Hydroxycinnamic Acid Extraction from Multiple Lignocellulosic\nSources: Correlations with Substrate Composition and Taxonomy for\nFlavoring and Antioxidant Applications

The extraction of\nhydroxycinnamic acids (HCADs) is a strategy for\nlignocellulosic biomass valorization due to their high value-added\nnature and the possibility of application as flavoring and antioxidants.\nThis study proposes correlations between the composition and taxonomy\nof 28 globally available agro-industrial feedstocks with the production\nof HCADs using chemometric tools. Principal component analysis indicated\nstrong correlations between ferulic acid release and hemicellulose\ntype and content, especially in grass biomasses. Conversely, <i>p-</i>coumaric acid release was mainly correlated with cellulose\ncontent across diverse taxonomic origins. Among the evaluated agro-industrial\nfeedstocks, corn-based biomasses were identified as prime sources\nof ferulic acid after mild alkaline treatment, releasing up to 10.5\ng kg<sup>–1</sup> and producing hydrolysates with an antioxidant\ncapacity up to 3.3 mmol Trolox equivalents g<sup>–1</sup>.\nNotably, sugar cane bagasse was the best source of <i>p</i>-coumaric acid, yielding 4.8 g kg<sup>–1</sup>. Corn hydrolysates\nwere successfully converted into 4-vinylguaiacol using a genetically\nmodified Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain,\nachieving high yields of 0.75 g L<sup>–1</sup>. This work enhances\nour understanding of HCAD sources and biomass valorization strategies,\ndemonstrating potential applications in the food and cosmetics sectors.