Pulsed electric field and ultrasound for obtaining ingredients and multifunctional encapsulating systems from plant by-products

• Grant number: 23/09326-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2023
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Eric Keven Silva
• Grantee: Lucas Previtali Ferraz
• 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

Alternative processing routes for plant waste from the natural juice industry will be investigated through the design of non-thermal processes using pulsed electric field (PEF) and high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) technologies. The aim of this project is to obtain new ingredients for the food industry by applying process intensification and integration approaches to optimize the extraction of natural colorants, phenolic compounds, bioactive-rich oil, and biopolymers, which will be used in the formulation of nutraceutical foods and biomaterials. Processing strategies based on the in-line or combined action of PEF and HIUS technologies will be explored to minimize the degradation of target compounds and the sensory quality of the obtained ingredients, as well as the use of organic solvents with a focus on sustainable process development. Multifunctional encapsulating systems will be produced and applied in different food products as structuring agents, fat replacers, and carriers of bioactives. (AU)