# Valorization of Date Fruit (_Phoenix dactylifera_ L.) Processing Waste and By-Products: A Review
## 4. Valorization Approaches of Date Processing Waste
### Extraction of High-Value Compounds
#### 4.4.1 Antibacterial Compound and Antioxidant Compound  
The extracted high-value compounds from date processing waste can be applied in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. For instance, natural preservatives derived from high-value compounds extracted from date processing waste can be used to increase the shelf life of food products without relying on synthetic preservatives and the same for use as colorants [107; 108]. Additionally, these compounds have potential health benefits, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving gut health [26]. Furthermore, phenolic compounds extracted from date processing waste have potential as natural remedies for various skin conditions such as acne and wrinkles [21]. Highantioxidant phenolic extract from date fruit syrup waste is an effective additive in soap formulations. [PERSON] et al. [79] investigated a more environmentally friendly approach to soap manufacturing by utilizing natural ingredients as a potential substitute for synthetic chemicals commonly employed in soap production. As a result, the soaps produced from the waste extract of date fruit syrup exhibited physicochemical properties that were similar to those of commercially available turmeric soap. Furthermore, antibacterial assays demonstrated the enhanced bactericidal properties of date fruit syrup waste extract soaps against Gram-positive _Streptococcus pyogenes_ and Gram-negative _Pseudomonas aeruginosa_ bacteria.  
A series of gelatin blend films with date fruit waste extract were developed by [PERSON] et al. [80]. The hydrophilic properties of the extract improved water solubility but reduced tensile strength and increased flexibility in the films. Films with 25% extract had higher water vapor permeability due to plasticizing effects. These films released active phenolic compounds and had better antioxidant capacity than fatty food simulants in aqueous food. In canola oil storage tests, films with extract showed lower peroxide and Totox values than pure gelatin films. Date fruit waste extract is a promising natural antioxidant for enhancing food packaging film functionality and performance. [PERSON] et al. [81] also developed date-seed-extract-encapsulated mesoporous MCM-41 material, to extend the shelf life of food in food packaging applications, and the in vitro release performance and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were investigated. As a result, date seed extract was successfully encapsulated into MCM-41 with a 1:1 weight ratio using vacuum adsorption, achieving a high encapsulation efficiency of 91%. DSE@MCM-41 exhibited sustained release in both acidic (pH 5.2) and alkaline (pH 7.4) environments without a burst effect, following a first-order release model regulated by the carrier structure. It showed a more sustained release of bioactive compounds and antioxidants than free date seed extract when stored at 4 \({}^{\circ}\)C for 90 days. Additionally, DSE@MCM-41 demonstrated stable antibacterial activity even after 72 h against _E. coli_ and _S. aureus_, attributed to sustained DSE release from the encapsulated MCM-41 matrix. These findings suggest the potential of DSE-encapsulated MCM-41 as a nanocarrier for sustained-release food packaging systems to extend food shelf life.