Research Topic: food waste valorization

The Food–Materials Nexus: Next Generation Bioplastics and Advanced Materials from Agri‐Food Residues

This review explores how food waste and agricultural byproducts can be transformed into useful bioplastics and advanced materials. By breaking down food residues into their component building blocks—like cellulose, pectin, and proteins—scientists can create eco-friendly plastics suitable for packaging, medical devices, and electronic applications. This approach supports a circular economy where waste becomes a valuable resource rather than an environmental burden.

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Functional and Metabolomic Analyses of Chamomile Jelly Derived from Gelatin Capsule Waste with Inulin and Polydextrose as Prebiotic Sugar Substitutes

Researchers developed a healthy jelly product using leftover gelatin capsules from the pharmaceutical industry combined with chamomile tea and prebiotic fibers (inulin or polydextrose) as sugar substitutes. The best formulation containing 50% inulin substitution received the highest consumer preference while providing nutritional benefits, being cholesterol-free, and promoting beneficial bacteria growth. This innovative approach transforms industrial waste into a functional food that combines taste, health benefits, and sustainability.

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Ganoderma lucidum Mycelia Mass and Bioactive Compounds Production through Grape Pomace and Cheese Whey Valorization

Researchers successfully grew Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms using leftover materials from wine and cheese production instead of expensive lab chemicals. The mushroom mycelium produced valuable compounds called polysaccharides that have antioxidant and health-promoting properties. This approach reduces food waste while creating beneficial substances, making it economically and environmentally sustainable.

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Ergothioneine: An Antioxidative, Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Compound from Mushroom Residuals

Ergothioneine is a powerful antioxidant found mainly in mushrooms that protects brain health and reduces inflammation. Mushroom processing creates large amounts of waste like stems and leftover substrate that actually contain high levels of this beneficial compound. Scientists have developed sustainable methods to extract ergothioneine from this waste, creating opportunities for new health supplements and functional foods while reducing waste and supporting environmental sustainability.

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Upcycled Orange Peel Ingredients: A Scoping Review on Phytochemical Composition, Extraction Techniques, and Biorefinery Strategies

Orange peels, which make up half the weight of oranges, are usually thrown away but contain valuable compounds beneficial for health. Scientists have found that these peels are rich in phytochemicals that can reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and support gut health. New methods are being developed to extract and use these beneficial compounds in food products, creating a more sustainable and waste-free approach to the citrus industry.

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Mycofabrication of sustainable mycelium-based leather using Talaromyces sp. and irradiated eggplant peel waste

Scientists developed a new type of eco-friendly leather made from fungal mycelium grown on eggplant peel waste. Using radiation to treat the eggplant peels made them stronger and more flexible, and optimizing the growing conditions improved the material’s quality. The resulting mycoleather has mechanical properties comparable to real leather but is completely biodegradable and sustainable, offering a promising alternative to traditional leather production.

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Innovative applications and therapeutic potential of oilseeds and their by-products: An eco-friendly and sustainable approach

This review explains how leftover materials from oilseed processing, which are usually discarded as waste, contain valuable nutrients and healing compounds. These by-products can be used to make healthier foods like bread, burgers, and drinks, or turned into supplements and medicines. By using these materials instead of wasting them, we can reduce environmental problems, provide better nutrition, and create sustainable food products that help prevent diseases like diabetes and heart problems.

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Green Valorization Strategies of Pleurotus ostreatus and Its By-Products: A Critical Review of Emerging Technologies and Sustainable Applications

Oyster mushrooms generate large amounts of agricultural waste including stems, leftover plant material, and spent growing substrate. These waste products contain many healthy compounds like fiber, β-glucans, and antioxidants that are usually thrown away. Scientists are developing new extraction technologies using ultrasound, microwaves, and other methods to recover these beneficial compounds from mushroom waste for use in functional foods like meat products, baked goods, and dairy items, reducing waste while creating healthier food ingredients.

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