Valorization of plant-based agro-industrial waste and by-products for the production of polysaccharides: Towards a more circular economy

authored by: Sammra Maqsood, Waseem Khalid, Prashant Kumar, Imed E. Benmebarek, Izza Faiz Ul Rasool, Monica Trif, Andres Moreno, Tuba Esatbeyoglu
Abstract: Agro-industrial waste has gained significant importance due to the increased demand for sustainable development. This review highlights the role of agro-industrial residue-derived polysaccharides in the development of a circular economy. The sources, extraction techniques, biochemical compositions, and structural properties of polysaccharides are discussed, highlighting their eco-friendly importance. It also focuses on the use of polysaccharides in different applications, such as medicines and bioplastics. Advanced extraction and modification technologies have been developed to achieve sustainable and eco-friendly production. This review also considers new market trends, a legal environment that supports sustainability, and the economic feasibility of waste valorization. In conclusion, advances in waste valorization and interdisciplinary research integration toward a sustainable and circular economy are emphasized.
Organisation(s): Institute of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Molecular Food Chemistry and Food Development
Institute of Food and One Health
External Organisation(s): University of Agriculture Faisalabad
Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM)
Government College University Faisalabad
CENCIRA Agrofood Research and Innovation Centre
Centre for Innovative Process Engineering (CENTIV) GmbH
Type: Article
Journal: Applied Food Research
Volume: 5
Publication date: 06.2025
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Food Science
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 - Climate Action
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afres.2025.100954 (Access: Open)