Evaluation of sustainable technologies for the processing of Sargassum muticum: cascade biorefinery schemes. Issue 18 (31st August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: del Río, Pablo G.; Flórez-Fernández, Noelia; Álvarez-Viñas, Milena; Torres, María Dolores; Romaní, Aloia; Domínguez, Herminia; Garrote, Gil
• Is Part Of: Green chemistry. Volume 23:Issue 18(2021)
• Page Start: 7001
• Page End: 7015
• Publication Date: 2021-08-31
• Subjects: Environmental chemistry -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1039/d1gc01900g
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-9262

Abstract

Abstract : Cascade biorefinery schemes using sustainable technologies were proposed for a complete valorization of the invasive macroalgae Sargassum muticum. Abstract : The leverage of invasive macroalgae, which represent a serious threat for autochthonous biodiversity, may smooth and mitigate their risk from an environmental point of view while providing an economic benefit. This work proposes the suitability of a closed loop biorefinery employing sustainable technologies (namely autohydrolysis, ultrasound assisted extraction, and microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity) for the complete exploitation of the invasive brown macroalgae Sargassum muticum . In particular, sequential extraction methods allowed recovery up to 85% of fucoidan in the form of sulfated fucooligosaccharides in the liquid phase, besides increasing the phloroglucinol and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) content up to 9.73 g per 100 g of extract and 31.1 g per 100 g of extract, respectively. Additionally, extract-free Sargassum muticum presented a high enzymatic susceptibility at a high solid loading, implying a production of 15.6 g ethanol per L (91.9% of ethanol yield) in SHF, while the resulting spent solid provided a calorific power of 10.0 MJ kg −1 . This work verified the cascade biorefinery employing sustainable technologies as an appropriate strategy for the integral valorization of Sargassum muticum .