Upcycling Eggshell Matrix for Sustainable Production of Glycosaminoglycans

    July 2025 in “ Biopolymers
    Emmanuel Cobbinah‐Sam, Idaresit Ekaette
    TLDR Eggshells can be used to sustainably and cheaply produce important compounds like glycosaminoglycans.
    The document reviews the potential of using eggshell matrix waste as a sustainable and abundant source for producing glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are crucial for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and biomedical applications. Eggshell-derived GAGs offer advantages such as uniform molecular weights, enhanced solubility, and reduced contamination risks compared to traditional animal and marine sources. The study highlights the high yield of GAGs from eggshell membranes and the environmental benefits of upcycling eggshell waste, which can reduce landfill emissions. However, challenges like high purification costs, regulatory hurdles, and the need for efficient extraction methods limit large-scale commercialization. Future research should focus on optimizing extraction techniques and addressing economic and regulatory barriers to enhance the feasibility of eggshell-derived GAG production.
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