Wheat straw: A natural remedy against different maladies

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Biomass Utilization
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Agro-industrial waste, particularly lignocellulosic biomass, is a significant global resource.
• Wheat straw is a readily available, inexpensive, and renewable lignocellulosic material.
• Lignocellulosic biomass contains cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, offering diverse functional properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review agro-industrial lignocellulosic biomass, focusing on wheat straw.
• To explore the utilization of wheat straw for various applications.
• To highlight the health benefits associated with wheat straw.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of agro-industrial lignocellulosic biomass.
• Analysis of wheat straw composition (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin).
• Evaluation of microbial culture applications and fermentation potential.

Main Results:

• Wheat straw serves as a versatile substrate for industrial fermentation, producing enzymes, drugs, metabolites, and biofuels.
• It is an excellent source for bioethanol, biogas, and biohydrogen production in biorefineries.
• Wheat straw exhibits significant health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

Conclusions:

• Wheat straw is a sustainable and cost-effective resource for bioenergy and valuable chemical production.
• Its utilization supports a circular economy and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
• Wheat straw's diverse applications range from industrial processes to health and agriculture.