Extração de d-limoneno de resíduos agroindustriais no conceito de biorrefinaria

Abstract

Brazil is the third largest fruit producer in the world, behind only China and India, accounting for 4.4% of global production. This volume generates considerable industrial waste, such as peels, pulps, and seeds. Approximately 13% of global fruit production is lost, and for South America, this percentage reaches 14.10%. These residues can potentially be raw material sources for obtaining essential oils (EOs), widely used in various industries. D-limonene stands out, mainly extracted from citrus fruit residues but also found in other sources. The extraction process involves biomass separation, drying, grinding, and applying specific methods. Although a large volume of knowledge has been built in recent years, the understanding of D-limonene extraction from agro-industrial waste is still rudimentary. A literature review was conducted to analyze sources of D-limonene extraction and alternative extraction methods, highlighting the need to develop more efficient and sustainable methods. Strategies that minimize solvents and high temperatures to obtain a high-quality final product are recommended. This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge on the valorization of agro-industrial waste in D-limonene production, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and efficient practices for the sector's economic development.