Use of agro-industrial by-products from rice processing to obtain microbial hyaluronic acid

• Grant number: 25/08029-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Hernane da Silva Barud
• Grantee: Letícia Borges Sávio
• Host Institution: Universidade de Araraquara (UNIARA). Associação São Bento de Ensino. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The global commercialization of hyaluronic acid (HA) was estimated at USD 2.64 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.79 billion by 2029, with a projected growth rate of 7.46%. HA is considered a high-value macromolecule due to its properties, such as high hygroscopicity, anti-inflammatory action, and antioxidant activity, which enable its application in various fields. The use of HA has been particularly prominent in ophthalmology, wound healing, drug delivery systems, cell platforms, and aesthetic procedures, such as facial fillers and anti-aging skin treatments. Microbial HA production typically employs bacteria from the Streptococcus genus of Lancefield groups A and C, with the ATCC 39920 strain standing out due to its high productivity. However, scaling up production is a limiting factor, as approximately 80% of the costs are associated with the high demand for carbon and nitrogen sources, which currently come from commercial formulations. Brazil is one of the world's largest agricultural producers, generating a vast amount of agro-industrial byproducts with high valorization potential, primarily due to their richness in various nutrients. These byproducts can be converted into high-value bioproducts through fermentation processes, such as microbial hyaluronic acid (mHA) production. However, to date, few studies have explored the use of agro-industrial byproducts for HA production. In this context, this project proposes the repurposing of rice processing byproducts as carbon and nitrogen sources for mHA production. Once obtained, the materials will be characterized through thermogravimetric analyses (TG, DTG, and DSC) to assess thermal behavior, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy for functional group identification and structural analysis, as well as Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) to determine molecular weight and molar mass distribution. This approach promotes a circular economy, reduces environmental impact, and minimizes fermentation process costs, offering a sustainable solution for the valorization of agro-industrial byproducts.