Biorefinery for the production of a Biofungicide

Abstract

Agroindustries face several challenges in the scope of the bioeconomy, looking for new processes and technologies for the reuse of agroindustrial waste and by-products. The juice industry produces a large amount of organic waste that needs valorization. In this context, the main objective of this study was to develop a biorefinery for the extraction of essential oil from orange peel, through the reuse of waste from the juice industry, which will function as a raw material in the production of a biofungicide. In the present study, the methods used for the extraction of orange oil are described, through the process of simple distillation, which is a separation and purification process used to separate a homogeneous mixture formed by a solid dissolved in a liquid, decantation, which is a process of separation of heterogeneous liquid mixtures and, finally, drying, being a mass transfer process involving the removal of moisture (water). Obtaining this pure oil has an average yield of 1.075 % oil extracted/kg of orange peel. The proof of concept is ready, and the technology is validated, corresponding to a TRL of 4. This study presents itself well-articulated with the business needs of the region, since the region of Santarém presents agri-food industry focused on the production of juices. On the other hand, there is a large agricultural production, which according to European guidelines will have to convert 30% of agricultural land into organic farming, being important the development of new molecules of biological origin that allow to achieve these objectives. The aim of this project is to build a new biorefinery linked to the agri-food sector, which aims to create value and promote the sustainability of the territory in its different pillars, generating employment, allowing people to settle in low-density regions such as the district of Santarém and reducing the environmental impacts resulting from the disposal of organic waste in landfill.