Biorefining to recover aromatic compounds with biological properties

Abstract

Although extraction of bioactive compounds by biomass resource biorefining is challenging, interest in these compounds is increasing. This review summarizes our results in the field of secondary compounds (especially polyphenols) obtained via biorefining technology. The technology also offers the possibility to separate other compounds with industrial value or biological properties. To isolate polyphenols, different biomass sources such as spruce wood bark, Asclepias syriaca (a latex-bearing plant), Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn), chestnut shells, vine stems, and grape seeds have been used. The isolated products have been tested for their biological properties in the fields of plant and microorganism development. Experimental results confirmed the important role of polyphenols in the metabolism of different organisms. For plant development, the polyphenols were tested in the following processes: germination, plant cultivation, tissue cultures, and grafting. The influence of polyphenols can be associated with stimulation and regulation of cell differentiation, as evidenced by genetic studies and enzymes biosynthesis. Polyphenols might also participate in regulating the metabolism of different yeast strains and might inhibit the development of bacteria or fungi. Interactions between polyphenols and soil cultivation might also be used for bioremediation of arid and polluted soils.