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Development of Leather-like Materials from Enzymatically Treated Green Kiwi Peel and Valorization of By-Products for Microbial Bioprocesses

Summary

This research shows how kiwi fruit peels, normally discarded as waste, can be transformed into leather-like materials through enzymatic treatment. The study found that treating the peels with commercial enzymes produced flexible, durable films with properties comparable to traditional leather, while the leftover liquid from the treatment process could be used to grow industrially useful yeast cultures. This integrated approach demonstrates how agro-food waste can be completely recycled into valuable products, supporting sustainable manufacturing practices.

Background

Green kiwi peel (GKP) is a major byproduct of kiwi fruit consumption that is largely underexploited. The fruit processing industry generates approximately 490 million tons of fruit and vegetable waste annually, creating significant environmental challenges. GKP contains cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin, making it a potential source for biobased polymer films and sustainable materials.

Objective

This study aimed to entirely valorize green kiwi peel by developing leather-like biomaterials through enzymatic and chemical treatments while utilizing the resulting liquid byproducts as growth media for industrially relevant yeasts. The research sought to demonstrate an integrated biorefinery approach for complete waste utilization.

Results

Enzymatic treatments produced films with tunable mechanical properties (Young’s modulus: 8.0-24.0 MPa at 37°C, up to 162.0 MPa at 50°C) and higher elongation at break compared to acid treatment. The liquid byproducts contained 9.6-11.1 g/L sugars (glucose and fructose) and supported growth of all three yeast strains when supplemented with nitrogen sources, demonstrating zero-waste valorization potential.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that enzymatic treatment of green kiwi peel provides a viable alternative to chemical processing for producing competitive leather-like materials with tunable properties. Full valorization of GKP through combined material production and bioprocess applications represents an effective integrated biorefinery approach applicable to various agro-food wastes for advancing circular economy principles.
  • Published in:ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.5c04972; PMID: 41041514
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