Rice bran as a sustainable source for value added materials: an overview

Rice bran, a byproduct of rice milling, holds immense potential for sustainable resource management and product innovation across various industries. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of rice bran’s chemical composition, extraction methods, and potential applications, highlighting its material science aspects. We delve into the extraction and characterization of key components like oil, protein, and fiber, outlining their functional properties and industrial applications. This includes exploring the use of rice bran in biofuels, bio-composites, adsorbents, food additives, and medicinal applications. Furthermore, we examine the economic viability of rice bran utilization, emphasizing its role in sustainable solutions and the growing market demand for rice bran-derived products. While knowledge gaps remain regarding the full potential of rice bran, ongoing research promises to unlock further innovative uses and applications. Rice bran, a byproduct of rice milling, holds immense potential for value-added materials due to its rich chemical composition and diverse functional properties. This review article delves into the extraction and characterization of rice bran components, exploring their potential applications across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and material science. The review highlights the chemistry and material science aspects of rice bran, emphasizing its untapped potential as a sustainable resource. The document covers various aspects of rice bran, including its composition, extraction methods, and characterization techniques. It examines the applications of rice bran in different sectors, such as biochar production, water treatment, air purification, biofuel production, bioactive compound extraction, bio composites, food additives, and medicinal applications. The review also analyses the cost-effectiveness and market demand for rice bran-derived products, highlighting their potential for economic impact across various industries. Finally, the document identifies knowledge gaps and discusses the promising future of rice bran as a sustainable and valuable resource.