Väitös (elintarvikekemia): MSc Marina Fidelis

Aika

16.12.2024 klo 12.00 - 16.00
MSc Marina Fidelis esittää väitöskirjansa ”Valorization of underutilized biomass for biorefinery and food applications: Exploring the processing, plant material composition, bioactivity, and fortified bread models” julkisesti tarkastettavaksi Turun yliopistossa maanantaina 16.12.2024 klo 12.00 (Turun yliopisto, CALONIA, CAL 1, Caloniankuja 3, Turku).

Yleisön on mahdollista osallistua väitökseen myös etäyhteyden kautta: https://utu.zoom.us/j/63102055088 (Meeting ID: 631 0205 5088, passcode: 412385; kopioi linkki selaimeen).

Vastaväittäjänä toimii professori Ángel Antonio Carbonell Barrachina (Miguel Hernández University, Espanja) ja kustoksena professori Baoru Yang (Turun yliopisto). Tilaisuus on englanninkielinen. Väitöksen alana on elintarvikekemia.

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Tiivistelmä väitöstutkimuksesta:

In the quest for sustainability, developing innovative methods to recycle materials and reduce reliance on non-renewable resources has become crucial. Lignocellulosic biomass, often used for bioenergy, also holds great promise as a source of organic chemicals and materials, enabling the production of high-value products that can replace petrochemical derivatives.

My dissertation investigates the valorization of underutilized plant biomass, addressing the global demand for sustainable solutions. By employing environmentally friendly and industrially feasible processes, this research demonstrates how renewable resources can support a circular economy.

The study aimed to expand the understanding of the utilization of extractives and hemicelluloses from industrial hemp, common reed, and reed canary grass, highlighting their potential either as standalone substances or building blocks for bio-based products. The focus was on the fractionation of these materials using different extraction methods as a new biorefinery route and a detailed investigation of the chemical heterogeneity of the resulting plant fractions.

In addition, green needles from Norway spruce were identified as promising sources of bioactive compounds. Optimized extraction conditions using water and aqueous ethanol improved yields of phenolics and tannins, revealing promising health-promoting properties, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. These findings highlight the potential of conifer side streams as natural bioactive ingredients.

To validate their application, needles were incorporated into whole wheat bread formulations, and their impact on the breads nutritional, functional, and technological properties was assessed. Among the tested formulations, the incorporation of 35% pine needle extracts provided the best overall results, enhancing antioxidant activity, mineral content, and shelf life while maintaining bread quality. This fortified bread also demonstrated consumer appeal, showcasing the potential of conifer-derived needles as natural preservatives and functional ingredients. By exploring innovative uses for plant biomass, this work emphasizes the importance of biorefinery innovation in addressing pressing environmental and economic challenges.
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