Sustainable production of low molecular weight phenolic compounds from Belgian Brewers' spent grain

E. Zago*, C. Tillier, G. De Leener, R. Nandasiri, C. Delporte, K. V. Bernaerts, A. Shavandi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Brewers' spent grain (BSG) is a brewery co-product rich in phenolic compounds which only within Europe, 3-4Mt is generated annually. This study aims to sustainably isolate low-molecular-weight phenolic compounds from Belgian BSG using a microwave-assisted method (MW). Two types of BSG (from light and red malted barley grains) were subjected to MW at 600 and 800 W for 5, 15 and 30 min. MW showed a significant and positive effect on the release of 4-vinylguaiacol, a bioactive compound derived from the thermal decarboxylation of ferulic acid. The amounts of 4-vinylguaiacol in the extracts increased by about 80% after 30 min of MW despite the power applied. In the same time interval, total phenolic contents (TPC) increased of about 70% for light and 60% for red BSG. The highest TPC (13.23 mg/gDM) was obtained at 30 min and 600 W. This sustainable method could help add value to BSG by improving the extractability of bioactive phenolics.
Original languageEnglish
Article number100964
JournalBioresource Technology Reports
Volume17
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2022

Keywords

  • 4-vinylguaiacol
  • Antioxidant
  • BSG
  • Microwave
  • Phenolic compounds

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