@article {48688, title = {Effective valorization of blackstrap molasses to poly gamma glutamic acid (γ-PGA) using L-glutamic acid independent feeding approach and its significance as drought mitigator in wheat plant}, journal = {Industrial Crops and Products}, volume = {202}, year = {2023}, month = {OCT}, pages = {116985}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

One of the finest approaches towards sustainable waste management is its effective valorization to value-added products (VAPs). Waste valorization is garnering considerable attention since it delivers substantial advantages, including environmental stability and a sustainable and viable platform for producing different VAPs. One such VAP is the poly gamma glutamic acid (\& gamma;- PGA), an extortionate biopolymer known to date. Its exorbitant cost is the main barrier preventing \& gamma;- PGA from becoming commercially viable. Hence, the key to the successful commercialization of \& gamma;- PGA is its sustainable and cost-effective production. In the present study, the ability of Bacillus paralicheniformis NCIM 5769 to utilize molasses for \& gamma;-PGA production with minimal nutrients was investigated. Results showed that 30\% molasses combined with 2\% ammonium nitrate was the optimal medium for \& gamma;-PGA production. Additionally, the anti-drought activity of the synthesized \& gamma;-PGA was evaluated on wheat plants showing significantly higher shoot length, biomass content, and germination rate compared to the control group. These findings suggest that \& gamma;-PGA produced from molasses has the potential to be used as a drought mitigator in wheat plant, thereby achieving the mission of circular economy and sustainable development goal (SGD) 12, i.e. pursuing sustainability patterns for consumption \& production.

}, keywords = {Anti-drought, circular economy, Poly gamma glutamic acid, Sustainable, Waste valorization}, issn = {0926-6690}, doi = {10.1016/j.indcrop.2023.116985}, author = {Nair, Pranav G. and Dharne, Mahesh S.} } @article {47411, title = {Poly-gamma-glutamic acid biopolymer: a sleeping giant with diverse applications and unique opportunities for commercialization}, journal = {Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery}, year = {2023}, month = {APR}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Poly-gamma-glutamic acid (gamma-PGA) is a biodegradable, non-toxic, ecofriendly, and non-immunogenic biopolymer. Its phenomenal properties have gained immense attention in the field of regenerative medicine, the food industry, wastewater treatment, and even in 3D printing bio-ink. The gamma-PGA has the potential to replace synthetic non-degradable counterparts, but the main obstacle is the high production cost and lower productivity. Extensive research has been carried out to reduce the production cost by using different waste; however, it is unable to match the commercialization needs. This review focuses on the biosynthetic mechanism of gamma-PGA, its production using the synthetic medium as well as different wastes by L-glutamic acid-dependent and independent microbial strains. Furthermore, various metabolic engineering strategies and the recovery processes for gamma-PGA and their possible applications are discussed. Finally, highlights on the challenges and unique approaches to reduce the production cost and to increase the productivity for commercialization of gamma-PGA are also summarized.

}, keywords = {Commercialization, Multi-nutritious, Poly-gamma-glutamic acid, Waste valorization}, issn = {2190-6815}, doi = {10.1007/s13399-021-01467-0, Early Access Date = APR 2021}, author = {Nair, Pranav and Navale, Govinda R. and Dharne, Mahesh S.} } @article {49719, title = {Sustainable UV absorbing bio-plastic films by valorisation of humins and chitosan}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {311}, year = {2025}, month = {JUN}, pages = {143710}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Humins, an inevitable bio-refinery waste by-product of sugar dehydration have been efficiently utilized for the first time for developing biodegradable thin films for UV shielding. The films were prepared from chitosan, and humins, a novel combination, aiming towards simultaneous utilization of marine and bio-refinery waste, rendering simple, effective, robust UV absorbing films. The structure-activity relationship of these films were elucidated with the help of different analytical techniques like X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, UV-vis spectroscopy, Atomic force microscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, Tensile testing, Contact angle measurements and water absorption studies. Intrinsic biodegradability was studied using fungi i.e. Aspergillus niger. Different feedstocks (corncob, rice husk, glucose and xylose) were explored for generating humins. Amongst them, humins derived from xylose were utilized for the preparation of the bio-plastic films of chitosan. The results revealed that, addition of 5.0 \% humins was observed to be an optimum concentration yielding films with excellent UV absorption, mechanical properties, and biodegradability. The current work is in perfect alignment with sustainability and green chemistry as it ameliorates waste valorization (lignocellulosic and marine altogether). Further, its innovation stems from the first-hand use of humins for UV absorption, novel combination of biopolymers, use of green raw materials.

}, keywords = {biodegradable, Chitosan, Humins, Thin films, UV absorption, Waste valorization}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.143710}, author = {Lucas, Nishita and Tambe, Snehal S. and Parate, Roopa and Hengne, Amol and Rode, C. V. and Athawale, Anjali A.} }