Innovative processes assisted by electric field for valorization of agro-industrial waste from berries: extraction of natural colorants, modification of biopolymers, phenolic complexation, and application in smart materials

Abstract

Strategies for the comprehensive utilization of waste from industrial processing of berries using pulsed electric field (PEF) technology will be investigated for the valorization of bioactive compounds and biopolymers. The aim of this project is to explore the versatility of PEF technology through its in-line action for the sequential extraction of anthocyanins and dietary fibers, followed by structural modification of the recovered biopolymers and complexation of phenolic compounds present in the extracts. Smart materials dedicated to improving the technological quality, safety, and shelf life of foods subjected to the cold chain (refrigerated and frozen) will be developed and formulated using the ingredients obtained in the previous steps. Process intensification approaches will be evaluated to develop non-thermal processes focused on preserving anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds in the various planned applications for the recovery and delivery of bioactive compounds. The influence of PEF treatment variables, such as electric field intensity (kV/cm), pulse duration (¼s), number of pulses, and specific energy (J/g), on the extraction, modification, and complexation steps will be investigated. (AU)