High value products are agricultural products with high added value due to their processing. Such products include biopolymers and protein-based nanoparticles. Moreover, these products can be derived from waste and by-products of food production. As a result, they are environmentally friendly and sustainable. However, these products are expensive to produce.
Biopolymers
Biopolymers are natural materials that are synthesized from living organisms. They are chains made up of repeating chemical blocks that have a variety of functions high ticket sales. These products have several advantages, including being biodegradable and renewable. In addition, biopolymers can enhance their properties by incorporating nanosized reinforcement or composite materials. This can result in new materials that exhibit superior mechanical, electrical, or thermal properties.
While biopolymers are environmentally friendly and renewable, they can be costly to produce. As a result, their production and disposal may have environmental consequences. In addition, their production takes up land in agriculture and may affect the production of human food. Therefore, the public’s perception of biopolymers is crucial to their widespread adoption.
Biopolymers are high value products that can be produced from a range of natural resources. These materials are available in a variety of forms and can be used in many applications. Some examples include pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Protein-based nanoparticles
Protein-based nanoparticles are a valuable product that can be used for the delivery of drugs. This type of nanoparticle possesses several advantages as a drug delivery system, such as stability from enzymatic degradation, high immunogenicity, and improved phagocytosis and renal clearance. These advantages, in turn, increase the half-life of drugs.
Protein nanoparticles are widely used as drug carriers. They have several advantages over synthetic polymers, including biodegradability and biocompatibility. They also can be made without the use of toxic chemicals or organic solvents. Furthermore, protein nanoparticles can be produced by electrospray or desolvation methods.
Proteins have multiple charged functional groups. They can be cationic or anionic. The cationic forms of these proteins have pH-dependent electrostatic interactions, and this property makes them ideal for the formulation of stable biocompatible nanoparticles and coacervates. For example, cationic protein polymers are capable of binding an anion oxygen atom, and these interactions can be used to reduce therapeutic molecules to nanoparticles.
Food by-products
Food by-products are waste products of food processing that can be converted into new high value products. For example, whey from the dairy industry is used to create yogurts and other products. Other by-products from the meat industry are used to create food ingredients such as protein fractions and minerals. Food by-products are also a source of valuable vegetable compounds that can be used for a variety of applications. These compounds can be used for a variety of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cardioprotective properties.
In addition to providing nutrients, animal by-products can also provide high-quality protein. For example, the liver of an animal is a source of iron and B vitamins, which are essential for the nervous system. Vitamin A helps with the formation of red blood cells. In addition, glucosamine is important for the health of joints and mobility in dogs and cats. Besides protein, by-products are also sources of fat, minerals, and vitamins.
By-products can be green or dry. Their classification depends on the use of the main product. Primary by-products include corn destined for flour. However, the leaves are discarded during the processing of the grain. In addition to food, by-products may also be used for biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials. Regardless of their use, food by-products can provide high-quality raw materials for many industries.
Food waste
Globally, there are significant food waste problems, including the loss of a quarter of all cereal production. This waste is often referred to as food loss. The unused food produced by the agricultural industry is typically sent to landfills or donated to the needy. In addition, about one-third of food consumed in the United Kingdom is thrown out or discarded. The majority of this waste is preventable.
Food waste has a number of negative impacts on the environment and human health. When dumped in the open, this waste decomposes, producing different gases, including carbon dioxide and methane. These gases contribute to global warming. It is important to find ways to prevent food waste from becoming a problem by minimizing food loss.
The waste from food processing can be converted into high-value commercial products and eco-friendly packaging. This project is being led by Professor Caroline Orfila, working in collaboration with industry partners from the UK and China. This research is funded by the BBSRC, Innovate UK and the Newton Fund.