Circular Bioeconomy in Action: Transforming Food Waste and Renewable Biomaterials into High-Value Products

Demand for fish and seafood has grown as the global population increases. Solutions are needed to address waste management issues related to seafood processing. Current disposal methods are environmentally damaging as they release greenhouse gases and/or cause ocean eutrophication. While waste bones and shells are considered low value as they are inedible, they are a potential feedstock for hydroxyapatite (HAP). Our group has developed an industrially viable method to isolate collagen-containing HAP from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) waste using protease and lipase enzymes simultaneously in tap water. To validate our method for industrial application, we successfully isolated >100 g of HAP by treating 15 salmon frames (backbones), and performed a simplified gate-to-gate life cycle analysis (LCA). The cleaned salmon bones were further transformed to HAP nanoparticles (nHAP) using a combination of mechanochemistry (ball-milling) and ultrasound. sHAP sonicated in 10% propanoic acid for 15 min produced stabilized nHAP particles with an average diameter of 32 nm via TEM data. Once again, to prove this process is more sustainable and greener than existing methods, an LCA was performed. Compared with traditional routes to prepare bio-derived nHAP, our mechanochemical-sonochemical treatment has a 97% reduction in CO₂ emissions. This and our latest results will be presented.

In the context of the 2025 “Make America Healthy Again” initiative aimed at phasing out petroleum-derived FD&C dyes, this research focuses on the biomass valorization of high-anthocyanin (Hi-A) corn as a sustainable source of natural colorants. To support pigment extraction and utilization, comprehensive chemical, compositional, and spectroscopic characterization was conducted to elucidate the structural framework governing anthocyanin deposition and extractability. Hi-A corn hybrids developed by the Texas A&M AgriLife Corn Breeding Program synthesize and accumulate anthocyanins in grains, cobs, and other tissues, making them suitable for human food applications, nutritionally enhanced animal feed, and natural colorant production. A detailed compositional analysis of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin was performed across multiple plant tissues from genetically diverse hybrids to establish baselines for pigment localization and processing behavior. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy was used to obtain functional group fingerprints of biomass components, while near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy provided rapid, non-destructive quantification of starch, protein, oil, and moisture, enabling high-throughput screening of compositional variability. Extraction conditions were systematically optimized to maximize anthocyanin and phenolic recovery. The resulting extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity to assess bioactive potential and extraction efficiency. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed for quantitative profiling of anthocyanins, and liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) was used for accurate compound identification and confirmation. Results from our research will lead to the development of the technology of producing natural colorants for food and textile industries and may identify Hi-A corn hybrids best suited for producing high-quality silage for the regional beef cattle and dairy industries.

Our team has advanced economic, sustainable, and efficient platforms for waste-to-bioplastics conversion. First, we have advanced an economic food waste-to-bioplastics platform via integrating the anaerobic digestion of waste-to-carboxylate with downstream P. putida fermentation. We have advanced strain engineering, fermentation optimization, and inducer feeding to convert waste-derived carboxylates to mcl-PHAs at over 40% conversion efficiency, 5g/L titer, and the MSP of $2.22/KgPHA, while achieving precise structure and property control for unique high value functional plastics. Second, we have integrated synthetic biology and biorefinery design to achieve efficient and economic conversion of waste lignin into PHA, enabling MSP at $6.18/kg/PHA and co-production of PHA as cellulosic ethanol biorefinery byproducts. Third, we have advanced a new electrobiomanufacturing platform for efficient and rapid conversion of CO2 into bioplastics, enabling 6 and 8 times increase of biomass productivity than the SOTA and carbon-negative bioplastics manufacturing at the MSP of $4.08/KgPHA. The platform also achieves solar energy conversion to biomass four times higher than natural photosynthesis.

The large-scale production of hard carbon anodes is currently dominated by fossil-derived precursors and energy-intensive thermal processing, limiting the sustainability and scalability of sodium-ion battery technologies. Although biomass represents an abundant carbon source, industrial adoption has been constrained by feedstock heterogeneity, multistep chemical washing, and long pyrolysis residence times. This study demonstrates an integrated approach combining single-pot deep eutectic solvent (DES) washing and microwave-assisted carbonization to address these challenges.

Agricultural biomass residues were washed using various hydrogen bond donor–hydrogen bond acceptor DES systems, including urea, oxalic acid, citric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA), thiourea, and formic acid. The treated biomass was converted into hard carbon via microwave heating at 1100°C for 120 minutes.

Urea-based DES uniquely acted as a single-pot washing and nitrogen-doping medium, removing most lignocellulose and lignin, which reduced tar formation during pyrolysis and facilitated process scale-up. Nitrogen incorporation improved the carbon structure, increased graphite-like domains, and lowered d-spacing, resulting in enhanced sodium storage performance. This effect was confirmed by operando studies, which showed improved Na ion intercalation kinetics in the nitrogen-enriched carbons compared to other washing protocols. The urea-derived material delivered 385 mAh/g at a 0.05C rate (20% higher than commercial hard carbon). After formation cycles, it stabilized at 96 mAh/g at a 2C rate and retained 70 mAh/g over 1000 cycles (73% retention). Compared to conventional furnace carbonization (7.6 kWh per batch), microwave processing consumed 4.8 kWh and emitted 3.89 kg equivalent carbon dioxide versus 6.16 kg, a 36.8% reduction.

By integrating nitrogen-enriching DES washing, energy-efficient microwave heating, and abundant biomass feedstocks, this work demonstrates an industrially relevant, resource-efficient pathway for high-performance hard carbon, advancing green chemistry principles of waste prevention, safer solvents, energy efficiency, and renewable feedstocks.

Introduction. The rate of the global population has risen with demographic forecast predicting global numbers to peak at roughly 10.3 billion by the mid-2080s [1]. Meanwhile, approximately one-third of food is lost or wasted throughout the supply chain from beginning to end [2].
This research valorizes hazelnut press cake, the industrial by-product from hazelnut oil production to replace fetal bovine serum (FBS) in cultivated meat/fish production.
Methods. The study optimized Deep Eutectic Extraction (DES) extraction of hazelnut press cake protein via Design of Experiment (DOE). Specifically mass yield and protein extraction rate. The extracted proteins were characterized through gel permeation chromatography/size exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC) to determine the protein molecular weight distribution. Later, the ability of hazelnut press cake proteins to support cell proliferation was evaluated in porcine stromal cells.
Results. The results showed that the best conditions – in terms of extraction rate (ER) – were identified as: solid/liquid (S/L) ratio of 1:10, for 70 min at 90°C obtaining ER (%) = 40.1%. The GPC/SEC showed different molecular weight distributions at different temperatures as shown in Figure 1, suggesting that protein extraction and partial degradation may be possible in one-batch solution.

Distillery spent grains (DSGs) are protein-rich waste residues generated by the alcohol-producing industry. DSGs are repurposed by some companies (e.g., as animal feed). Otherwise DSG is disposed of as wet organic waste. Similar bioresidues are produced in other food sectors (for example, whey permeate) and share comparable disposal and economic challenges, making DSG a good case study to explore new valorization pathways. The objective of the current work was to evaluate the potential of DSG for broader circular bioeconomy applications. Detailed thermal and physicochemical characterization of DSG was conducted to quantify the key properties for consideration of DSG as a feedstock for thermochemical reactors. The current work reports results of proximate and ultimate analysis, lignocellulosic composition, fuel properties, mineral content, and other key characteristics of DSG bioproducts from bourbon production. The findings are discussed in terms of conversion strategies suited to convert protein-rich food-processing residues into valued products.

Biorefineries are pivotal to the transition toward a circular bioeconomy, enabling the sustainable conversion of biomass into fuels, chemicals, and value-added materials. Traditional biorefinery concepts, often focused on single-product outputs and large-scale centralized operations, face limitations in flexibility, resource efficiency, and local applicability. In this study, biorefineries have been redefined within the framework of a resource-efficient circular bioeconomy, highlighting integrated, multiproduct, and modular systems that optimize the utilization of crop processing residues. Key technological advances, including innovative pretreatment, enzymatic conversion, and downstream separation processes, are evaluated in the context of efficiency, scalability, and environmental impact. Emphasis is placed on strategies that minimize waste generation, enable valorization of byproducts, and close material loops, thereby contributing to sustainable production and consumption patterns. The study also explores socioeconomic and regional considerations, demonstrating how decentralized biorefineries can support rural economies, enhance energy security, and foster resilient bio-based value chains. By critically analyzing current approaches and identifying bottlenecks, this work outlines research priorities for enhancing feedstock flexibility, process integration, and techno-economic viability. Ultimately, a comprehensive perspective on next-generation biorefinery systems has been evaluated that aligns with principles of resource efficiency, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience, offering actionable insights for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders seeking to accelerate the adoption of circular bioeconomy practices.

High-performance biobased materials are essential for replacing fossil-based plastics and fostering a sustainable bioeconomy. Low-value lignocellulosic side streams are important feedstocks for such materials, in accordance with Green Chemistry Principles (GCP #7). Among feedstocks, oat husks (OH) are of particular interest for biorefineries due to their abundant availability in temperate climates. As global oat consumption increases, the availability of OH is also expected to rise. Here, we demonstrate a pathway for valorization of this side stream into translucent nanocomposite films for various applications by integrating cellulose nanofibers (CNF), lignin nanoparticles (LNP), and silica.
OH were fractionated through a stepwise process to isolate lignin and cellulose, which were further processed into stable colloidal nanomaterials. A silica-rich fraction was recovered from OH ashes. An early-stage environmental assessment highlights the benefit of obtaining multiple co-products from a single feedstock, increasing reducing Process Mass Intensity (PMI).
CNF were produced via TEMPO-mediated oxidation and probe ultrasonication, LNP via dissolution and anti-solvent precipitation, and an aqueous silica dispersion by sonication. The processing strategies emphasize predominantly aqueous chemistries and mild conditions, enabling nanocomposite fabrication without fossil-based additives (GCP #3). The resulting building blocks were characterized to confirm their size and colloidal stability.
Nanocomposite films were then prepared by solvent casting and evaluated for their structural and functional properties. Microscopic analyses revealed homogeneous component distribution, while spectroscopic techniques confirmed favorable interfacial interactions. The incorporation of lignin and silica resulted in enhanced thermal stability, tunable surface wettability, and UV-blocking behavior while maintaining high optical transparency.
Overall, the results demonstrate an effective strategy for valorizing food processing side streams into functional materials through integrated fractionation and green nanocomposite fabrication. From a circular bioeconomy perspective, the approach enhances resource efficiency by increasing biomass component utilization and reducing reliance on fossil-derived materials. The developed biomaterials show potential for applications such as packaging, antimicrobial coatings, and flexible bioelectronics.

Food waste represents an abundant yet underutilized renewable carbon resource; however, recovering value-added chemicals from complex waste-derived streams remains a major technical and economic challenge. This work presents an integrated, low-energy electrochemical separation platform that converts food waste arrested anaerobic digestion (FWAAD) broth into polymer-grade lactic acid suitable for bioplastic manufacturing. The recovered lactic acid can be processed into polylactic acid (PLA)-based materials, a biodegradable and compostable thermoplastic widely used in packaging applications such as films, thermoformed trays, cups, and flexible packaging.
Prior to separation, FWAAD broth was pretreated using microfiltration to remove suspended solids and lipids, thereby mitigating membrane fouling in downstream electrochemical processes. Multiple electrodialysis-based separation configurations were evaluated to optimize lactic acid recovery from the complex broth matrix. Among these, a two-stage electrochemical separation strategy demonstrated superior performance, achieving high lactic acid titters with low energy input and high recovery efficiency.
In the first stage, resin-wafer electrodeionization (RW-EDI) selectively separated and concentrated approximately 97% of lactate salts from dilute FWAAD broth (~4 wt.%) to 15–20 wt.%, with an energy consumption of ~0.55 kWh lb^-1 lactate. In the second stage, the concentrated lactate stream was further processed using bipolar electrodialysis (BPED) to convert lactate salts into high-purity lactic acid, reaching a final titer of ~37 wt.% with an additional energy requirement of ~0.31 kWh lb^-1.
Overall, the integrated RW-EDI/BPED process captured more than 90% of lactate ions from FWAAD broth and converted them into lactic acid with a total energy consumption of ~0.86 kWh lb^-1 lactic acid. The resulting lactic acid met purity requirements for PLA processing, including downstream compounding, extrusion, and thermoforming operations. The estimated separation cost was approximately $0.12 lb^-1.
By integrating anaerobic digestion, electrochemical separations, and polymer manufacturing, this platform enables a closed-loop pathway in which PLA-based packaging materials can be biodegraded and recycled back into the FWAAD process. This approach demonstrates a scalable route for transforming food waste into high-value polymer materials while advancing green chemistry principles and the circular bioeconomy.