Hydroxycinnamic Acid Extraction from Multiple Lignocellulosic Sources: Correlations with Substrate Composition and Taxonomy for Flavoring and Antioxidant Applications.

The extraction of hydroxycinnamic acids (HCADs) is a strategy for lignocellulosic biomass valorization due to their high value-added nature and the possibility of application as flavoring and antioxidants. This study proposes correlations between the composition and taxonomy of 28 globally available agro-industrial feedstocks with the production of HCADs using chemometric tools. Principal component analysis indicated strong correlations between ferulic acid release and hemicellulose type and content, especially in grass biomasses. Conversely, coumaric acid release was mainly correlated with cellulose content across diverse taxonomic origins. Among the evaluated agro-industrial feedstocks, corn-based biomasses were identified as prime sources of ferulic acid after mild alkaline treatment, releasing up to 10.5 g kg and producing hydrolysates with an antioxidant capacity up to 3.3 mmol Trolox equivalents g. Notably, sugar cane bagasse was the best source of -coumaric acid, yielding 4.8 g kg. Corn hydrolysates were successfully converted into 4-vinylguaiacol using a genetically modified strain, achieving high yields of 0.75 g L. This work enhances our understanding of HCAD sources and biomass valorization strategies, demonstrating potential applications in the food and cosmetics sectors.