Bzainia, AmirKeller, ErikHeeres, AndréCosta, Mário Rui P.F.N.Dias, Rolando2026-03-062026-03-062026Bzainia, Amir; Keller, Erik; Heeres, André; Costa, Mário R. P. F. N.; Dias, Rolando (2026). Selective fixed-bed fractionation of stilbene subfamilies from grape cane waste using a pyridine-amide adsorbent. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. ISSN 2213-3437. 14:2, p. 1-222213-3437http://hdl.handle.net/10198/35983The selective separation of structurally analogous polyphenols from complex plant matrices remains a longstanding challenge in bioseparation engineering. This study introduces a custom-designed adsorbent, poly(2,6-bis(acrylamido)pyridine) (poly(BAAPy)), tailored for subfamily-level resolution of stilbenes obtained from crude grape cane extracts. Leveraging dual amide and pyridine functionalities, poly(BAAPy) achieves selective retention of oligomeric stilbenes (e.g., trans-ε-viniferin, miyabenol C) via multivalent hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions. Comparative breakthrough experiments against commercial poly(4-vinylpyridine) (poly(4VP)) demonstrate superior oligomer retention across both ethanol-water and acetonitrile systems. In dynamic closed-loop adsorption mode, poly(BAAPy) enabled polarity-driven elution and achieved up to a 3.4-fold enrichment of stilbene oligomers, with their recovery in fractions containing ≥ 90 % oligomeric content in a single desorption cycle. Uptake profiles and adsorption selectivity coefficients confirmed poly(BAAPy)’s preference for oligomers under both ethanol-water and acetonitrile conditions. The total stilbene recovery was 75 %. Breakthrough data were fitted using both empirical (Clark, Thomas) and mechanistic models, revealing distinct adsorption dynamics for poly(BAAPy) versus a commercial poly(4VP) resin. This work demonstrates a sustainable valorisation route for grape cane waste, converting viticultural residues into a high-value source of bioactive compounds. The use of green solvents and fixed-bed adsorption aligns with circular economy principles and environmentally conscious separation processes.engGrape canesStilbenesPoly(BAAPy)Fixed-bed adsorptionBiomass valorisationPhytochemical recoverySubfamily-selective separationjournal article10.1016/j.jece.2026.121773