Hydroxycinnamic Acid Extraction from Multiple Lignocellulosic Sources: Correlations with Substrate Composition and Taxonomy for Flavoring and Antioxidant Applications

Abstract

The extraction of hydroxycinnamic acids (HCADs) is a strategy for lignocellulosic biomass valorization due to their high value-added nature and the possibility of application as flavoring and antioxidants. This study proposes correlations between the composition and taxonomy of 28 globally available agro-industrial feedstocks with the production of HCADs using chemometric tools. Principal component analysis indicated strong correlations between ferulic acid release and hemicellulose type and content, especially in grass biomasses. Conversely, p-coumaric acid release was mainly correlated with cellulose content across diverse taxonomic origins. Among the evaluated agro-industrial feedstocks, corn-based biomasses were identified as prime sources of ferulic acid after mild alkaline treatment, releasing up to 10.5 g kg−1 and producing hydrolysates with an antioxidant capacity up to 3.3 mmol Trolox equivalents g−1. Notably, sugar cane bagasse was the best source of p-coumaric acid, yielding 4.8 g kg−1. Corn hydrolysates were successfully converted into 4-vinylguaiacol using a genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, achieving high yields of 0.75 g L−1. This work enhances our understanding of HCAD sources and biomass valorization strategies, demonstrating potential applications in the food and cosmetics sectors.