Biotransformation of phenolic acids from by-products using heterogeneous biocatalysts: one more step toward a circular economy

Biotransformations face the challenge of transforming industrial by-products into high added value ingredients for the cosmetic, food, and pharma industry. Phenolic acids are interesting molecules present in several agro-industrial byproducts and a nice example of how enzymatic technology can transform them into high-value products. Nonetheless, most of the used enzymes are labile and need to be immobilized to achieve robust heterogeneous biocatalysts for the intensification of sustainable processes. Through heterogeneous biocatalysts using these economical and available raw materials, modified hydrophilic-lipophilic balance phenolics acids derivatives or interesting aromas and flavors can be obtained, turning environmental risks into business opportunities. In this review, we give an outlook of the most recent state of the art in this topic, which may allow giving a step toward a circular economy.