James Ziemah

• The rapid increase in food production waste, totalling 1.3 billion tons annually, significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Bioeconomy strategies are needed to utilize this waste and mitigate environmental impacts sustainably. Repurposing food waste as a source of phytoextracts rich in bioactive compounds can serve industries as sustainable food, hygiene, and pharmaceutical alternatives. This thesis explores the development of antimicrobial phytoextracts from food production waste—such as hot trub (HT), coffee silverskin (CSS), lemon peel (LP), and broad bean shell (BBS)—as alternatives to synthetic chemicals for aerosol hygiene disinfection. The phytoextracts, characterized using advanced analytical techniques (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, NMR, NanoDSF and FTIR), exhibited significant antibacterial activity against pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, primarily due to bioactive polyphenols. The phytoextracts were successfully converted into aerosol formulations and tested for efficacy in reducing bacterial contamination on surfaces and in the air, achieving up to 98% reduction in bacteria, yeast, and mould. These results align with commercial disinfectant standards, demonstrating the feasibility of using these extracts for disinfection. The study also employed green extraction methods, maintaining phytoextracts' chemical integrity and antibacterial activity. Additionally, the extracts showed promising antidiabetic and antioxidant Sum Parameters activities and were free of cytotoxic effects, further expanding their applications. Protein extracts from BBS were also analyzed, revealing valuable peptides that could be used in various industries. However, further optimization is necessary for commercialization, reducing aerosol particle size, and conducting safety tests. The study highlights the untapped potential of food waste streams as valuable sources of bioactive compounds with diverse applications across multiple industries.