Integral valorization of soya and wheat by-products generated in Brazil and United Kingdom: a cascading value-adding approach

Abstract

The United Nations preconizes research focused on conversion of agrifood byproducts into useful resources for society through advanced value-added strategies based on green technologies. To contribute to value chains and circular economy and mitigate the pernicious effects that excess agricultural effects may cause, these waste materials can be further utilized as feedstock for the production of value-added chemicals, materials and the extraction of chemicals like nutraceuticals, which would contribute to the development of bioeconomies. One example of plentiful waste relevant to Brazilian agricultural activities are soya branches, leaves and pods, from which isoflavones and other compounds can be extracted, which are known to harm soils if infiltrated but also have nutraceutical value. In the case of the UK, wheat hulls are one of the most abundant waste, from which carotenoids and phytosterols can be obtained, also with valuable features as food additives. In addition to these, the main composition of agricultural waste is lignocellulosic biomass, from which further chemicals can be produced. An interesting alternative is the production of furans like 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), 5-chloromethylfurfural (CMF) or furfural (Fur), which represent outstanding chemicals from which biofuels or other materials can be obtained. The present project aims to valorize residues by first extracting chemicals and then using the remaining biomass fraction. This project will support the ongoing Young Investigator FAPESP project (ref. 2017/06216-6) entitled "Development of Green Analytical Methodologies to obtain high value-added organic compounds from agricultural waste", coordinated by CSF. The impact of this project will help broaden our excellence research network and allow establishing links with industrial partners interested in active organic compounds and fuels from biomass. (AU)