IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v17y2025i12p5667-d1683138.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Soy Molasses: A Sustainable Resource for Industrial Biotechnology

Author

Listed:
  • Bruno C. Gambarato

    (Department of Material Science and Technology, University Center of Volta Redonda (UniFOA), Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro 27240-560, Brazil)

  • Ana Karine F. Carvalho

    (Department of Basic and Environmental Sciences, Engineering School of Lorena, University of Sao Paulo, Lorena, São Paulo 12602-810, Brazil)

  • Fernanda De Oliveira

    (Bioprocesses and Sustainable Products Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Engineering School of Lorena, University of São Paulo (EEL-USP), Lorena, São Paulo 12602-810, Brazil)

  • Silvio S. da Silva

    (Bioprocesses and Sustainable Products Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Engineering School of Lorena, University of São Paulo (EEL-USP), Lorena, São Paulo 12602-810, Brazil)

  • Milena Lorenzi da Silva

    (Department of Engineering of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University—UNESP, Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil)

  • Heitor B. S. Bento

    (Department of Engineering of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University—UNESP, Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil)

Abstract

Soy molasses, a byproduct of soy protein concentrate production, offers potential as a substrate for biotechnological applications due to its rich composition of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and bioactive compounds. Despite this, it remains underutilized, often relegated to low-value applications such as animal feed or waste, largely due to variability in its composition, the presence of microbial inhibitors, and limited industrial awareness of its potential. This review explores the biotechnological strategies for valorizing soy molasses, focusing on its chemical and physical properties, potential applications, and the challenges associated with its use. Its high carbohydrate content supports its utilization in producing biofuels, organic acids, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), addressing the global demand for sustainable energy and materials while costing approximately 20% of the value of conventional carbohydrate sources. Additionally, bioactive compounds have extended applications to nutraceuticals and cosmetics, while proteins and lipids enable enzyme and biosurfactant production. However, challenges such as variability in composition, the presence of inhibitory compounds, and scalability issues require innovative approaches, including pre-treatment methods and strain engineering. By integrating soy molasses into a circular bioeconomy framework, industries can reduce waste, lower their carbon footprint, valorize agro-industrial residues, and generate economic value. This review underscores the untapped potential of soy molasses as a versatile, sustainable resource, while highlighting the need for continued advancements to transform it into a key player in industrial biotechnology.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruno C. Gambarato & Ana Karine F. Carvalho & Fernanda De Oliveira & Silvio S. da Silva & Milena Lorenzi da Silva & Heitor B. S. Bento, 2025. "Soy Molasses: A Sustainable Resource for Industrial Biotechnology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:12:p:5667-:d:1683138
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/12/5667/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/12/5667/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Irwin, Scott, 2017. "The Value of Soybean Oil in the Soybean Crush: Further Evidence on the Impact of the U.S. Biodiesel Boom," farmdoc daily, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, vol. 7, September.
    2. Paulinetti, Ana Paula & Batista, Lia Paula Poloni & Lazaro, Carolina Zampol & Albanez, Roberta & Ratusznei, Suzana Maria & Lovato, Giovanna & Rodrigues, José Alberto Domingues, 2023. "Treatment of soybean processing residues for energy recovery and environmental compliance: Technical and economic feasibility," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    3. Sadhukhan, Jhuma & Martinez-Hernandez, Elias & Murphy, Richard J. & Ng, Denny K.S. & Hassim, Mimi H. & Siew Ng, Kok & Yoke Kin, Wan & Jaye, Ida Fahani Md & Leung Pah Hang, Melissa Y. & Andiappan, Vikn, 2018. "Role of bioenergy, biorefinery and bioeconomy in sustainable development: Strategic pathways for Malaysia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P2), pages 1966-1987.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Veknesh Arumugam & Ismail Abdullah & Irwan Syah Md Yusoff & Nor Liza Abdullah & Ramli Mohd Tahir & Ahadi Mohd Nasir & Ammar Ehsan Omar & Muhammad Heikal Ismail, 2021. "The Impact of COVID-19 on Solid Waste Generation in the Perspectives of Socioeconomic and People’s Behavior: A Case Study in Serdang, Malaysia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-11, November.
    2. Tan, R.R. & Aviso, K.B. & Ng, D.K.S., 2019. "Optimization models for financing innovations in green energy technologies," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1-1.
    3. Lee, Yunkyung & Perrin, Richard K. & Fulginiti, Lilyan E., 2022. "Potential Economic Impacts of Gene-edited High-oleic Soybeans," 2022 Annual Meeting, July 31-August 2, Anaheim, California 322392, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    4. Pei Juan Yew & Deepak Chaulagain & Noel Ngando Same & Jaebum Park & Jeong-Ok Lim & Jeung-Soo Huh, 2024. "Optimal Hybrid Renewable Energy System to Accelerate a Sustainable Energy Transition in Johor, Malaysia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-24, September.
    5. Benoit Mougenot & Jean-Pierre Doussoulin, 2022. "Conceptual evolution of the bioeconomy: a bibliometric analysis," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 1031-1047, January.
    6. Merve Nazli Borand & Asli Isler Kaya & Filiz Karaosmanoglu, 2020. "Saccharification Yield through Enzymatic Hydrolysis of the Steam-Exploded Pinewood," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-12, September.
    7. Conteratto, Caroline & Artuzo, Felipe Dalzotto & Benedetti Santos, Omar Inácio & Talamini, Edson, 2021. "Biorefinery: A comprehensive concept for the sociotechnical transition toward bioeconomy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    8. Sanz-Hernández, Alexia & Jiménez-Caballero, Paula & Zarauz, Irene, 2022. "Gender and women in scientific literature on bioeconomy: A systematic review," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
    9. Jon Paul Faulkner & Enda Murphy & Mark Scott, 2024. "Bioeconomy, Planning and Sustainable Development: A Theoretical Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-14, September.
    10. Rahman, Arief & Dargusch, Paul & Wadley, David, 2021. "The political economy of oil supply in Indonesia and the implications for renewable energy development," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    11. Ling, Wen Choong & Verasingham, Arati Banu & Andiappan, Viknesh & Wan, Yoke Kin & Chew, Irene M.L. & Ng, Denny K.S., 2019. "An integrated mathematical optimisation approach to synthesise and analyse a bioelectricity supply chain network," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 554-571.
    12. Mateus Torres Nazari & Janaína Mazutti & Luana Girardi Basso & Luciane Maria Colla & Luciana Brandli, 2021. "Biofuels and their connections with the sustainable development goals: a bibliometric and systematic review," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(8), pages 11139-11156, August.
    13. Leire Barañano & Naroa Garbisu & Itziar Alkorta & Andrés Araujo & Carlos Garbisu, 2021. "Contextualization of the Bioeconomy Concept through Its Links with Related Concepts and the Challenges Facing Humanity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-18, July.
    14. Machado, P.G. & Cunha, M. & Walter, A. & Faaij, A. & Guilhoto, J.J.M., 2021. "Biobased economy for Brazil: Impacts and strategies for maximizing socioeconomic benefits," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).
    15. How, Bing Shen & Ngan, Sue Lin & Hong, Boon Hooi & Lam, Hon Loong & Ng, Wendy Pei Qin & Yusup, Suzana & Ghani, Wan Azlina Wan Abd Karim & Kansha, Yasuki & Chan, Yi Herng & Cheah, Kin Wai & Shahbaz, Mu, 2019. "An outlook of Malaysian biomass industry commercialisation: Perspectives and challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1-1.
    16. Sadhukhan, Jhuma, 2022. "Net zero electricity systems in global economies by life cycle assessment (LCA) considering ecosystem, health, monetization, and soil CO2 sequestration impacts," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 184(C), pages 960-974.
    17. Hidalgo, D. & Martín-Marroquín, J.M. & Corona, F., 2019. "A multi-waste management concept as a basis towards a circular economy model," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 481-489.
    18. Joseph Oyekale & Mario Petrollese & Vittorio Tola & Giorgio Cau, 2020. "Impacts of Renewable Energy Resources on Effectiveness of Grid-Integrated Systems: Succinct Review of Current Challenges and Potential Solution Strategies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-48, September.
    19. G. Venkatesh, 2022. "Circular Bio-economy—Paradigm for the Future: Systematic Review of Scientific Journal Publications from 2015 to 2021," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 2(1), pages 231-279, March.
    20. Lee, Yunkyung, 2021. "Potential market and welfare effects of genetically edited technology in U.S. soybean production," 2021 Annual Meeting, August 1-3, Austin, Texas 314058, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:12:p:5667-:d:1683138. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.