Cascade Valorisation of Lemon Processing Residues (Part II): Integrated Biorefinery Design, Circular Economy, and Techno-Economic Feasibility

Foods 2026 Open access

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Authors: Jimmy Núñez-Pérez, Jhomaira L. Burbano-García, Rosario Espín-Valladares, Marco Lara-Fiallos, Juan Carlos DelaVega-Quintero, Marcelo A. Cevallos-Vallejos, José-Manuel Pais-Chanfrau
DOI: 10.3390/foods15061041
Cited by: 5
References: 191

Abstract

This review examines the implementation dimensions of integrated lemon biorefinery systems, including cascade valorisation design, circular-economy integration, life-cycle assessment, techno-economic feasibility, and regulatory frameworks. Bibliometric analysis of Web of Science data (2015-2025) reveals exponential growth in citrus-biorefinery research, with lemon representing a burgeoning subset. Techno-economic assessments indicate that cascade biorefineries recovering essential oils, pectin, polyphenols, nanocellulose, and bioenergy can achieve cumulative revenues of USD 400-650 per tonne of dry peel. Whilst small-scale units (

Fields of Study & Subjects

Biofuel production and bioconversion Enzyme Catalysis and Immobilization Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Production

Publication details

Journal / source
Foods
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
15
Issue
6
Pages
1041–1041
Publication date
16 March 2026
Language
EN