Design of non-thermal extraction processes using pulsed electric field technology for obtaining phenolic compounds and biopolymers

• Grant number: 23/04224-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: May 01, 2023
• End date: September 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Eric Keven Silva
• Grantee: Géssica Maria Lopes de Faria
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos (FEA). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/11255-3 - Pulsed electric field: design of non-thermal processes, functional foods and biomaterials, AP.JP

Abstract

According to reports from the World Health Organization, the number of people with obesity and diabetes in the world is increasing and the perspective is that by 2030 the number of obese and diabetic people will be more than twice the number registered in recent years. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of phenolic compounds in the treatment of inflammatory processes related to obesity and inhibition of enzymes associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. development of new products for the prevention and treatment of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. In this context, the proposal of this project is focused on obtaining phenolic compounds and biopolymers from pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L.), a residue from the fruit juice processing industry, aiming at the production of nutraceuticals and phytopharmaceuticals. Pomegranate peel is a source of phenolic compounds, such as ellagic acid, gallic acid, and punicalagins, in addition to containing biopolymers such as protein and fiber. The design of new non-thermal extraction processes, which allow maximum yield in the recovery of target compounds and preserve their biological activity, is one of the greatest demands today. The possibility of processing at low temperatures makes it possible to maintain the functionality associated with several classes of thermosensitive bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds, vitamins, and others. Therefore, this project aims at the design of non-thermal processes based on pulsed electric field (PEF) and ultrasound (high-intensity ultrasound: HIUS) technologies, using intensification and process integration approaches to optimize the obtaining phenolic compounds and biopolymers, which will be used in the formulation of new functional products and biomaterials.