Planet Earth is under severe stress from several inter-linked factors mainly associated with rising global population, linear resource consumption, security of resources, unsurmountable waste generation, and social inequality, which unabated will lead to an unsustainable 21st Century. The traditional way products are designed promotes a economy that discards recoverable resources creates negative environmental impacts. Here, we suggest multi-disciplinary approaches encompassing chemistry,...

The potential of using tea waste as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal Eriochrome Black-T (EBT), an anionic dye from aqueous solution was studied. Batch sorption studies were conducted to study effect dosage, initial concentration, pH and contact time. equilibrium EBT adsorption data on best described by Langmuir isotherm model. It found that amount adsorbed at batch 95% 11 ​g/L acid treated waste. kinetics followed pseudo-second order More over obtained diffusion intraparticle model is...

The first Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) of an acid-free, microwave-assisted process for pectin production at pilot scale is reported. properties the resulting were measured and compared against criteria commercial pectin, while energy consumption microwave was to compare its life cycle impacts with that current process. Overall, met all food-grade pectin. unit estimated have <25% environmental impact traditional acid-assisted thermal in categories provided improved yield 5% (wet weight basis)...

Abstract Antibiotic Microbial Resistance (AMR) is a major global challenge as it constitutes severe threat to public health if not addressed. To fight against AMR bacteria, new antimicrobial agents are continually needed, and their efficacy must be tested. Historically, many transition metals have been employed, but cytotoxicity an issue hence reduced, typically by combination with organic polymers. Cellulose of natural origin, especially those derived from unavoidable residues in the food...

Abstract Lignocellulose based nanomaterials are emerging green biosolids commonly obtained from wood pulp. Alternative feedstocks, such as unavoidable food waste, interesting resources for nano/microfibers. This research reports the production and characterization of microfibrillated lignocellulose (MFLC) cassava peel (CP) almond hull (AH) via acid-free microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment (MHT) at different temperatures (120–220 °C). During processing, structural changes were tracked...

An interactive and free-of-charge online platform, The Biorefinery Experience, was created using Xerte, a flexible template for creating learning objects. Through this accessible site containing videos with transcripts range of questions to engage users, systems thinking approach has been adopted outline holistic interconnected considerations in the design first-generation sugar cane biorefinery. Systems oriented concept map extension diagrams have used extensively assist learners...

The defibrillation of lignocellulosic matter from pea waste using a dual approach twin-screw extrusion and microwave hydrothermal treatment (MHT) in the presence water alone 120 to 200 °C is reported. Gradual "scissoring" biomass macrofibers microfibrils was observed alluding microwave-assisted selective scissoring (Hy-MASS) concept. morphology properties two types MFC: PEA (nonextruded) EPEA (extruded) were compared. samples gave higher crystallinity index thermal stability, reduced lignin...

A laboratory experiment was designed to provide students with an introduction byproduct valorization by producing analogue of biodiesel (fatty acid ethyl esters, FAEE) via lipid extraction and subsequent transesterification from spent coffee grounds (SCG). Valorization is the process upgrading underutilized or discarded wastes byproducts into chemicals, materials, (bio)energy. Upon isolation intermediate FAEE, analyzed respective spectroscopic characteristics using infrared nuclear magnetic...

Spent coffee grounds are an interesting high volume renewable resource for valorisation. Activation with CaCl 2 produces mesoporous carbons capacity removal of MnO 4 2− .

The exploitation of unavoidable food supply chain wastes resulting from primary and secondary processing for chemicals, materials, bioenergy is an important concept in the drive towards circular-based, resource-efficient biorefineries rather than petroleum refineries. potential production hydrogels (materials) wastes, which are naturally rich biopolymers such as cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, lignin, represents interesting opportunity. However, these intertwined interconnected require...

As part of the biorefinery concept for spent coffee grounds (SCG), production activated carbon (AC) was investigated from degreased (DCG) left behind after oil extraction (primarily biodiesel). The oils were extracted through conventional solvent with GC/GC-MS confirming comparable to produced industrially. More significantly, analysis showed DCG AC have a four-fold increase in mesoporosity compared SCG mesopore volumes 0.6 and 0.15 cm3 g-1 , respectively. Adsorption trials ten-fold capacity...

Blackcurrant pomace (BCP) is an example of annual, high-volume, under-utilized renewable resource with potential to generate chemicals, materials and bioenergy within the context a zero-waste biorefinery. Herein, microwave-assisted isolation, characterization application defibrillated lignocelluloses from depectinated blackcurrant are reported. Depectination was achieved using citric acid (0.2-0.8 M, 80 °C, 2 h, conventional heating) compared acid-free hydrothermal processing (1500 W,...