Valorization of white grape pomaceintegral strategies for advanced applications

Abstract

Sustainable agricultural waste management is crucial to supply increasing food demands. Grape pomace from Txakoli wine production poses environmental issues, but the circular economy is emerging as a solution to minimize waste and maximize resource utilization. Despite being considered waste, GP holds nutritional value with fiber, phenolic compounds, and nutrients. From a biotechnological perspective, GP can serve as a sustainable source for high-value products. Bacterial cellulose, derived from GP, is a versatile biodegradable biopolymer applicable in various fields. GP, rich in polyphenolic compounds, offers bioactive properties beneficial to industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food. This thesis explores GP valorization strategies, focusing on BC in membrane, nanofiber, and nanocrystal forms, combined with polyphenolic extracts from GP. These innovative systems have potential applications in agriculture, biomedicine, food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, contributing to a circular economy approach.