Agricultural and industrial residues are increasingly recognized as valuable resources for sustainable innovation, offering significant potential for biotechnological applications. By integrating waste valorization into production systems, this approach aims to mitigate environmental impacts and enhance economic value across various sectors. The findings underline the critical need for further research and policy support to scale these solutions, advancing global sustainability goals through innovative resource management. In this perspective, this article reviews the utilization of key by-products, including coffee residues, sugarcane bagasse, whey, cassava wastewater (manipueira), and brewery waste, highlighting their transformation into high-value products such as biofuels, bioplastics, enzymes, bioactive compounds, and organic fertilizers. The discussion presented encompasses the challenges and opportunities in leveraging these residues, emphasizing the role of advanced technologies, intellectual property, and circular economy principles.

Biodegradable cassava starch–based films incorporating micro‐ and nanoparticles of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) were developed to enhance active packaging performance. Films were prepared via casting and characterized for physical, optical, mechanical and antioxidant properties. Nanoparticles generated thicker (0.118 mm, FLN4:1), denser films with smooth (1.68 g/cm ³ ), homogeneous surfaces, whereas microparticles produced thinner, more soluble (up to 46.62% for FLM4:1) and opaque films with surface irregularities and agglomerates. Both systems enhanced UV light barrier properties, crucial for protecting oxidation‐sensitive foods. Importantly, FTIR analyses demonstrated the preservation of chemical integrity post‐processing. Mechanical performance varied according to the type of particle incorporated. The nanoparticle‐based film (Fb‐LN) exhibited the highest tensile strength (8.42 MPa) and stiffness (129 MPa), whereas the microparticle‐loaded films (FLM series) demonstrated superior flexibility, reaching elongation values up to 236.9%. Antioxidant assessments revealed that encapsulation preserved PSO bioactivity. Films with nanoparticles (FLN4:1) demonstrated faster release (19.9% DPPH inhibition at 0.26 mg/mL) and higher immediate antioxidant activity, whereas microparticle‐loaded films (FLM1:1) provided superior retention and sustained release (20.4% at 0.65 mg/mL). Particle type and size were determinants in modulating film functionality and release behaviour. Overall, PSO micro‐ and nanoparticle‐loaded starch films offer versatile solutions for active food packaging, combining biodegradability, improved barrier and mechanical properties and controlled antioxidant release. The approach enables tailored film design to meet specific shelf life and product preservation requirements.

Ebook do V SICITAL - Simpósio de Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos - Produção de alimentos na era digital: soluções tecnológicas para o futuro (978-65-272-2553-9) - Tecnologias De Fabricação Aplicadas À Produção De Embalagens: Revestimento, Termoprensagem E Impressão 3D

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were extracted from the peel of Solanum lycocarpum (wolf fruit) using sulfuric acid hydrolysis at concentrations of 0.1%, 1%, and 10%. These nanofibers were incorporated into starch-based films produced via casting, and the resulting materials were analyzed for their structural, mechanical, thermal, and optical characteristics. The addition of CNFs led to significant enhancements in tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and opacity, along with a reduction in moisture content. Among the formulations, the film reinforced with CNFs from the 0.1% acid treatment exhibited the best mechanical performance (tensile strength = 7.45 MPa; Young’s modulus = 471.57 MPa), attributed to improved nanofiber dispersion and stronger interactions within the starch matrix. In contrast, nanofibers obtained using higher acid concentrations (1% and 10%) showed partial structural degradation, resulting in nanocomposites with reduced tensile strength compared to F0.1—likely due to reduced hydrogen bonding between CNFs and starch chains. Additionally, the use of 0.1% H ₂ SO ₄ is favorable in terms of environmental and cost considerations, reducing both reagent usage and energy demand during processing. Overall, the study demonstrates the feasibility of producing fully bio-based nanocomposites by utilizing both starch and cellulose nanofibers derived from the same fruit, offering a sustainable solution for biodegradable packaging applications.