Alexander Junges

Dragon fruit ( Selenicereus spp.) has gained attention as a nutritionally rich tropical fruit; however, its industrial processing generates substantial residues, particularly the peel, which represents a valuable yet underutilized biomass. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of dragon fruit peel and its potential as a source of high-value bioactive compounds, including betalains, phenolic compounds, pectin, and prebiotic oligosaccharides. The literature indicates that assisted extraction technologies can improve extraction efficiency and reduce processing time, although process intensification may compromise the stability of heat-sensitive compounds. Conventional methods remain relevant for their simplicity and scalability, whereas selective technologies such as supercritical fluid and pressurized liquid extraction offer greater control over extract composition. Sequential extraction within a cascade biorefinery framework emerges as a promising strategy for maximizing biomass utilization and recovering multiple value-added compounds. Sustainability assessment is also addressed by discussing the integration of life cycle assessment (LCA), techno-economic analysis (TEA), and green chemistry metrics as complementary tools for evaluating process performance. Overall, the findings highlight the need to balance efficiency, selectivity, stability, and sustainability to support the industrial valorization of dragon fruit peel.

Smoked bacon is a meat product susceptible to physicochemical and microbiological changes during storage, which may compromise its quality and safety. This study evaluated the effects of different formulations combining starter cultures—SafePro B-LC-78 ( Pediococcus acidilactici and Staphylococcus carnosus , TA) and a combination of two commercial starter culture systems (SafePro B-2 and BactoFlavor ^® Rosa, containing Latilactobacillus sakei , Staphylococcus vitulinus , and Staphylococcus xylosus , TB), applied according to manufacturer recommendations, along with different sugar types and concentrations, compared with a non-inoculated control (TC), on the technological, microbiological, color, and oxidative stability of smoked bacon stored for 120 days at 22 °C. The smoking process ensured an internal temperature ≥ 52 °C and weight losses ranging from 19.6 to 19.9% for all treatments ( p > 0.05). Throughout storage, TA and TB showed a more pronounced pH reduction and lower water activity and syneresis values compared with the control, suggesting improved physicochemical stability under the tested conditions ( p < 0.05). Lactic acid bacteria counts were influenced by both native microbiota and starter cultures, likely reflecting differences in substrate availability associated with formulation composition, with no consistent significant differences among treatments over time. Colorimetric analyses revealed greater color stability in TA and TB, with lower total color difference (Δ E ) and chroma C * values than those observed in TC ( p < 0.05). Peroxide values were lower in TA (1.05 mEq O ₂ /kg) and TB (1.35 mEq O ₂ /kg) compared with the control (2.12 mEq O ₂ /kg), indicating reduced lipid oxidation. Treatment TB was associated with improved color stability, while TA showed greater oxidative stability during storage. Overall, the results indicate that the observed effects are related to the combined influence of starter cultures and formulation variables (including sugar type and concentration). TB exhibited a distinct combination of stability-related attributes; however, this behavior should be interpreted in the context of the interaction between microbial composition and formulation factors.

This review explores the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into glycerol carbonate (GC), positioning this pathway as a sustainable strategy that couples environmental mitigation with the valorization of surplus glycerol from biodiesel production. Glycerol carbonate maintains extensive industrial utility as a green solvent, chemical intermediate, and functional component in polymers, cosmetics, and packaging. Distinct from prior literature, this study specifically evaluates the use of amorphous silica from rice husk ash (RHA) as a sustainable, low-cost support, analyzing the synergistic effect between Nb₂O₅, NiO, and ionic liquids in hybrid catalyst architectures. The review evaluates diverse catalytic frameworks, with a primary focus on heterogeneous systems. Silica-based materials are highlighted, particularly those synthesized from rice husk ash, which is an abundant amorphous silica source. The sol–gel method is identified as a robust route for engineering porous matrices with high surface areas and tunable structural properties. Furthermore, the doping of silica with metal oxides, such as niobium oxide (Nb₂O₅) and nickel oxide (NiO), is discussed as a strategic approach to introduce synergistic acid–base sites and redox properties that facilitate CO₂ activation. The integration of ionic liquids into hybrid systems is also examined as a promising frontier to enhance reaction kinetics and selectivity. Finally, this review delineates the nexus between agro-industrial waste management and the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, proposing a circular economy framework for the biodiesel value chain.

This review explores the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into glycerol carbonate (GC), positioning this pathway as a sustainable strategy that couples environmental mitigation with the valorization of surplus glycerol from biodiesel production. Glycerol carbonate maintains extensive industrial utility as a green solvent, chemical intermediate, and functional component in polymers, cosmetics, and packaging. Distinct from prior literature, this study systematically integrates the evaluation of catalysts derived from agro-industrial waste and hybrid catalytic systems, correlating their structural architectures with catalytic efficiency. The review evaluates diverse catalytic frameworks, with a primary focus on heterogeneous systems. Silica-based materials are highlighted, particularly those synthesized from rice husk ash, an abundant amorphous silica source. The sol–gel method is identified as a robust route for engineering porous matrices with high surface areas and tunable structural properties. Furthermore, the doping of silica with metal oxides, such as niobium oxide (Nb2O5) and nickel oxide (NiO), is discussed as a strategic approach to introduce synergistic acid–base sites and redox properties that facilitate CO2 activation. The integration of ionic liquids into hybrid systems is also examined as a promising frontier to enhance reaction kinetics and selectivity. Finally, this review delineates the nexus between agro-industrial waste management and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, proposing a circular economy framework for the biodiesel value chain.