Opuntia spp. Biomass: Composition, Green Extraction Technologies, and Applications in Bioproducts and Biomaterials

Abstract

In recent years, the increasing demand for sustainable and renewable materials has intensified interest in biomass resources capable of supporting green processing and circular bioeconomy strategies. Among these, Opuntia spp. (commonly known as nopal or prickly pear cactus) has emerged as a promising biomass resource due to its adaptability to arid environments and its rich and diverse chemical composition. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and integrated analysis of Opuntia spp. biomass, focusing on its chemical composition, extraction and processing technologies, and its potential for the development of bioproducts and biomaterials. One of the key aspects addressed is the comparison between conventional and environmentally friendly extraction approaches, considering their efficiency, limitations, and suitability for recovering important fractions such as mucilage, structural polysaccharides, and bioactive compounds. This review evaluates the utilization of these fractions in food systems, biodegradable materials, hydrogels, composite materials, and environmental remediation, with an emphasis on their functional attributes and technological potential. Sustainability is considered from a biorefinery perspective, focusing on the efficient use of biomass and the mitigation of environmental impacts. This work gives a critical analysis of recent progress and highlights mayor challenges concerning process standardization, scalability and material properties. The findings support the potential of Opuntia spp. as a versatile platform for sustainable materials and point to future research needed for industrial implementation.