Biotransformation of residues from coffee grain processing using deep eutectic mixtures as non-conventional media

• Grant number: 21/11443-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: February 01, 2023 - April 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Suzan Pantaroto de Vasconcellos
• Grantee: Suzan Pantaroto de Vasconcellos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Anete Pereira de Souza ; Leandro Augusto Calixto ; Luiz Sidney Longo Junior
• Associated grant(s): 23/02729-0 - Production of nano agricultural additives through biotransformation and functionalization of coffee waste, AP.R

Abstract

Coffee grain processing includes the separation of distinct fractions of the fruit. The pulp of the coffee grain constitutes the main valuable product, which is intended to prepare a tasty drink appreciated worldwide. Coffee processing generates huge amounts of lignocellulosic biomass-derived by-products, which is often released to the environment without any post-processing treatment. In this sense, many research groups are dedicated to study novel alternatives for coffee biomass, including environmentally and economically viable solutions. Not only composting processes or residue destination can be considered, but also it is possible to apply innovative techniques to the valorization of this lignocellulosic biomass. In this scenario, the present research proposal aim to develop new strategies to use coffee-derived by-products (i.e. husks, parchment and/or mucilage) as source of valuable biomolecules useful for industrial applications (i.e. lignocellulosic materials and lignin-derived phenolic molecules). Deep eutectic solvents (DES) will be employed as non-conventional extracting solvents, being properly designed and prepared under specific demand. DES mixtures will act not only as green solvents, but also as substrate/extractor systems of bioactive compounds obtained as products in the microbial biotransformation of the lignocellulosic biomass. All compounds extracted from coffee biomass will be fully characterized by usual techniques (i.e. FTIR, NMR, TGA, DRX, and XPS), whenever appropriated. Based on previous studies of our group, two microbial strains were selected as biocatalysts, including one actinomycete and one filamentous fungus. Both microorganisms were previously evaluated in model studies and showed efficient enzymatic machineries to transform lignocellulosic substrates. These microorganisms will be fully investigated on their proteome, transcriptome and metabolites, during and after lignocellulose attack. (AU)