Determination of Polyphenols and Vitamins in Wine-Making by-Products by Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE)

Toward a green strategy of sponge mariculture and bioactive compounds recovery

Sponges are benthic filter-feeder invertebrates capable to produce a variety of high value bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, exploitation of sponges as bio-factories requires scalable and sustainable strategies to supply sponge biomass without threatening wild natural populations and to minimize the consumption of toxic organic solvents in metabolites extraction and purification procedures. Sponges farming in integrated facilities nearby fish mariculture cages represents a highly efficient strategy combining the production of sponge biomass with bioremediation. Here we report the results of the in situ rearing of the keratose sponge Sarcotragus spinosulus developed within three years in an innovative Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture system in the Gulf of Taranto (Southern Italy, Mediterranean Sea), capable to supply large-scale sponge biomass with a minimal impact on wild populations. Moreover, we demonstrate the proof of concept that it is possible to produce polyprenyl hydroquinones, selected as well-known bioactive model metabolites, in good yields, high purity degree and low organic solvent consumption, by means of an innovative protocol based on the combination of supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction and gel permeation chromatography. Such a combination of eco-friendly techniques paves the way to eco-sustainable supply of bioactive compounds from marine organisms highly profitable in terms of working times, costs, solvents, and energy saving.

From Waste to Wealth: Exploring the Bioactive Potential of Wine By-Products-A Review

The present paper explores the biological potential of bioactive compounds present in wine industry wastes, highlighting their valorization to promote sustainability and circular economy. Wine by-products, such as grape pomace and vine shoots, contain a high concentration of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and other phytochemicals with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties. Both conventional extraction methods, such as solid-liquid extraction, and emerging technologies, including enzyme-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, high-hydrostatic-pressure extraction, and deep natural solvent-assisted extraction (NaDES), are discussed. In addition, the preservation of polyphenolic extracts by microencapsulation, a key technique to improve the stability and bioavailability of bioactive compounds, is addressed. The combination of advanced extraction methods and innovative preservation techniques offers a promising perspective for the valorization of bioactive compounds from wine residues, driving sustainability and innovation in the industry.

Bioactive Components, Applications, Extractions, and Health Benefits of Winery By-Products from a Circular Bioeconomy Perspective: A Review

Significant waste streams produced during winemaking include winery by-products such as pomace, skins, leaves, stems, lees, and seeds. These waste by-products were frequently disposed of in the past, causing resource waste and environmental issues. However, interest has risen in valorizing vineyard by-products to tap into their latent potential and turn them into high-value products. Wine industry by-products serve as a potential economic interest, given that they are typically significant natural bioactive sources that may exhibit significant biological properties related to human wellness and health. This review emphasizes the significance of winery by-product valorization as a sustainable management resource and waste management method. The novelty of this review lies in its comprehensive analysis of the potential of winery by-products as a source of bioactive compounds, extraction techniques, health benefits, and applications in various sectors. Chemical components in winery by-products include bioactive substances, antioxidants, dietary fibers, organic acids, and proteins, all of which have important industrial and therapeutic applications. The bioactives from winery by-products act as antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer agents that have proven potential health-promoting effects. Wineries can switch from a linear waste management pattern to a more sustainable and practical method by adopting a circular bioeconomy strategy. Consequently, the recovery of bioactive compounds that function as antioxidants and health-promoting agents could promote various industries concomitant within the circular economy.

Whey-pectin microcapsules improve the stability of grape marc phenolics during digestion

Grape marc (GM) is an agri-food residue from the wine industry valuable for its high content of phenolic compounds. This study aimed to develop an encapsulation system for GM extract (GME) using food-grade biopolymers resistant to gastric conditions for its potential use as a nutraceutical. For this purpose, a hydroalcoholic GME was prepared with a total phenolics content of 219.62 ± 11.50 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry extract and 1389.71 ± 97.33 µmol Trolox equivalents/g dry extract antioxidant capacity, assessed through ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay. Moreover, the extract effectively neutralized reactive oxygen species in Caco-2 cells, demonstrating an intracellular antioxidant capacity comparable to Trolox. The GME was encapsulated using whey protein isolate and pectin through nano spray drying (73% yield), resulting in spherical microparticles with an average size of 1 ± 0.5 µm and a polydispersity of 0.717. The encapsulation system protected the microcapsules from simulated gastrointestinal digestion (GID), where at the end of the intestinal phase, 82% of the initial phenolics were bioaccessible compared to 54% in the free GME. Besides, the encapsulated GME displayed a higher antioxidant activity by the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay than the free extract after GID. These results show the potential of this encapsulation system for applying GME as a nutraceutical with a high antioxidant capacity and protective effect against cellular oxidation.

Subcritical and Supercritical Fluids to Valorize Industrial Fruit and Vegetable Waste

The valorization of industrial fruit and vegetable waste has gained significant attention due to the environmental concerns and economic opportunities associated with its effective utilization. This review article comprehensively discusses the application of subcritical and supercritical fluid technologies in the valorization process, highlighting the potential benefits of these advanced extraction techniques for the recovery of bioactive compounds and unconventional oils from waste materials. Novel pressurized fluid extraction techniques offer significant advantages over conventional methods, enabling effective and sustainable processes that contribute to greener production in the global manufacturing sector. Recovered bio-extract compounds can be used to uplift the nutritional profile of other food products and determine their application in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Valorization processes also play an important role in coping with the increasing demand for bioactive compounds and natural substitutes. Moreover, the integration of spent material in biorefinery and biorefining processes is also explored in terms of energy generation, such as biofuels or electricity, thus showcasing the potential for a circular economy approach in the management of waste streams. An economic evaluation is presented, detailing the cost analysis and potential barriers in the implementation of these valorization strategies. The article emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers to enable the widespread adoption of these promising technologies. This, in turn, will contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy, maximizing the potential of fruit and vegetable waste as a source of valuable products.

Citrus Essential Oils in Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Effects and Mechanisms

Citrus is one of the main fruit crops cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Approximately half (40-47%) of the fruit mass is inedible and discarded as waste after processing, which causes pollution to the environment. Essential oils (EOs) are aromatic compounds found in significant quantities in oil sacs or oil glands present in the leaves, flowers, and fruit peels (mainly the flavedo part). Citrus EO is a complex mixture of ~400 compounds and has been found to be useful in aromatic infusions for personal health care, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, color enhancers in foods and beverages, and aromatherapy. The citrus EOs possess a pleasant scent, and impart relaxing, calming, mood-uplifting, and cheer-enhancing effects. In aromatherapy, it is applied either in message oils or in diffusion sprays for homes and vehicle sittings. The diffusion creates a fresh feeling and enhances relaxation from stress and anxiety and helps uplifting mood and boosting emotional and physical energy. This review presents a comprehensive outlook on the composition, properties, characterization, and mechanism of action of the citrus EOs in various health-related issues, with a focus on its antioxidant properties.

Application of Response Surface Methodologies to Optimize High-Added Value Products Developments: Cosmetic Formulations as an Example

In recent years, green and advanced extraction technologies have gained great interest to revalue several food by-products. This by-product revaluation is currently allowing the development of high value-added products, such as functional foods, nutraceuticals, or cosmeceuticals. Among the high valued-added products, cosmeceuticals are innovative cosmetic formulations which have incorporated bioactive natural ingredients providing multiple benefits on skin health. In this context, the extraction techniques are an important step during the elaboration of cosmetic ingredients since they represent the beginning of the formulation process and have a great influence on the quality of the final product. Indeed, these technologies are claimed as efficient methods to retrieve bioactive compounds from natural sources in terms of resource utilization, environmental impact, and costs. This review offers a summary of the most-used green and advanced methodologies to obtain cosmetic ingredients with the maximum performance of these extraction techniques. Response surface methodologies may be applied to enhance the optimization processes, providing a simple way to understand the extraction process as well as to reach the optimum conditions to increase the extraction efficiency. The combination of both assumes an economic improvement to attain high value products that may be applied to develop functional ingredients for cosmetics purposes.

Increasing Value of Winery Residues through Integrated Biorefinery Processes: A Review

The wine industry is one of the most relevant socio-economic activities in Europe. However, this industry represents a growing problem with negative effects on the environment since it produces large quantities of residues that need appropriate valorization or management. From the perspective of biorefinery and circular economy, the winery residues show high potential to be used for the formulation of new products. Due to the substantial quantities of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins with high antioxidant potential in their matrix, these residues can be exploited by extracting bioactive compounds before using the remaining biomass for energy purposes or for producing fertilizers. Currently, there is an emphasis on the use of new and greener technologies in order to recover bioactive molecules from solid and liquid winery residues. Once the bio compounds are recovered, the remaining residues can be used for the production of energy through bioprocesses (biogas, bioethanol, bio-oil), thermal processes (pyrolysis, gasification combustion), or biofertilizers (compost), according to the biorefinery concept. This review mainly focuses on the discussion of the feasibility of the application of the biorefinery concept for winery residues. The transition from the lab-scale to the industrial-scale of the different technologies is still lacking and urgent in this sector.

Tannin-based coagulants: Current development and prospects on synthesis and uses

Population growth, industrialization, urbanization, and agriculture lead to a decrease in the availability of clean water. Coagulation/flocculation is one of the most common operations in water, urban wastewater, and industrial effluents treatment systems. Usually, this process is achieved using conventional coagulants that have their performance affected by pH, are poorly biodegradable, produce a huge volume of sludge, and are associated with degenerative diseases. As a substitute for these chemicals, natural coagulants have been highly researched for the last ten/fifteen years, especially the tannin-based (TB) ones. This review paper highlights the advantages of using these greener products to treat different types of water, wastewater, and effluents, especially from dairy, cosmetics, laundries, textile, and other industries. TB coagulants can successfully remove turbidity, color, suspended solids, soluble organic (chemical/biochemical oxygen demand) and inorganic matter (total phosphate, and heavy metals), and microorganisms. TB coagulants are compatible with other treatment technologies and can be used as coagulant-aid to reduce the consumption of chemicals. TB coagulants can reduce operating costs of water treatment due to less alkalinity consumption, as pH adjustment is sometimes unnecessary, and the production of a smaller volume of biodegradable sludge. TB coagulants can be synthesized by valorizing wastes/by-products, from the bark of some specific trees and skins/pomace of different fruits and vegetables. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) on TB coagulants are discussed. The progress of TB coagulants is promising, but some threats should be overcome, especially on tannin extraction and cationization. The market competition with conventional coagulants, the feasibility of application in real waters, and the reluctance of the industries to adapt to new technologies are other weaknesses to be surpassed.

Determination of Commercial Animal and Vegetable Milks' Lipid Profile and Its Correlation with Cell Viability and Antioxidant Activity on Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cells

Lipids from milk are important nutritional components, although their health effects, especially for animal milks, are still questioned. Four types of commercial milks, two semi-skimmed animal milks (bovine and goat) and two vegetable ones (soy and rice), along with their total and free lipid fractions recovered by sequential centrifugation or by ethyl acetate extraction, respectively, have been analyzed. A higher antioxidant ability, reported as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, was found for all raw milks compared to that of rice. This trend was confirmed, except for soy milk, as ROS reduction in Caco-2 cells. The free lipid fraction was shown to have the highest antioxidant potential in both chemical and biological tests. Moreover, goat and soy raw milks positively regulated Caco-2 cell viability after an inflammatory stimulus. This effect was lost when their total lipid fraction was tested. Finally, only the free lipid fraction from rice milk preserved the Caco-2 viability after LPS stimulation. Our data demonstrated that the lipid profile of each milk, characterized by GC-MS analysis, could contribute to dictate its biological effects, and, although additional in vitro and in vivo studies are needed, they could support the literature re-evaluating the health effects of animal-based versus plant-based milks in the intestinal cellular model.

Green non-conventional techniques for the extraction of polyphenols from agricultural food by-products: A review

Food processing industry is accompanied with the generation of a great production of wastes and by-products exceptionally rich in bioactive compounds (especially phenolics), with antioxidant activity. The recovery of these health molecules constitutes a key point for the valorization of by-products, with the possibility of creating new ingredients to be used for the formulation of food and cosmetic products. One of the main limitations to reuse by-products is linked to the high cost to obtain bioactive compounds, consequently in order to exploit these resources commercially valuable it is necessary to develop innovative, economic and environmentally friendly extraction strategies. These extraction methods should be able to reduce petroleum solvents, energy consumption and chemical wastes, protecting both environment and consumers and ensuring safe and high-quality final products. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge and applications of the new extraction techniques such as supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, ultrasound assisted extraction applied to polyphenols extraction from agricultural food by-products. Particular attention has been paid to theoretical background, highlighting mechanisms and safety precautions. Authors concluded that relevant results of these techniques represent an opportunity to industrial scale-up, improving the extraction yields, minimizing time, costs and environmental impact.

Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Phytocompounds from Olive Pomace Subjected to Different Drying Methods

Olive pomace is a semisolid by-product of olive oil production and represents a valuable source of functional phytocompounds. The valorization of agro-food chain by-products represents a key factor in reducing production costs, providing benefits related to their reuse. On this ground, we herein investigate extraction methods with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) of functional phytocompounds from olive pomace samples subjected to two different drying methods, i.e., freeze drying and hot-air drying. Olive pomace was produced using the two most common industrial olive oil production processes, one based on the two-phase (2P) decanter and one based on the three-phase (3P) decanter. Our results show that freeze drying more efficiently preserves phytocompounds such as α-tocopherol, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and polyphenols, whereas hot-air drying does not compromise the β-sitosterol content and the extraction of squalene is not dependent on the drying method used. Moreover, higher amounts of α-tocopherol and polyphenols were extracted from 2P olive pomace, while β-sitosterol, chlorophylls, and carotenoids were more concentrated in 3P olive pomace. Finally, tocopherol and pigment/polyphenol fractions exerted antioxidant activity in vitro and in accelerated oxidative conditions. These results highlight the potential of olive pomace to be upcycled by extracting from it, with green methods, functional phytocompounds for reuse in food and pharmaceutical industries.