Wheat Bran Based Biorefinery – Proof of Concept

Wheat Bran Based Biorefinery – Proof of Concept

Abstrakt

Wheat bran, a byproduct of the wheat milling process, forms the outer layer of the grain and represents about 14–19% of its weight. It consists of several layers—the pericarp, testa, nucellar layer, and aleurone. The pericarp and testa are rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, contributing to the high dietary fiber content. The aleurone layer is nutritionally dense, containing proteins, lipids, B vitamins, minerals (iron, zinc, magnesium), and bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. Originally regarded as a low-value byproduct mainly used for animal feed, wheat bran has gained attention due to its potential within the framework of European sustainability policies. The European Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan, and Bioeconomy Strategy promote the efficient use of renewable resources and the reduction of waste through innovative value chains. Within this context, biorefineries are considered key technologies enabling the transformation of agricultural residues, such as wheat bran, into bio-based materials, chemicals, and energy. Currently, over 200 biorefineries operate in Europe, but most focus on producing biofuels, bioethanol, or biodiesel. A fully integrated biorefinery converting food industry residues into multiple high-value products has not yet been realized, and only a few studies have validated this concept. The present work introduces a wheat bran biorefinery—a concept tested at small industrial scale, exploring the isolation of ferulic acid and proteins, biochar production, and anaerobic processing of wheat bran.

Wheat bran, a byproduct of the wheat milling process, forms the outer layer of the grain and represents about 14–19% of its weight. It consists of several layers—the pericarp, testa, nucellar layer, and aleurone. The pericarp and testa are rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, contributing to the high dietary fiber content. The aleurone layer is nutritionally dense, containing proteins, lipids, B vitamins, minerals (iron, zinc, magnesium), and bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. Originally regarded as a low-value byproduct mainly used for animal feed, wheat bran has gained attention due to its potential within the framework of European sustainability policies. The European Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan, and Bioeconomy Strategy promote the efficient use of renewable resources and the reduction of waste through innovative value chains. Within this context, biorefineries are considered key technologies enabling the transformation of agricultural residues, such as wheat bran, into bio-based materials, chemicals, and energy. Currently, over 200 biorefineries operate in Europe, but most focus on producing biofuels, bioethanol, or biodiesel. A fully integrated biorefinery converting food industry residues into multiple high-value products has not yet been realized, and only a few studies have validated this concept. The present work introduces a wheat bran biorefinery—a concept tested at small industrial scale, exploring the isolation of ferulic acid and proteins, biochar production, and anaerobic processing of wheat bran.

Biorefinery, Wheat, Bran, Biogas, Protein, Biochar

Biorefinery, Wheat, Bran, Biogas, Protein, Biochar

19.12.2025

Zagreb

2975-710X

BOOK OF ABSTRACTS 11th International Congress of Food Technologists, Biotechnologists and Nutritionists

34

34

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https://pbn2025congress.pbf.hr/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Book-of-Abstracts-of-the-11th-International-Congress-of-Food-Technologists-Biotechnologists-and-Nutritionists.pdf