Valorization of fruits and vegetables waste through green extraction of bioactive compounds and their nanoemulsions-based delivery system

Every year, the food industry discards massive volumes of fruits and vegetables—yet this overlooked waste is secretly packed with powerful health-boosting molecules.

Fruits and vegetables generate large volumes of waste annually, but they are an excellent source of valuable components known as bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids and polyphenols. These compounds positively impact human health by modulating metabolic processes and influencing cellular activities, displaying antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-allergenic, and anti-atherogenic properties depending on their pathway and bioavailability.

However, a major hurdle exists: many of these vital compounds are naturally hydrophobic, limiting how well the human body can absorb and utilize them.

To overcome this, modern technology steps in. Advanced approaches like nanoemulsions can significantly enhance the solubility, stability, and functional properties of these nutrients. This review explores the full picture, providing comprehensive information on green extraction techniques and innovative nanoemulsion delivery systems designed specifically to recover and utilize bioactive compounds from fruit and vegetable waste.

Key Points

• Fruit and vegetable waste contains valuable bioactive compounds
• Hydrophobic compounds face low bioavailability challenges in the body
• Nanoemulsions and green extraction enhance solubility and stability