Pulsed electric field technology as a promising pre-treatment for enhancing orange agro-industrial waste biorefinery

Author(s)

Bocker, Ramon ; Silva, Eric Keven

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: RSC ADVANCES; v. 14, n. 3, p. 18-pg., 2024-01-03.

Abstract

In the processing of orange juice, 50-70% of the fresh fruit weight is converted into organic waste. Orange processing waste (OPW) primarily consists of peels, seeds, and pulp. Improper disposal of this residue can lead to greenhouse gas emissions, environmental pollution, and the wastage of natural resources. To address this ecological issues, recent research has focused on developing innovative process designs to maximize the valorization of OPW through biorefinery strategies. However, the current challenge in implementing these methods for industrial waste management is their significant energy consumption. In response to these challenges, recent studies have explored the potential of employing pulsed electric field (PEF) technology as a pre-treatment to improve energy efficiency in biorefinery processes. This non-thermal and emerging technology can enhance the mass transfer of intracellular components via electroporation of cell walls, thereby resulting in shorter processing times, lower energy inputs, greater retention of thermosensitive components, and higher extraction yields. In this regard, this review offers a comprehensive discussion on the innovative biorefinery strategies to the valorization of OPW, with a specific focus on recent studies assessing the technical feasibility of methodologies for the extraction of phytochemical compounds, dehydration processes, and bioconversion methods. Recent studies that discussed the potential of PEF technology to reduce energy demand by increasing the mass transfer of biological tissues were emphasized. Pulsed electric field (PEF) technology improves energy efficiency in biorefineries. (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: 23/09158-8 - 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
• Grantee: Ramon Bocker
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• 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