Prof. Medina Research

Biopolymers derived from living organisms provide a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, reducing environmental pollution and dependence on non-renewable resources. Starch, an abundantly available biopolymer, stands out for its biodegradability, renewability, and versatile applications in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and bioplastics. However, starch extraction for non-food applications typically relies on food sources, raising concerns about competition with food supply. This study aims to identify and extract starch from agro-industrial waste, which represents a significant environmental challenge in Puerto Rico. By quantifying the starch content in these residues, the research seeks to enhance waste management strategies, promote sustainable practices, and support the circular economy while mitigating environmental pollution.

Coffee pulp is the most abundant solid waste in coffee processing plants. Its reutilization could be a challenge due to the presence of compounds such as caffeine. In the current study the solid-state fermentation was performed as a method to reduce caffeine present in coffee pulp. An optimization of the fermentation is proposed based on a parametric study, in which a caffeine degradation of about 53.5% was achieved on unground coffee pulp and 80% humidity content. Also, a preliminary study for the scaling-up of the process was performed. A compositional and structural study of the pulp before and after degradation was made to identify changes on the pulp and determine future uses of it, such as animal feed.