Pulsed electric field-assisted extraction techniques for obtaining vegetable oils and essential oils: Recent progress and opportunities for the food industry

Author(s)

Ferraz, Lucas Previtali ; Silva, Eric Keven

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Separation and Purification Technology; v. 354, p. 15-pg., 2024-07-18.

Abstract

Vegetable oils and essential oils are widely used products for their nutritional, sensory, and therapeutic properties. The extraction of these oils is a fundamental process in the manufacturing sector. In this regard, the primary goal is to establish the best conditions for obtaining higher yields while maintaining or even enhancing the sensory and functional quality of these products. In this context, pulsed electric field (PEF)-based green processes have been investigated as a pre-treatment to enhance industrial oil extraction processes. This innovative technology presents potential to improve mass transfer under milder time and temperature conditions, reducing energy and solvent consumption. Furthermore, PEF facilitates the incorporation of higher quantities of health-promoting phytochemicals and oxidative stability. Therefore, this review discussed recent advances in the PEF application in the extraction of vegetable oils and essential oils. The pre-treatment with PEF results in higher extraction yields, allowing the production of oils with enhanced sensory and functional qualities, primarily attributed to the increased content of antioxidant phenolic compounds. The energy efficiency of PEF-assisted processes can also be enhanced by conducting extractions under milder conditions without adversely affecting yields. Furthermore, the integration of this innovative technology into current continuous processing lines requires investment and layout changes. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/01876-9 - Pulsed electric field: Design of non-thermal processes, functional foods, and biomaterials
• Grantee: Eric Keven Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Young Researchers
• FAPESP's process: 20/11255-3 - Pulsed electric field: design of non-thermal processes, functional foods and biomaterials
• Grantee: Eric Keven Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 23/09326-8 - Pulsed electric field and ultrasound for obtaining ingredients and multifunctional encapsulating systems from plant by-products
• Grantee: Lucas Previtali Ferraz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)