Biopolymers from Sugar Beet Molasses: Isolation, Characterization, and Bioactive Properties

Utilizing the natural biological properties of plant byproducts for a variety of applications presents the opportunity to combine nature's benefits with sustainable innovation. For this study, sugar beet molasses polymer (SBMP) was isolated from a byproduct of sugar beet processing. The SBMP was analyzed to determine its suitability for potential uses in biomedicine, cosmetics, and antimicrobial coatings. To determine whether the SBMP was indeed a polymer, MALDI-TOF MS was performed. The chemical composition of the SBMP was characterized using XPS, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and FTIR. The characterization concluded that the SBMP contains phenolic and hydroxide groups. The presence of these groups was further supported by the SBMP's high antioxidant activity (∼80% RSA). The SBMP also demonstrated antimicrobial activity against <i>Rhodococcus erythropolis</i> (∼80% GI at 1 mg/mg SBMP), <i>Escherichia coli</i> (∼80% GI at 1 mg/mg SBMP), and <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> (∼38% GI at 1 mg/mg SBMP). Additionally, the SBMP showed no toxicity to human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) at concentrations up to 0.5 mg/mL and supported healthy cellular growth. Due to its strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, SBMP could be used in a variety of biomedical, cosmetic, and coating applications.