Food Technology and Biotechnology最新文献

Research background: The rapid growth of the Malaysian population has led to an increase in kitchen waste, especially inedible organic kitchen waste, which is generally disposed of in landfills and pollutes the environment. Apart from this, the increasing demand for chicken products in Malaysia has led to a significant increase in chicken manure production. As anaerobic digestion continues to be explored, there are concerns about the utilization of the digestate from chicken manure. Therefore, this study addresses the challenge of treating kitchen waste and chicken manure digestate in Malaysia by investigating the effectiveness of composting and vermicomposting methods through comparative analysis. By integrating kitchen waste, particularly spent coffee grounds, bone waste and used kitchen towels, this study aims to improve the imbalanced physicochemical properties of digestate from chicken manure.

Experimental approach: Before composting, the kitchen waste and chicken manure digestate were characterised to determine the initial physicochemical properties. Four composting setups comprising the substances were established to study the physical appearance, temperature and pH profile, the increase in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content, and the mass reduction of the final compost after 50 days of composting.

Results and conclusions: The vermicompost with kitchen waste additives showed a significant nutrient improvement with an NPK mass ratio of 1:3.57:6.58 and a lower moisture mass fraction of 48.92 %, which requires the shortest maturation time (20 days) and the highest mass reduction (55.11 %).

Novelty and scientific contribution: The novelty of this research is the valorisation of organic kitchen waste and chicken manure digestate as biofertiliser. The end result is achieved by promoting a sustainable alternative to exploit kitchen waste instead of the traditional approach of landfilling waste. At the same time the problem of digestate is addressed, particularly its unbalanced physicochemical properties, especially its macronutrients, pH and moisture content. In contrast to previous studies, this work investigates the effectiveness of both conventional composting and vermicomposting with the incorporation of organic kitchen waste, namely spent coffee grounds, bone meal and used kitchen towels, to improve the physicochemical properties of digestate.

Waste management in the food manufacturing sector has become one of the most challenging aspects globally owing to the generation of enormous quantities of by-products, such as peels, seeds and undesirable flesh at various stages of the processing chain. However, these plant by-products are rich in important compounds particularly polyphenols and bioactive substances that significantly affect human health and can be utilised in numerous sectors as new, low-cost and economical raw ingredients. The aim of this review paper is to discuss various methods of valorising food waste, concentrating on upcycling, aquafaba, coffee silver skin, propolis, wine lees and avocado waste. Food waste is a substantial global issue, with the potential to affect food security, environment and economy. Upcycling is highlighted as a means to tackle food waste by repurposing high-value by-products such as fruit and vegetable residues. Aquafaba, a vegan alternative to egg white, is produced from chickpeas and has various culinary applications. Coffee silver skin, a by-product of coffee production, contains bioactive compounds that can be extracted and used in functional foods. Propolis, a resinous substance collected by bees, is rich in bioactive compounds with health benefits. Wine lees, a by-product of winemaking, can be processed to extract phenolic compounds and produce value-added products. Avocado waste valorisation focuses on converting avocado by-products into valuable products for various industries. The sustainable valorisation of food waste offers numerous benefits, such as reducing waste output, generating revenue and promoting resource efficiency. Collaboration between stakeholders is essential to advance research and implement sustainable management practices for food waste valorisation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Challenges such as scaling-up, regulatory frameworks, logistics, food safety and environmental impact must be addressed to effectively valorise food waste.

Research background: Succinic acid from lignocellulosic biomass is a sustainable alternative for biochemical production that is an environmentally friendly substitute for petroleum-based chemicals. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of variations in hemicellulose content and cellulose fibre structure within the microfibrils of woody and herbaceous plants on the enzymatic saccharification and succinic acid production efficiency of Psod:SucE12-ΔldhA, a strain overexpressing the succinic acid transporter (SucE).

Experimental approach: The study investigated the influence of different monosaccharide combinations on succinic acid production, focusing on combinations with mannose compared to glucose alone. Additionally, hydrolysates from different lignocellulosic biomass - bamboo, oak, poplar, pine and spent coffee grounds - were analysed to determine the most favourable bioresource for succinic acid production.

Results and conclusions: Monosaccharide combinations containing mannose resulted in 2.20-2.48 times higher succinic acid production than glucose alone, indicating a positive influence of mannose on succinic acid metabolism. Among the lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates, bamboo, with its higher xylose content than woody plants, was the most efficient bioresource for succinic acid production (23.38-24.12 g/L within 24 h), followed by oak, poplar, pine and spent coffee grounds. Therefore, improving the xylose consumption rate is crucial for increasing succinic acid production from lignocellulosic biomass and increasing market competitiveness.

Novelty and scientific contribution: This research emphasises the potential of lignocellulosic biomass, especially bamboo, as a sustainable feedstock for succinic acid production. The novelty of the study lies in the detailed investigation of how hemicellulose content and cellulose fibre structure affect enzymatic saccharification and fermentation. The significant influence of mannose and xylose on the succinic acid yield provides key insights for the optimisation of biomass use in biochemical production. These findings promote bio-based chemical production, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve industrial sustainability.

Research background: Biogas production from palm oil mill effluent (POME) is inherently unstable due to variations in feedstock composition and operating conditions. These fluctuations can lead to inconsistent biogas quality, variable methane content and fluctuating hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) concentration. This poses significant challenges for bioscrubbers in removing H₂S to meet quality standards for gas engines used for electricity generation. This research aims to address these challenges by integrating simulation models with a computer programme and artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the performance of a bioscrubber at a POME treatment plant in Johor, Malaysia.

Experimental approach: First, the process flowsheet model was simulated using a computer programme. The H₂S removal was then predicted using a machine learning algorithm, specifically ANN, based on two years of historical data obtained from the biogas plant. A detailed techno-economic analysis was also carried out to determine the economic feasibility of the process.

Results and conclusions: The simulation results showed a biogas yield of 26.12 Nm³ per m³ POME, which is in line with industry data with less than 1 % deviation. The ANN model achieved a high coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.9 and a low mean squared error (MSE), with the bioscrubber reaching an H₂S removal efficiency of approx. 96 %. The techno-economic analysis showed that the process is feasible with a net present value (NPV) of $131 000 and a payback period of 7 years.

Novelty and scientific contribution: The integration of ANN and the computer programme provides a robust framework for predicting bioscrubber performance and ensuring stable bioscrubber operation due to their complementary strengths. ANN accurately predicts H₂S removal based on daily recorded data, while the computer programme estimates parameters that are not monitored daily, such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS). This research provides valuable insights into sustainable biogas production practices and offers opportunities to improve energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in the palm oil industry.

An increasing amount of plastics is being used due to the growing population. Plastic waste pollution has become a major problem, especially in the marine environment, due to the increasing global demand for plastic materials. Bioplastics produced from waste in biorefineries offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics by recycling materials that are normally thrown away in the food, farming and manufacturing industries. This technology tackles both the plastic waste crisis and the inefficient use of biomass. By recycling biorefinery waste into bioplastics, the impact on the environment can be reduced, waste minimised and less fossil fuel consumed. Improving material qualities, reducing production costs and optimising the efficiency and scalability of these processes are all ongoing challenges. This review focuses on waste biorefineries for bioplastic synthesis as a sustainable approach to the circular bioeconomy. It also provides a better understanding of environmental sustainability, societal well-being and technological advances in the utilisation of various biorefineries as different substrates and methods for bioplastic synthesis.

Research background: The increasing environmental concerns due to fossil fuel consumption and industrial wastewater pollution necessitate sustainable solutions for bioenergy production and wastewater treatment. Palm oil mill effluent (POME), a high-strength industrial wastewater, poses significant environmental challenges. Microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) and microbial fuel cells (MFC) offer promising avenues for bioenergy recovery from such wastewaters.

Experimental approach: Dual-chamber H-type reactors equipped with proton exchange membranes were used to separately evaluate the performance of MEC and MFC in the production of bioenergy from POME. Hydrogen production and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal in MECs were evaluated at different applied voltages and influent COD expressed as oxygen concentrations, while in MFCs the effect of external resistance on power output and COD reduction was investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimise these operational parameters for maximum bioenergy recovery and efficient wastewater treatment.

Results and conclusions: The results showed that the efficiency of hydrogen production and COD removal in MECs were maximised at low influent COD value and low voltage supply. The MEC effectively produced hydrogen and treated industrial wastewater, while the MFC successfully produced electricity and reduced COD. Field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed the formation of biofilms on the electrodes, indicating active microbial communities involved in the production of bioenergy. A trade-off between power density and COD removal efficiency in MFCs was observed, with medium resistance values yielding maximum power output. The integration of MEC and MFC showed potential for treating high-strength industrial wastewater like POME, offering a greener and more energy-efficient approach.

Novelty and scientific contribution: This study demonstrates the potential feasibility of integrating MEC and MFC technologies for simultaneous bioenergy production and wastewater treatment from POME. It extends the knowledge in biochemical engineering by optimising operational conditions for improved bioenergy recovery and highlights the role of microbial communities in bioelectrochemical systems. The results form a basis for future research on sustainable bioenergy production and contribute to efforts towards environmental sustainability.

The cultivation of citrus fruits has increased significantly around the globe due to rising consumer demand. The citrus fruit processing industry produces approx. 110 to 120 million tonnes of citrus fruit waste worldwide every year. This in turn contributes to landfills and environmental pollution, and poses a risk to human health and the ecosystem. Proper recycling of citrus waste helps reduce pollution and also serves as a sustainable source for the production of different bio-based products. Abundant bioactive compounds in citrus waste offer immense economic value for the production of various useful products. Moreover, bioactive compounds found in citrus wastes have various biological properties, including antioxidant, anticancer, antimutagenic, antiplatelet, cardioprotective and antiviral activities. Instead of disposing of them directly, citrus wastes can be upcycled into various value-added products, including single-cell proteins, biopolymers, pectin, biofuel, biofertilizer and bioenergy. Citrus peels serve as a cost-effective reservoir of nutraceuticals and provide an affordable dietary option for the treatment of degenerative diseases. The citrus waste, which is used as a biofertilizer and is a rich source of phenolic compounds and carotenoids, helps to extend the shelf life of food. The aim is to maintain economic viability and sustainability with the help of recent innovations in the industry. This review discusses recent advances in the valorization of citrus fruit waste and presents innovative biotechnological approaches to extract valuable bioactive compounds such as limonene, flavonoids and pectin. These compounds are used in different sectors, from the food and pharmaceutical industries to bioenergy. Techniques such as microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) are characterized by high yields and energy efficiency. Techniques for sampling, pretreatment, extraction of phytochemicals, purification and identification of citrus fruit waste are also studied. Additionally, this review highlights the environmental benefits of waste valorization as part of a circular economy approach that contributes to both economic sustainability and pollution reduction.