Sustainable Production Methods Research Articles

Innovative approaches for amino acid production via consolidated bioprocessing of agricultural biomass.

Agricultural plantations in Indonesia and Malaysia yield substantial waste, necessitating proper disposal to address environmental concerns. Yet, these wastes, rich in starch and lignocellulosic content, offer an opportunity for value-added product development, particularly amino acid production. Traditional methods often rely on costly commercial enzymes to convert biomass into fermentable sugars for amino acid production. An alternative, consolidated bioprocessing, enables the direct conversion of agricultural biomass into amino acids using selected microorganisms. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the potential of agricultural biomass in Indonesia and Malaysia for amino acid production through consolidated bioprocessing. It explores suitable microorganisms and presents a case study on using Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051 to produce 9.56mg/mL of amino acids directly from pineapple plant stems. These findings contribute to the advancement of sustainable amino acid production methods using agricultural biomass especially in Indonesia and Malaysia through consolidated bioprocessing, reducing waste and enhancing environmental sustainability.

Surface state modulation of carbon dots for efficient generation of hydrogen peroxide

Electrocatalytic dual electron oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide (2e ORR) is considered a special and sustainable method for on-site continuous production of hydrogen peroxide. Oxygen doped carbon based materials have demonstrated their superiority in the generation of H2O2. However, there is still a lack of direct experimental evidence to determine the true active site on complex carbon surfaces. In this work, we introduce only carboxyl functional groups on the surface of carbon dots by a mild and simple synthesis method to study the specific COOH functional groups on the generation of H2O2. The H2O2 selectivity was correlated with the contents of COOH functional groups. In alkaline environments, the citric acid modified CDs (CA-OCDs) own excellent catalytic ability for 2e ORR, showing a maximum starting potential of 0.829 V (vs. RHE) and a high selectivity of 89.7 % over a wide potential range of 0.2–0.7 V (vs. RHE). In actual H2O2 production, the Faraday efficiency (FE) of CA-OCDs can be up to 97 %, and the yield achieves 838 mmol gcatalyst−1 h−1. This work provides an effective and simple strategy for designing efficient carbon-based catalysts for sustainable H2O2 electrosynthesis.

Strategies for Global Promotion of Chinese Yellow Wine: History, Present, and Future Development

Huangjiu, or Chinese Yellow Wine, is a significant cultural heritage item in China, with a long history and traditional brewing techniques. This paper examines the historical significance of Huangjiu, its current market position, and potential strategies for global promotion. Historically, yellow wine has played a pivotal role in Chinese society, being used in rituals, celebrations, and as a medicinal beverage. The production methods, which have been in use for over 3,000 years, contribute to the distinctive flavors and health benefits of the beverage. Currently, Yellow Wine has a robust domestic market driven by cultural preferences and health perceptions. However, it faces challenges in international expansion. These challenges include regulatory barriers, cultural differences, and competition from established wine producers such as those in France, Italy, and Spain. To enhance global brand recognition, it would be beneficial to leverage Chinese cultural events and collaborate with international wine experts. It is essential to improve the legal and regulatory frameworks by establishing standardized quality processes and providing tax incentives. This will facilitate exports and maintain the authenticity of the product. It is imperative that product development innovates, creating new wine varieties and sustainable production methods, to cater to the diverse global market and align with the prevailing sustainability trends. The promotion of Yellow Wine may also be facilitated by the expansion of wine tourism through initiatives such as the establishment of wine theme parks, which would offer visitors immersive cultural experiences. The following recommendations are proposed for stakeholders to consider firstly, producers should focus on quality and innovation; secondly, marketers should develop targeted marketing campaigns; and thirdly, supportive regulatory environments should be created. Further research should investigate the potential health benefits of Yellow Wine, consumer behavior in different regions, and its integration into modern culinary practices. The prospective evolution of Chinese Yellow Wine necessitates a comprehensive strategy that addresses quality, innovation, marketing, and regulatory challenges. By leveraging its distinctive cultural heritage and overcoming obstacles to international expansion, Chinese Yellow Wine can achieve sustained growth and global success. This study highlights the importance of integrating traditional cultural products into the global market to preserve heritage and drive economic growth.

Life cycle assessment of synthetic natural gas production from captured cement’s CO2 and green H2

Research on the environmental benefits of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) in cement production so far, has predominantly emphasized energy efficiency enhancements and CO2 emission reductions at a CCU product level, neglecting broader environmental consequences for the sector. This research broadens this perspective by providing an extensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of a circular Portland cement (CPC) model. Synthesized methane is used as input fuel through green hydrogen and calcium-looping (CaL) post-combustion captured CO2 from cement flue gas. Comparative analysis with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) reveals significant reductions in climate change and fossil resource use environmental impact categories. However, trade-offs are evident in acidification, water use, and minerals and metals resource consumption. The electrolysis system is a critical contributor due to the high electricity demand for hydrogen production, and its environmental impact depends largely on the renewable electricity source. The wind-based electrolysis model yields the most favourable results, followed by mixed (50% solar – 50% wind) and solar scenarios. These findings offer valuable insights for the cement industry, supporting stakeholders decision making on the adoption of sustainable circular production methods.

Green nanoparticles for advanced corrosion protection: Current perspectives and future prospects

The article discusses the function of green nanoparticles in preventing corrosion of different alloys such as copper, zinc, steel, and aluminium alloys. Green nanoparticles are characterized by their environmentally friendly and sustainable production methods, which emphasize using natural materials. Environmental issues have long been linked to traditional corrosion inhibitors, which has led to a shift towards more environmentally friendly alternatives. A potential remedy for these issues is the use of green nanoparticles, which are derived from renewable and biodegradable resources. Green nanoparticles support sustainability goals and have strong corrosion inhibition properties. Their combined role makes them essential players in a future where environmental awareness and material safety coexist. The review envisages a significant paradigm shift in critical industrial contexts, which calls for a robust and ecologically friendly approach to corrosion prevention. Green nanoparticles can potentially transform the field of materials protection entirely, and their investigation as corrosion inhibitors opens up new directions for study and development. In conclusion, this review highlights the crucial role of these nanoparticles in creating a sustainable future where creative solutions will enhance industrial productivity and environmental well-being. Finally, the prospects and difficulties of sustainably applying green nanoparticles to corrosion inhibition have also been explored.

The effects of contour-based rainwater harvesting and integrated nutrient management on maize yields in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe

In the smallholder farming areas located in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe, low and unreliable rainfall distribution and poor soil fertility are the major factors limiting crop production. The negative effects of these biophysical factors have been worsened by climate change. However, the major challenges have been the lack of sustainable, low-cost water and nutrient management technologies for these semi-arid regions. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of contour-based rainwater harvesting (RWH) namely tied contours (TC), infiltration pits (IP) which were compared with the standard contour (STDC), and intergrated nutrient management (INM) where cattle manure was used as basal fertiliser and Ammonium Nitrate (AN) as top dressing, on maize yields. Results showed that fields with RWH had higher yields compared to STDC. Average maize yields were 2210 and 1792 kg ha−1 for TC and IP which were 88% and 52% above STDC (1176 kg ha−1) respectively. Increasing nitrogen (N) levels resulted in a further increase in maize yields. Return on investment was negative during drier years and was significantly higher in RWH systems compared with STDC during wet seasons. Farmers need to reduce mineral fertiliser application during dry seasons since little rainwater is captured. We conclude that contour based RWH and INM can be used as sustainable low cost methods of crop production. Higher fertiliser application rates when rainfall is limiting, do not result in increased return on investiment.

Deep eutectic solvent-oriented integration of eco-friendly and efficient indican extraction and enzyme-based indigo preparation

Indigo, one of the oldest dyes, finds widespread usage across multiple industries, encompassing food, medicine, printing, dyeing, as well as cosmetics. Indican is recognized as a precursor substance crucial for the synthesis of indigo, however, the current indican extraction and indigo preparation are largely limited due to the low efficiency of indican extraction, by-product production, as well as serious environmental pollution. To address the serial of issues, we developed deep eutectic solvent (DESs)-oriented integration of the efficient extraction of indican and the green preparation of indigo from Strobilanthes cusia (Nees) Kuntze. DESs were rationally designed and screened to make them able to destroy cell walls to facilitate the precipitation of the desired substance for specific indican extraction. And then optimized to obtain the final extraction rate of 22.8 mg/g, which present the highest so far. More importantly, without additional treatment for DES-containing indican extractive, the β-glucosidase Asbg1 was able to convert indican to indigo at a molar conversion rate of 74.6%. By fully harnessing plant resources, the study introduced an innovative process that bypassed extreme acid-base conditions, ensuring rapidness and minimal pollution. This approach offered a promising avenue for the preparation of indigo, paving the way for sustainable production methods.

Exploring the synergy of nanomaterials and microbial cell factories during biohydrogen and biobutanol production from different carbon sources

The escalating environmental concerns and burgeoning energy crises, coupled with the desire to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 to avert potential climate change disaster, highlight the urgent need for sustainable production methods, and innovative technological advancements. Microbial fermentation plays a pivotal role in the pursuit of sustainable production of biofuels and chemicals with properties similar to those of fossil-derived fuels and chemicals. Biofuels, such as biohydrogen and biobutanol derived from renewable sources, offer a promising, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution for mitigating long-term carbon footprint. Currently, there is a surge of interest in biohydrogen (bioH2) and biobutanol production through dark fermentation using diverse biomass feedstocks, due to its capacity to simultaneously generate gas and liquid fuels from renewable nonfood resources. Furthermore, the incorporation of nanoparticles in fermentation process has demonstrated considerable potential in enhancing bioH2 yields. Similarly, biobutanol emerges as an eco-friendly, less polluting, and potentially commercially viable substitute for conventional gasoline. This review emphasizes the diverse spectrum of nanoparticle applications in biomanufacturing, with a particular focus on their role in enhancing microbial activities to boost bioH2 and biobutanol yields. Additionally, the review highlights potential underlying mechanisms of nano-catalyzed fermentation pathways, future trends, and the prospects of nano-catalysts in advancing biofuel technology.

Response of agronomic and physiological traits of flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) to plant stem cell soil amendments

Black shank disease is an important factor limiting the yield of flue-cured tobacco. Soil amendments have the potential to improve soil health and increase crop yield and quality. However, the application effects of soil amendments have not been elucidated in flue-cured tobacco. Here, we conducted field experiments in the major tobacco planting area, Exploring the effects of plant stem cell soil amendments at different levels on the occurrence and physiological growth of tobacco black shank disease, The purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of plant stem cell soil amendments and recommend feasible applied rates. Plant stem cell soil amendments are applied at four levels: T0 (0 kg ha−1), T1 (1500 kg ha−1), T2 (2250 kg ha−1), and T3 (3000 kg ha−1). Nutrient absorption, agronomic traits, dry matter quality, chemical composition, and economic benefits of flue-cured tobacco black shank disease were explored. The results showed that the application of plant stem cell soil amendments effectively reduced the incidence rate of tobacco black shank disease, and significantly improved the agronomic traits (leaf number, plant height, leaf length, and width) and dry matter quality of flue-cured tobacco. At the same time, the nutrient content (N, P, and K), the proportion of high-quality tobacco leaves, and the content of coordinated chemical components (total nitrogen, total plant alkali, total sugar, reducing sugar, potassium and chlorine) of flue-cured tobacco plants were increased. In addition, the application rate of stem cell soil amendment at 3000 kg ha−1 showed the best effect on reducing the occurrence of black shank disease, which resulted in improved tobacco yields and economic benefits to the greatest extent of flue-cured tobacco. The study indicates that plant stem cell soil amendments can significantly enhance the yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco and offers an effective method for sustainable crop production in the tobacco industry.

Carbazole-containing covalent triazine frameworks for efficient hydrogen peroxide photosynthesis from natural sunlight

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) photosynthesis via polymer photocatalysts is an environmentally friendly and sustainable method for H2O2 production. However, their efficiency is currently unsatisfactory due to limited dissociation and insufficient migration of photogenerated charge carriers. Constructing donor–acceptor (D-A) type polymer photocatalysts has been demonstrated to be a promising approach to improve their optical and electronic properties related to charge carrier separation and migration. Herein, we design two donor–acceptor (D-A) type carbazole-containing covalent triazine frameworks (CTF-PCZs), namely CTF-BPCZ and CTF-TPCZ. These CTF-PCZs are found to reduce the exciton binding energy (Eb) and enhance charge carriers transfer ability compared to non-D-A type CTF-HUST-1. Remarkably, CTF-TPCZ exhibit excellent H2O2 photosynthesis performance, achieving a rate of up to 10331 μmol g−1 h−1 from pure water under solar simulator (AM 1.5G), and 6039 μmol g−1 h−1 from pure water under natural sunlight irradiation in scaled-up photocatalytic experiments, significantly surpass those of all previously reported polymer-based photocatalysts. In-situ experiments provide direct evidence for intermediates involved in the photocatalytic process. Both experiments and DFT calculations reveal that the triazine ring fragment plays a crucial role in H2O2 photosynthesis through a two-step single-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the carbazolyl group plays a crucial role in one-step two-electron water oxidation reaction (WOR).

MENINGKATKAN OMZET PENJUALAN MELALUI PENINGKATAN KUALITAS PRODUKSI TANDAN BUAH SEGAR DI PT. MAKMUR AGRO LESTARI

PT. Makmur Agro Lestari, Ketungau Hilir District, is one of the oil palm plantations in the Sintang Regency region, which also produces fresh fruit bunches (FFB) from its own plantations. Market FFB using sustainable and quality production methods so that the company's palm sales can increase with each harvest and each year. This type of research is qualitative. Data collection involved interviews, document research, and observations. The research subjects are property managers, administrative heads and employees. The researchers analyzed the results of the interviews based on the respondents' understanding of what was expressed. The data that has been compiled must be understood as a whole so that the researcher can grasp the experiences, issues, and dynamics that are actually occurring within the population being studied. Research results show that marketing of palm products always meets FFB's sales goals. The company has cooperated with customers to sell palm products to PT. ASL - POM Agency is one of the largest buyers of palm fruit in West Kalimantan. From the quality perspective of FFB. Makmur Agro Lestari Ketungau Hilir district harvests and sells selectively, so the quality and selling price are stable according to FFB's market price when sold to purchasing companies.

Efficient preparation of icariin from epimedin C by recyclable biphasic enzymatic hydrolysis

Icariin is the most bioactive ingredient of Epimedium L. and a quality marker of Herba Epimedii. Conventional methods for production of Icariin are known to be inefficient, resulting in low yields and significant environmental pollution. This study aimed to develop a sustainable and effective biphasic enzymatic hydrolysis system for the efficient conversion of epimedin C to icariin. The biphasic system was created using butyl acetate and phosphate buffer (pH 4.5) at a ratio of 3:1 (V/V) along with α-L-rhamnosidase/epimedin C (2 U/1 mg) at 50 °C for 12 h. Consequently, 98.21% of epimedin C was hydrolysed to icariin, with 95.62% of the product being transferred to the organic phase. Even after four cycles of use, the conversion ratio remained high at 75.28%. Furthermore, this novel strategy was also used for the conversion of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. extracts. The biphasic system represents a sustainable and effective method for icariin production, offering potential benefits for industrial applications.

Renewable Methanol as a Fuel for Heavy-Duty Engines: A Review of Technologies Enabling Single-Fuel Solutions

To meet climate targets, a global shift away from fossil fuels is essential. For sectors where electrification is impractical, it is crucial to find sustainable energy carriers. Renewable methanol is widely considered a promising fuel for powering heavy-duty applications like shipping, freight transport, agriculture, and industrial machines due to its various sustainable production methods. While current technological efforts focus mainly on dual-fuel engines in shipping, future progress hinges on single-fuel solutions using renewable methanol to achieve net-zero goals in the heavy-duty sector. This review examines the research status of technologies enabling methanol as the sole fuel for heavy-duty applications. Three main categories emerged from the literature: spark-ignition, compression-ignition, and pre-chamber systems. Each concept’s operational principles and characteristics regarding efficiency, stability, and emissions were analyzed. Spark-ignition concepts are a proven and cost-effective solution with high maturity. However, they face limitations due to knock issues, restricting power output with larger bore sizes. Compression-ignition concepts inherently do not suffer from end-gas autoignition, but encounter challenges related to ignitability due to the low cetane number of methanol. Nonetheless, various methods for achieving autoignition of methanol exist. To obtain stable combustion at all load points, a combination of techniques will be required. Pre-chamber technology, despite its lower maturity, holds promise for extending the knock limit and enhancing efficiency by acting as a distributed ignition source. Furthermore, mixing-controlled pre-chamber concepts show potential for eliminating knock and the associated size and power limitations. The review concludes by comparing each technology and identifying research gaps for future work.

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) as a Sustainable Catalyst for Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil: A Comparative Study with KOH

The present study investigates the efficiency of magnesium oxide (MgO) as a heterogeneous catalyst in the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil (WCO), putting an emphasis on its environmental benefits, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficacy. Through a series of experiments, we optimized the reaction conditions, including catalyst concentration, reaction temperature, and ethanol to WCO molar ratio, to achieve a high biodiesel yield. The results indicate that an optimal MgO concentration of 3 wt%, a reaction temperature of 65 °C, and a molar ratio of 9:1 result in the highest biodiesel production efficiency. Additionally, MgO demonstrated significant reusability without a decrease in performance, underscoring its economic and environmental advantages. Comparative analysis revealed that MgO outperforms conventional KOH catalysts in terms of yield, purity, and sustainability. Our study suggests future research directions, including the optimization of MgO preparation methods and the exploration of co-catalyst systems to further enhance biodiesel production from WCO. This research contributes to the development of sustainable biodiesel production methods, aligning with global energy and environmental goals.

Simply red? The effects of distinct colours and sustainable production methods on the consumers’ preferences for healthier sweet peppers

The purpose of this paper is to thoroughly assess the value of colours in consumers' preferences for sweet peppers, and the association with more sustainable methods of production in the consumers' minds. Furthermore, this study provides novel insights into the influence of colours on the willingness to pay (WTP) for vegetables. It explores the interplay between colours, food attributes, and socio-demographic characteristics among consumers, marking the first attempt to examine this relationship comprehensively. A discrete choice experiment, based on consumers' preferences for sweet pepper attributes (price, colour, and production method), was implemented and a Seemingly Unrelated Regression model was then applied to evaluate the willingness to pay for different colours. The study has revealed that different colours provide consumers with different utilities and WTP in the choices of potential healthier foods. In addition, gender, age, education and number of family components play a role in affecting consumers' WTP of food linked to colour. Finally, it was found that consumers’ knowledge for certain pepper colours with different antioxidant contents is interrelated. This study introduces several novelties, in particular a positive correlation between interest in antioxidants and colours was found, suggesting that interest in healthy food properties might move consumers towards a specific sensory choice.

Segmenting consumers of meat and dairy products from five European countries: Implications for promoting sustainable food choices

Accelerating the transition of agri-food systems towards higher sustainability requires greater understanding of consumers' decision-making related to sustainable food choices, together with competing drivers which may result in unsustainable food choice demand. Meat and dairy production systems negatively contribute to greenhouse gas targets, unless sustainable production methods are applied, and these are understood by consumers and used in food choices. The psychological factors determining consumers' attitudes towards sustainably produced meat and dairy products were assessed. Data were collected through an online survey across five European countries (Czechia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom) (n = 2490) in November 2021. The results showed consumers perceived food sustainability to be less important than sensory and healthiness attributes. UK consumers showed the strongest intentions to increase consumption of sustainably produced meat and dairy products. In contrast, Swiss consumers demonstrated the weakest intentions. A two-stage cluster analysis based on consumers' perceived attribute importance identified four distinct segments: low food involvement (19.6 %), high food involvement (31.9 %), price-sensitive (23.2 %), and health- and sustainability-involved (25.3 %) consumer segments. Respondents in low food involvement and price-sensitive consumer segments tended to be younger and have lower environmental preservation attitudes and were more prevalent in Switzerland and Czechia. Those in high food involvement and health- and sustainability-involved consumer segments perceived higher importance of food sustainability and were more prevalent in Spain and Sweden. These respondents expressed greater intentions to increase consumption of sustainably produced meat and dairy products, at the same time being more likely to recognise the utility of sustainability labelling information. Animal welfare information was perceived to be most important for respondents in all the segments with the exception of those in the price-sensitive consumer segment. Building on the results, recommendations for promoting consumer sustainable food choices are proposed.

Viability of organic sources as a sustainable highlighter pen ink

Highlighter pens have been essential tools for students, instructors, and office employees for many years. They are used to emphasize specific information in written texts, making it easier to recognize, remember, and retrieve later. This study proposed the use of organic sources to create solvent-based highlighter pen ink. Specifically, it aimed to determine the viability of using organic sources such as Annatto seeds and blue butterfly pea as sustainable highlighter pen ink and to assess if there was a significant difference between the physical properties of commercial and organic highlighters. An experimental research design was applied, wherein the researchers produced two concentrations of ink and observed which concentration was suitable as highlighter pen ink. The study involved forty (40) students from the College of Education at Laguna University who tested the organic highlighters in one day and answered a validated questionnaire. The results revealed that Annatto seed highlighter pen ink exhibited a more intense color, while blue butterfly pea highlighter pen ink had a mild odor. As a result, respondents strongly agreed on the physical properties of the two organic sources as highlighter pen ink. However, both organic sources resulted in show-through, meaning that the ink could be seen through to the other side, usually due to thin paper or bold ink. Additionally, the study showed that both Annatto seed and blue butterfly pea highlighters were acceptable. However, Annatto seed highlighter was preferred due to its better ink qualities. The research also indicated that there was no significant difference between the physical properties of commercial and organic highlighters, suggesting that highlighter pens made from organic sources can be used as sustainable alternatives. The researchers encouraged further investigation into the advantages of using natural inks derived from organic sources in ecologically friendly and sustainable production methods. This study opens possibilities for utilizing organic materials as alternatives to traditional highlighter pen inks, contributing to environmentally conscious practices in the stationery industry.

Breaking linear scaling relationships in NRR with hydrogen bonding in confined space: A case study of g-C3N4 covered Ru(001) system

The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a very efficient method for sustainable NH3 production under mild conditions, but it requires effective catalysts to expedite the NRR kinetics. However, the linear scaling relationships between the energies of elementary steps in NRR severely limit the rates of thermally catalysis reactions. Using density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate that these scaling relations can be circumvented by introducing hydrogen bonding and confinement field in g-C3N4/Ru(Rh) catalysis. Specially, the adsorption strength of key intermediate *N2H can be enhanced on the g-C3N4/Ru(Rh) own to the formation of H···N hydrogen bonding, while the adsorption of N2 is weakened due to the steric confinement field of the covered g-C3N4, resulting a significantly decrease of the energy barrier for the potential-limiting step in g-C3N4/Ru(Rh) system compared that in pure Ru(Rh) surface. Moreover, the hydrogen bonding strength between g-C3N4 and *NxHy increases with increasing of H atoms, which lower the energy barrier for the following protonation steps. Our results provide guidance for optimizing catalysts for application with hydrogen bonding and steric confinement.

Versatile cationic dual-layer hydrogel filtration system for sustainable solar steam generator

Our increasing water demand has been an ongoing critical challenge due to water usages in areas such as industrial, agriculture, and domestic household. Conventional water production faces challenges, such as high investment, energy consumption, and brine discharge that may be unsustainable in the future. Solar steam generation (SSG) has been recently proposed by many researchers due to their sustainable and green water production method. Here we demonstrated the use of simple manufacturing and low-cost dual-layer hydrogel (DLH) system containing a double network of positive charged poly-[2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethyl ammonium chloride (PAETAC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) bottom layer for fast water transport, as well as a broad light absorbing and heat generating PVA/graphene oxide (GO) top layer for fast water evaporation. As a result, the DLH was able to generate a high 3.12 kg m−2 h−1 water evaporation with 92% efficiency under 1 sun (kW m−2) exposure. Furthermore, this DLH design allows for a safe and passive anti-salt and bacterial property due to PAETAC cationic chain, eliminating 99% salt and bacteria via Donnan repulsion and electrostatic interaction without the need of sunlight exposure.

Comparing Quality and Functional Properties of Protein Isolates from Soybean Cakes: Effect of De-Oiling Technologies

Driven by growing concerns about food supply and the environment, research on alternative protein sources has become increasingly important. In this context, de-oiled seed cakes, particularly soybean cakes, have emerged as a promising option. However, the conventional methods, such as organic solvent extraction, from which these cakes are obtained present several limitations. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) as an alternative method for de-oiling soybean seeds and obtaining related protein isolates. By using SFE for de-oiling, it was possible to achieve 19% more protein isolates from soybean cakes than the conventional de-oiling method using hexane. Moreover, protein isolates from the SFE de-oiled cake reported significantly improved (p < 0.05) emulsifying abilities and water absorption capacity. Gel electrophoresis and differential scanning calorimetry indicated the presence of a higher concentration of proteins in their native state in the SFE de-oiled flour. Finally, results from the sulfhydryl group content, surface hydrophobicity, and protein dispersibility index also supported these conclusions. The SFE process produced de-oiled soybean cakes with superior functional characteristics and lower environmental impact. Thus, this study provided important information for the food industry to develop more sustainable and healthier production methods.