Valorization of durian ( Durio zibethinus ) shell waste: a bibliometric analysis and critical review of emerging applications

) generates millions of tonnes of durian shell waste, posing a severe disposal challenge while representing a vastly underutilized lignocellulosic resource. Although research into its valorization is expanding, a systematic, quantitative mapping of the intellectual landscape combined with a critical assessment of technological pathways is currently lacking. To address this gap, this review integrates a comprehensive bibliometric analysis with an in-depth critical evaluation of emerging functional applications. The data-driven bibliometric study maps the spatiotemporal distribution and thematic evolution of the field, revealing a definitive paradigm shift from low-value waste disposal toward the advanced design of functional materials. Subsequently, this paper consolidates the state-of-the-art across three primary valorization pathways: (1) thermochemical carbonization to engineer hierarchical porous architectures for environmental remediation and advanced energy storage systems; (2) biochemical and chemical extraction of nanocellulose, pectin, and bioactive fractions for sustainable biocomposites, smart packaging, and biomedical devices; and (3) microbial bioconversion routes tackling lignocellulosic recalcitrance to yield renewable biofuels and upgraded agricultural feed. Finally, persistent challenges concerning feedstock heterogeneity, conversion scalability, and economic viability are critically assessed, outlining the future research trajectory required to fully integrate durian shell waste into a cascaded, sustainable biorefinery framework.