Spent coffee grounds as a source of smart biochelates to increase Fe and Zn levels in lettuces

Spent coffee grounds (SCG), an ever-increasing food waste whose annual generation is 15 million tons, have the potential to fulfil many different purposes after being recycled. However, though SCG been used as soil organic amendment, their utilization limited by phytotoxic nature. Although favour assimilation of nutrients plants, whether or not they could be agronomical bio-fortifying agent has investigated yet. Therefore, we carried out in vitro investigation analyse influence and melanoidins functionalized with Fe Zn (biochelates) on agronomic biofortification lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia), one most consumed edible plants worldwide. Commercial chelates (EDDHA-Fe EDTA-Zn) non-functionalized were controls. Total content lettuces available measured. Functionalized able significantly increase both levels lettuces. While increased around 28–30%, showed a much larger improvement up 177–416% higher. According our results, agents. Additionally, bio-fortified would provide 16.3% recommended daily intake 6.6% that Zn, reflecting positively human health.