Processing and Valorization of Wheat Bran, Germ and Their Fractions: An Evidence-Graded Review of Composition, Technologies and Applications

extraction, are discussed in terms of selectivity, impact on techno-functional properties, and scalability. An evidence-grading approach is introduced to distinguish bioactivities supported by chemical assays, cell-based models, animal studies, or human data, enabling a more rigorous interpretation of health-related effects. Across applications, these co-products have been incorporated into food systems and related sectors, primarily showing improvements in nutritional composition, oxidative stability, and product performance under experimental conditions. However, translation to an industrial scale remains constrained by techno-economic limitations, regulatory requirements, and stability challenges. This work highlights the need for integrated processing strategies aligned with industrial feasibility to support the development of sustainable cereal biorefineries.