Chemical characterization of wheat-based waste derived from a pharmaceutical process for its potential valorization
Lidia Ciriaco1, Luana Izzo1, Giulia Graziani1
1Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
Frontiers in Chemistry
|November 28, 2024
Summary
Wheat processing waste, rich in ferulic acid and dihydroferulic acid, shows no cytotoxicity. This analysis supports reusing these byproducts as valuable raw materials for cosmeceutical development, promoting a circular economy.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Wheat (Triticum vulgare) processing generates liquid and solid wastes.
- These byproducts are often destined for disposal, representing a loss of potential resources.
- Valorization of agricultural waste is crucial for sustainable industrial practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and characterize wheat processing waste for potential reuse.
- To evaluate the biological properties, including biocompatibility and antioxidant activity, of these waste streams.
- To determine the feasibility of utilizing waste for the development of new products, specifically cosmeceuticals.
Main Methods:
- Chemical-physical analysis of liquid and solid waste using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS).
- Quantification of phenolic compounds, particularly ferulic acid and dihydroferulic acid.
- In vitro biocompatibility testing on human skin cell models (HaCaT and HDFa).
- Assays for antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP).
Main Results:
- Ferulic acid (89.782 mg/kg) and dihydroferulic acid (6.24 mg/L) were identified as major phenolic compounds in solid and liquid waste, respectively.
- Solid waste extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity (8.598 mmol trolox/kg for ABTS, 7.262 mmol trolox/kg for FRAP).
- No cytotoxic effects were observed in human skin cells exposed to waste extracts at concentrations up to 100 μg/mL for 72 hours.
Conclusions:
- Wheat processing waste possesses valuable bioactive compounds and exhibits no cytotoxicity.
- The characterized waste is suitable for reuse as a raw material in the cosmeceutical industry.
- This approach promotes an eco-friendly circular economy by transforming waste into a recyclable resource.
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