Research Publications/Outputs

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Browsing Research Publications/Outputs by browse.metadata.impactarea "Agraprocessing"

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    Cannabis sativa L. biomass valorization as a strategic bioresource for South Africa’s circular bioeconomy: Integrating biorefinery pathways and green extraction
    (2026-07) Motsa, Vuiswa L; Seedat, N; Mekuto, L; Sekoa, P
    South Africa’s legalized Cannabis Sativa L. industry generates substantial biomass waste, including post-harvest materials such as stalks, leaves, roots, and seeds, as well as post-extraction residues rich in lignocellulosic components (cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose) and functional compounds (fibers, phenolic compounds, and proteins) which remain largely unvalorized. This review critically and systematically examines valorization pathways for Cannabis sativa L. biomass within the context of a circular bioeconomy, focusing on its potential as a bioresource amid South Africa’s evolving regulatory, agricultural, and industrial landscape. A systematic scoping review of 65 peer-reviewed studies (2018–2025) was conducted using international databases to evaluate biochemical and thermochemical conversion, integrated biorefinery strategies, and green extraction methods such as supercritical CO2 extraction, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Compositional analysis indicates that lignocellulosic fractions from Cannabis sativa L., particularly bast fibers and hurds, are well-suited to cascaded biorefinery applications, enabling the recovery of cannabinoids, carbon-based materials, and bioenergy. However, several challenges persist, including biomass recalcitrance to enzymatic hydrolysis, inconsistent feedstock availability, and the lack of a standardized protocol within South Africa’s regulated environment. Techno-economic assessments (TEA) highlight the need for financial incentives, decentralized infrastructure, and cohesive policies among government entities, including DALRRD, SAHPRA, and DTIC. The review proposes a South African collaboration framework linking policy with research-based process design. Key gaps include the need for life cycle assessment (LCA) and TEA validation at the pilot scale, characterization of landrace cultivars, and development of accessible pretreatment technologies for smallholders.
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    Nutritional value, biochemical properties and health benefits of Marula
    (Into Publishing, 2025-07) Dlamini, Nomusa R; Akuaku, J; Gwamba, J; Raheem, D; Tjiurutue, MC; Kahaka, G; Bultosa, G; Cheikhyoussef, A
    Marula is among the indigenous fruit trees that were selected for domestication in Southern Africa region, to improve people's nutritional status and well-being through the development of products with commercialization potential. Marula-based products have also major potential to improve human health.
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    Response surface modelling and optimization of oleic acid yield from Sclerocarya birrea kernel oil in supercritical carbon dioxide extraction
    (2026-03) Reddy, Trishen; Seodigeng, T
    This study investigated the potential for maximizing oleic acid (C18:1) yield from Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) kernel oil using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction. The investigation utilised a unique dataset comprising nine experimental runs derived from existing literature on Marula oil. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to evaluate the influence of the two primary independent variables viz. extraction pressure (varied between 250 bar and 450 bar) and extraction temperature (varied between 40 °C and 75 °C). During all runs, the CO2 flow rate, extraction time, and particle size were held constant. A significant second-order polynomial model was developed to predict the yield of oleic acid. To achieve a practical and economically viable outcome, the Optimal (Custom) option within Design-Expert Version 13 software was specifically utilised to optimise the combined effects of temperature and pressure. This customized approach identified the most desirable set of operating conditions viz. temperature of 60 °C and pressure of 250 bar for achieving maximal oleic acid recovery, thus providing a foundational model for sustainable industrial applications.