Biowaste as a source of anthocyanins with biofunctional properties: a step towards sustainability and green...

Agricultural and household wastes are a major source of biowaste and the majority of this waste is dumped in landfills. Unmanaged biowaste possesses a considerable threat to the environment in the form of soil, air and water pollution. Managing this biowaste is a herculean task and various physico-chemical techniques are used to degrade the waste. However, this biowaste acts as a potential source of bioactive compounds that possess therapeutic properties.. Among the bioactives, we have provided comprehensive information about Anthocyanins due to their non-toxicity, water solubility and simple extraction methods. Functional groups in anthocyanins are responsible for its degradation under varying conditions and methods such as acetylation, methylation, glycosylation have been used to maintain its stability. Anthocyanins act as drug molecules against cancer, diabetes, heart disease etc. However, they show poor bioavailability which certainly impacts their efficacy as a therapeutic molecule. Various modifications in the form of encapsulation, liposomes, or starch-based aids in enhancedabsorption, stability and controlled release of the molecules . Interestingly, anthocyanins have varied otheruses, such as a packaging agent, a pH-sensitive film, staining dye for plant sections and a dyeing agent for fabric. In essence, exploitation of bioactives from biowaste can pave the way towards greener and sustainable technology.