Extraction efficiency of phenolic compounds by bioconversion and their implication on their biological effects

The use of phenolic compounds from agri-food residues in food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical applications, meets the increasing consumer demand for natural, safe, healthy, and sustainable options. However, a large amount of phenolic compounds in agri-food residues are found bound to cell wall components, which do not allow their recovery using conventional extraction methods. The development of bioconversion processes, such as fermentation, enzymatic bioprocessing, or germination to enhance phenolic compounds extraction/production and also to improve their bioactive properties has increased in recent years. In this chapter, this topic has been thoroughly explored, based on the most recent scientific breakthroughs. Themes regarding their chemical structure changes and bioaccessibility to their improved bioactivity are also explored. Altogether, this chapter opens new perspectives concerning the efficient recovery of phenolic compounds, as a promising strategy for their application and valorization of agri-food residues.