Recent Advances in Biotechnological Itaconic Acid Production, and Application for a Sustainable Approach

Abstract

Intense research has been conducted to produce environmentally friendly biopolymers obtained from renewable feedstock to substitute fossil-based materials. This is an essential aspect for implementing the circular bioeconomy strategy, expressly declared by the European Commission in 2018 in terms of “repair, reuse, and recycling”. Competent carbon-neutral alternatives are renewable biomass waste for chemical element production, with proficient recyclability properties. Itaconic acid (IA) is a valuable platform chemical integrated into the first 12 building block compounds the achievement of which is feasible from renewable biomass or bio-wastes (agricultural, food by-products, or municipal organic waste) in conformity with the US Department of Energy. IA is primarily obtained through fermentation with Aspergillus terreus, but nowadays several microorganisms are genetically engineered to produce this organic acid in high quantities and on different substrates. Given its trifunctional structure, IA allows the synthesis of various novel biopolymers, such as drug carriers, intelligent food packaging, antimicrobial biopolymers, hydrogels in water treatment and analysis, and superabsorbent polymers binding agents. In addition, IA shows antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activity. Moreover, this biopolymer retains qualities like environmental effectiveness, biocompatibility, and sustainability. This manuscript aims to address the production of IA from renewable sources to create a sustainable circular economy in the future. Moreover, being an essential monomer in polymer synthesis it possesses a continuous provocation in the biopolymer chemistry domain and technologies, as defined in the present review.

Awareness, Knowledge, and Interest about Prebiotics—A Study among Romanian Consumers

“…Prebiotic compounds have also been used as feed supplements for bees [50], pigs [51], or chickens [52]. Inulin and pectin were also used to encapsulate probiotic bacteria to test their behavior under gastrointestinal conditions [53,54,65]. Inulin and pectin were also used to encapsulate probiotic bacteria to test their behavior under gastrointestinal conditions [53,54,65].…”

“…Inulin and pectin were also used to encapsulate probiotic bacteria to test their behavior under gastrointestinal conditions [53,54,65]. Inulin and pectin were also used to encapsulate probiotic bacteria to test their behavior under gastrointestinal conditions [53,54,65]. Nevertheless, candidate or emerging prebiotics require additional evidence in humans before they can be fully established as prebiotic compounds [41].…”

Towards a Circular Economy of Plastics: An Evaluation of the Systematic Transition to a New Generation of Bioplastics

“…These regulations, based on a circular economy, focused on the reuse and recovery of plastic containers to allow a longer life for the products while minimizing waste and reducing the environmental impact; however, the full recycling potential of the European Union remains untapped, since only 30% of plastics are recycled, with hopes to reach 55% by 2025 [ 211 ]. The goal of the “Plastics 2030 Voluntary Commitment” is to recycle 60% of all plastic used and reduce the production of petroleum-based plastic by 100% by 2040 [ 212 ].…”

Development and Characterization of Gentamicin-Loaded Arabinoxylan-Sodium Alginate Films as Antibacterial Wound Dressing

“…However, difficulty in removing them from the wound, limited inherent antimicrobial effect, and lesser absorption of the exudate are the major limitations of the films [ 8 ]. Therefore, researchers are keen to develop films with novel combinations of polymers and antibacterial agents to provide optimal healing conditions [ 23 , 24 ].…”