Pulsed electric field, ultrasound and microwave heating based extraction techniques for valorization of pomegranate peel by-products: A review

Author(s)

Faria, Gessica Maria Lopes ; Silva, Eric Keven

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING; v. 12, n. 4, p. 18-pg., 2024-05-30.

Abstract

The escalating demand for health -conscious food choices among modern consumers has boosted substantial growth in the global pomegranate market. Recent projections indicate that by the year 2030, the market will reach an estimated value of USD 338.6 million. Approximately 54% of all raw materials in the pomegranate processing chain for juice production are converted into agri-food waste. Pomegranate peel, being the primary by-product, contains the highest concentration of phenolic compounds among fruit fractions. Beyond phenolic compounds, it can also yield pectin, protein, and lignocellulosic compounds. Utilizing pomegranate peel holistically enables more sustainable processes, produces marketable products, and optimizes energy usage. Green technologies based on cell permeabilization mechanisms, such as pulsed electric field (PEF), high -intensity ultrasound (HIUS), and microwave heating (MWH), offer faster and more efficient extraction processes compared to conventional methods. They reduce processing times, energy usage, and the need for toxic solvents while preserving thermosensitive compounds. Therefore, this review discussed the integration of PEF, HIUS, and MWH into the pomegranate peel by-products biorefinery for enhancing mass transfer in the extraction process through cell permeabilization, facilitating solvent accessibility to target compounds. These innovative technologies can be employed individually or in combination as pre -treatments for pomegranate peel, facilitating sequential extraction processes for obtaining valuable new ingredients for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. (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