alternative techniques will be reviewed for ethe pre-treatment of raw material, the diffusion of polyphenols and the purification of these high added value compounds. This review intends to give the reader some key answers (costs, advantages, drawbacks) to help in the choice of alternative technologies for extraction purposes.

Optimization and comparison of maceration and microwave extraction systems for the production of phenolic compounds from Juglans regia L. for the valorization of walnut leaves

This study compares maceration (ME) and microwave assisted (MAE) extractions aiming to maximize the extraction of valuable compounds from Juglans regia L. leaves. An experimental design, assisted by response surface methodology, was developed to optimize the variables of the ME and MAE systems (time, temperature and ethanol-water proportion). The responses used as criteria were the quantification by HPLC-DAD (3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, quercetin 3-O-glucoside and quercetin O-pentoside), the extraction yield and the spectrophotometric results of total phenolics and flavonols. The global optimum conditions were: 112.5min, 61.3°C and 50.4% of ethanol for ME; and 3.0min, 107.5°C and 67.9% of ethanol for MAE. The solid/liquid ratio effect was studied at the optimal values showing a decreasing linear relation until 140g/L for all criteria assessed. This study contributes to the valorization of walnut leaves as source of valuable compounds (e.g., quercetin) to be used as ingredients for the development of functional foods.

Side Streams of Plant Food Processing As a Source of Valuable Compounds: Selected Examples.

Industrial processing of plant-derived raw materials generates enormous amounts of by-products. On one hand, these by-products constitute a serious disposal issue because they often emerge seasonally and are prone to microbial decay. On the other hand, they are an abundant source of valuable compounds, in particular secondary plant metabolites and cell wall materials, which may be recovered and used to functionalize foods and replace synthetic additives with ingredients of natural origin. This review covers 150 references and presents select studies performed between 2001 and 2016 on the recovery, characterization, and application of valuable constituents from grape pomace, apple pomace, potato peels, tomato pomace, carrot pomace, onion peels, by-products of citrus, mango, banana, and pineapple processing, side streams of olive oil production, and cereal by-products. The criteria used were economic importance, amounts generated, relevance of side streams as a source of valuable compounds, and reviews already published. Despite a plethora of studies carried out on the utilization of side streams, relatively few processes have yet found industrial application.

Bioextracts of Cistus ladanifer L. growing in São Domingos mine as source of valuable compounds

Cistus ladanifer L. is an autochthones species with great potential for phytostabilisation of mining areas from Iberian Pyrite Belt (IBP) as well as medicinal and odoriferous/fragrance interest. In order to valorise C. ladanifer in the rehabilitation process of these areas, the aims of this study were to: i) compare the organic composition of bioextracts obtained from shoots of C. ladanifer growing in contaminated and non-contaminated areas; ii) quantify some valuable organic compounds of these bioextracts; and iii) evaluate the influence of the concentration of the potentially hazardous elements (PHE's) in the shoots on the quality of the bioextracts. Composite samples of soils and C. ladanifer shoots were collected in São Domingos mining area (IPB, SE of Portugal) and in a reference area with non-contaminated soils and similar climatic conditions (Corte do Pinto). Total concentrations of PHE's (Al, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined, after acid digestion, in these soils and shoots. Bioextracts were obtained from plant shoots using n-hexane in an accelerated solvent extractor. Organic compounds were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and some valuable organic compounds (α-pinene, camphene, camphor, fenchone and verbenone) were quantified. Multielemental concentration of the plant residues after obtaining the bioextracts was carried out. São Domingos soils can be considered contaminated with As, Cr, Cu and Pb. The highest concentrations of As, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn were determined in São Domingos shoots, while the contrary was observed for Ni. The main organic compounds in the bioextracts were benzenepropanoic acid and viridiflorol. Independently of the population, similar profile was observed having slight variability in the amounts (%) of some organic compounds (e.g. benzenepropanoic acid, verbenone, bornyl acetate, borneol). The highest concentration of α-pinene was obtained in São Domingos bioextracts while the other determined valuable compounds presented similar concentrations. Concentrations of PHE's in the shoots were not correlated with organic composition of the bioextracts. No elements transfer occurred during the compounds extraction.The bioextracts obtained from C. ladanifer growing in São Domingos mining area had valuable compounds and did not pose any human health risk. Phytostabilisation of contaminated soils with this species can provide economic return by the exploration of several valuable compounds.

Two‐phase olive mill waste (alpeorujo) as carbon source for biosurfactant production

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe olive oil extraction process currently used in Spain and other Mediterranean countries generates large amounts of a semi‐solid by‐product known as ‘alpeorujo’ or ‘two‐phase olive mill waste’ (TPOMW). Although TPOMW can be a source of valuable compounds, it is mostly dried and burnt to produce energy. This paper, and for the first time, reports the use of TPOMW as the main carbon source for the production of surfactin, a high added value biosurfactant, by Bacillus subtilis DSM 3256.RESULTSBacillus subtilis DSM 3256 was able to grow on TPOMW, the surface tension of the culture medium being reduced to 30.1 ± 0.9 mN m−1. FTIR and mass spectrometry determinations confirmed that the biosurfactant produced was surfactin. The highest surfactin concentration was obtained after 36 h fermentation, and the product yield from biomass (YP/X) was 0.068 g g−1. Part of the phenolic compounds of TPOMW was extracted with the biosurfactant.CONCLUSIONTwo‐phase olive mill waste can be used as the main carbon source for the production of surfactin. Surfactin yield from biomass was similar to that achieved with other bacterial strains and carbon sources. The biosurfactant was successfully applied to the remediation of sandy soils contaminated with engine oil. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry

In vitro efficacy evaluation for prevention of diabetes and diabetic complications using Aster sphathulifolius

The efficacy of Aster sphathulifolius (AS) for evaluation of preventive potencies against diabetes and diabetic complications was analyzed by assessment of inhibitory effects against advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) formation, rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR), α-glucosidase activity, and scavenging effects against DPPH. The 50% ethanol extract showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (82.38%) at a concentration of 100 μg/mL, exhibited the most potent AGEs formation inhibitory effect (93.88%) at a concentration of 200 μg/mL, showed the most potent RLAR inhibitory effect (86.44%) at a concentration of 11.11 μg/mL. The 95% ethanol extract showed a potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (19.16%) at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. The 50% ethanol extract value was 16.79%. The 50% ethanol extract exhibited the most potent antioxidant and preventive actions against diabetes and diabetic complications and can, thus, be a source of valuable compounds for prevention of diabetes and diabetic complications.

Extraction and characterization of volatile compounds and fatty acids from red and green macroalgae from the Romanian Black Sea in order to obtain valuable bioadditives and biopreservatives

Three species of macroalgae, Ceramium virgatum (Rhodophyta), Ulva intestinalis, and Cladophora vagabunda (Chlorophyta), harvested from the Romanian Black Sea coast, were studied as sources of valuable compounds that could be used as additives and biopreservatives. Volatile compounds including hexanal (11.2 %), octane (9.8 %), nonanal (7.0 %), octanal (6.7 %), 2,5,5-trimethyl-2-hexene (4.7 %), 3-hexen-2-one (4 %), and o-cymene (3.6 %) were identified as the major components in the biomass extract of C. vagabunda. In C. virgatum, the major volatile components were 3-hexen-2-one (27.9 %), acetone (12.4 %), hexanal (3.4 %), and o-cymene (2.7 %). The major volatile compounds of U. intestinalis were hexanal (14.6 %), trichloromethane (7.3 %), nonanal (5.6 %), 3-hexen-2-one (5.3 %), and octanal (3.1 %). Some of these compounds have industrial applications as additives in the food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics industries. The U. intestinalis extract had a greater content of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids around 46.0 % as compared with 42.0 % for C. vagabunda and 31.9 % for C. virgatum. The most abundant fatty acids were palmitic acid (C16:0), arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6), and oleic acid (C18:1ω-9cis). The antimicrobial effect of fatty acid extracts was tested against four pathogenic bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of C. vagabunda, C. virgatum, and U. intestinalis fatty acids extracts were 1.8, 3.8, and 3.8 mg mL−1, respectively, for all bacterial strains. This study can help the efforts of finding new, value-added uses for natural marine resources.

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Corn Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles: Experiments and Mathematical Modeling

Corn distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is a byproduct of the ethanol industry and has potential as a source of valuable compounds. In this study, corn DDGS was extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)) at 50-70 °C, 34.5-49.6 MPa, and constant CO(2) flow rate of 1 L/min (measured at ambient conditions). The highest yield of total lipids (9.2%, w/w) was obtained at 49.6 MPa/70 °C. Apparent solubility of corn DDGS lipids ranged between 0.010 kg/kg CO(2) at 34.5 MPa/50 °C and 0.026 kg/kg CO(2) at 49.6 MPa/70 °C. The extract contained 107 mg/kg carotenoids, 1538 mg/kg tocochromanols, and 15904 mg/kg phytosterols at 49.6 MPa/70 °C. The Sovova model and Chrastil model were successfully used to describe the extraction of total lipids and apparent solubility of total and minor lipids, respectively. The study revealed that DDGS is a good inexpensive source of lipids and valuable minor lipid components and that SC-CO(2) extraction can be used as a "green" process to add value to corn DDGS by recovering such high-value lipids.

Analytical pyrolysis of tobacco residue: Effect of temperature and inorganic additives

Biomass is an alternative energy source. Fuels produced from renewable sources have less polluting characteristics. The production of cigars and cigarettes generates about 20% of tobacco residues, and fast pyrolysis is an option to convert this biomass into fuels, such as bio-oil, that can also be sources of high added value compounds. The present work aimed to study the influence of temperature and additives on the distribution of chemical compounds in the products generated from the pyrolytic reaction of tobacco residue. Analytical pyrolysis was used to study the vapors produced from the reactions of tobacco residue, with or without the addition of inorganic salts (10% ZnCl2 and 10% MgCl2), at 400, 500, 600 and 700°C. A heating rate of 20°C/ms and an inert helium atmosphere were used. Vapors with higher contents of acetic acid and furfural were produced from tobacco residue with 10% MgCl2. The highest percentages of nicotine and 4-penten-1-ol were found in the products of pure residue. The pyrolysis of tobacco waste with 10% MgCl2 produced vapors with high percentages of oxygenated compounds, ketones and aldehydes. The vapors resulting from the pyrolysis of residue with 10% ZnCl2 had the highest contents of hexadecane. The results indicated that the pyrolysis of tobacco residue, either pure or with 10% of MgCl2, would produce bio-oils that could be considered sources of valuable compounds, while the pyrolytic reaction of the residue with 10% ZnCl2 would produce a fuel oil with good ignition quality.

Plant production possibilities on a heavy metal contaminated soil with the purpose of biorefinery

Significant part of not cultivated area of Hungary is not suitable for agricultural utilization because of industrialpollution. Technologies of biorefinery make reutilization of contaminated areas possible. Biomass of plantsproduced on polluted soils can be raw material of valuable products. Applicability of biorefinery was tested on aheavy metal polluted soil, where the contamination originated from previous mining activity. Complete biomassutilization was aimed to obtain cosmetic ingredients, pharmaceutical agents, and precursors. During our researchwork 88 plant species and varieties were produced and tested for potential utilizable components. Levels ofpossible contaminants in these plants were monitored, and amounts of carbohydrates, protein, organic acid andcellulose were determined as well. Different plant extracts were tested as potential sources of biologically effectivecomponents or as raw materials for lactic acid fermentation. Our results show that biorefinery is a real possibilityfor utilization of polluted areas. Numerous plants could be cultivated on contaminated areas without increasedlevels of contaminants in their tissues, thus they can be sources of valuable compounds.

By-products of fruits processing as a source of phytochemicals

The processing of fruits results in high amounts of waste materials such as peels, seeds, stones, and oilseed meals. A disposal of these materials usually represents a problem that is further aggravated by legal restrictions. Thus new aspects concerning the use of these wastes as by-products for further exploitation on the production of food additives or supplements with high nutritional value have gained increasing interest because these are high-value products and their recovery may be economically attractive. It is well known that by-products represent an important source of sugars, minerals, organic acid, dietary fibre and phenolics which have a wide range of action which includes antitumoral, antiviral, antibacterial, cardioprotective and antimutagenic activities. This review discusses the potential of the most important by-products of apple, grape and citrus fruits processing as a source of valuable compounds. The relevance of this topic is illustrated by a number of references.