Efficient enzymatic hydrolysis for enriching the antioxidant content of agro-food industrial residues

Background

Enzymatic hydrolysis of agro-food industrial residues (AFIRs) has the potential of generating great economic value in the food and the cosmetics industry. Here, we develop an efficient solid enzymatic hydrolysis (SEH) employing the edible fungus Pleurotus ostreatus to enzymatically digest wheat bran. We assess the antioxidant activity of the SEH product by implementing a highly affordable antioxidant activity test (AAT). Finally, we obtain a tablet formulation containing the SEH product.

Results

Results show that the selected parameters for the SEH are highly competitive among other described SEHs that use fungi to digest wheat residues. The AAT showed a dose–response antioxidant behavior employing a known antioxidant (vitamin C). The AAT also showed that the SEH product has higher antioxidant activity than the undigested substrate. Finally, the hardness assessment of the SEH tablets suggested changes in stability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an efficient SEH was implemented and its effect on the antioxidant activity was demonstrated. The SEH could be performed at a competitive incubation time, temperature, and moisture content. Nevertheless, a deeper study is warranted to fully describe this SEH. We hope that these findings contribute to the development of cost-efficient SEHs in the food and cosmetics industry.