Comprehensive review on the nutritional and therapeutic value of banana by-products and their applications in food and non-food sectors

Nitamani Choudhury, C. Nickhil, Sankar Chandra Deka, Comprehensive review on the nutritional and therapeutic value of banana by-products and their applications in food and non-food sectors, Food Bioscience, Volume 56, 2023, 103416, ISSN 2212-4292, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2023.103416.  (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212429223010672)

Abstract: Bananas, as a widely cultivated tropical fruit, generate significant waste during processing, posing environmental challenges when left untreated. However, these by-products contain valuable components such as cellulose, hemicellulose, fibers, and phytochemicals, which have diverse applications in both the food and non-food sectors. This review aims to comprehensively explore the valorization of banana by-products, emphasizing the potential benefits of harnessing their phytoconstituents. It provides insights into the nutritional and phytochemical composition of bananas and their by-products, highlighting their associated biological activities. It discusses their role in contributing to a circular economy and addresses the challenges associated with their utilization. The review underscores the critical importance of efficiently utilizing banana by-products to promote sustainable development and suggests promising avenues for future research in this field. A deep understanding of the valorization of bioresidues from banana, including bioactive compound analysis, improved extraction methods, and optimized processing parameters, offers significant potential for their utilization across various industries. In the food sector, these by-products can be used to create value-added food items, functional foods, and natural food additives. In non-food sectors, they serve as the basis for eco-friendly materials, including biofertilizers, biochars, biogas, bioethanol, bioplastics, and natural fibers. Furthermore, the integration of nanotechnology with these by-products enables the environmental friendly synthesis of nanomaterials. This research has the potential to drive innovation, develop sustainable products, and contribute to the advancement of both industrial and environmental goals.

Keywords: Bioresidue; Valorization; Functional foods; Green materials; Nanomaterials