Sustainable protein extraction from co-products using an integrated bio-inspired process

¹ Université Marie et Louis Pasteur, UTBM, CNRS, institut FEMTO-ST, F-90010 Belfort, France
² Process Engineering and Environment Laboratory, FSTM, Hassan II University of Casablanca Morocco
³ Laboratory of Useful Materials, National Institute of Research and Pysico-Chemical Analysis (INRAP), Ariana 2020, Tunisia / Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Zarzouna, University of Carthage, Bizerte 7021, Tunisia
⁴ Animal Science Department, High Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Mariem, TN-4042 Sousse, Tunisia

^一 Corresponding author: jaafar.gaber@utbm.fr
^二 Corresponding author: souad.tayane@univh2c.ma

Abstract

Agricultural co-products such as olive pomace, date pits and oilseed meals contain valuable proteins that are difficult to recover with solvent-intensive, high-energy methods. We present a bio-inspired, modular workflow that emulates digestive logic under mild conditions to improve selectivity and preserve functionality. We present a bio-inspired, integrated process that emulates natural digestion through six coordinated stages: (1) gentle physical pretreatment; (2) selective enzymatic de-phenolization; (3) progressive enzymatic hydrolysis; (4) synergistic microbial fermentation; (5) membrane ultrafiltration; and (6) final stabilization by drying or encapsulation. Operated under mild, solvent-free conditions, this sequence increases protein yields, preserves bioactivity and functionality, and adapts across diverse biomasses within a low-impact, circular-bioeconomy framework. The resulting protein fractions are suitable for human food and animal feed, as well as cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biodegradable-materials applications. A digital twin is envisioned to simulate and optimize kinetics and transport, enabling adaptive control, improved reproducibility, and efficient scale-up. This work has been preprinted on ChemRxiv [1] to accelerate feedback and technology transfer. Overall, the approach offers a modular, data-guided route to convert agri-food residues into high-value protein ingredients while significantly reducing waste, chemicals, and energy demand along the processing chain.