Food Science and Emerging Technologies in Biomass Processing

A special issue of Biomass (ISSN 2673-8783).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (18 February 2024) | Viewed by 2496

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Interests: food processing technologies based on the application of electric fields; food technology; ohmic heating; food proteins; bioactive; extraction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Food science and emerging technologies play a crucial role in biomass processing, offering innovative solutions to transform raw materials or side streams from the agrifood industry into valuable food products. Biomass, including agricultural residues, food waste, and dedicated energy crops, holds significant potential for sustainable food production, bioenergy generation, and the recovery of bioactive compounds with commercial value. Hydrolysis, fractionation, and advanced separation techniques contribute to the precise and efficient extraction and functionalization of desired biomolecules from biomass, ensuring maximum yield and minimal waste. These methods can enable the isolation of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and other valuable components, which can be utilized for various purposes, such as the development of functional food ingredients, nutritional supplements, and bio-based packaging materials. Emerging technologies, such as high-pressure processing, microwave-assisted heating, and electric field processing, show great promise in enhancing the efficiency and quality of biomass conversion processes. These techniques combine thermal and non-thermal effects (e.g., electric fields and pressure) offering advantages such as reduced processing time, improved product quality, and increased energy efficiency. By minimizing the environmental impact of biomass processing, these technologies contribute to a more sustainable approach. Furthermore, the biotechnological production of protein-rich biomass sources using microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeast, presents an eco-friendly alternative to traditional protein sources, contributing to the diversification and sustainability of the food and feed supply chain. These endeavors align with the goal of meeting the growing demand for nutritious and environmentally friendly food products while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Dr. Ricardo N. Pereira
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • fractionation
  • hydrolysis
  • bioactive compounds
  • protein
  • selective extraction

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 341 KiB  
Article
Utilization of Blackthorn Plums (Prunus spinosa) and Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) Kernel Oil: Assessment of Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Oxidative Stability
by Vassilis Athanasiadis, Theodoros Chatzimitakos, Konstantina Kotsou, Dimitrios Kalompatsios, Eleni Bozinou and Stavros I. Lalas
Biomass 2024, 4(1), 49-64; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass4010003 - 02 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1138
Abstract
Prunus avium L. and Prunus spinosa L. are valuable fruit-bearing trees known for their bioactive compounds and medicinal properties. However, limited research exists regarding their kernel oils. This study aimed to compare the chemical composition, quality parameters, and bioactive potential of the kernel [...] Read more.
Prunus avium L. and Prunus spinosa L. are valuable fruit-bearing trees known for their bioactive compounds and medicinal properties. However, limited research exists regarding their kernel oils. This study aimed to compare the chemical composition, quality parameters, and bioactive potential of the kernel oils extracted from Prunus avium L. and Prunus spinosa L. The kernel oils’ fatty acid and tocopherol profiles were characterized, and the presence of bioactive compounds were identified and quantified. Total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AAC) were also measured, indicating the presence of bioactive compounds in both oils. Additionally, the main quality parameters, including oxidative status, were evaluated. The fatty acid analysis revealed a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to monounsaturated fatty acids in both kernel oil samples. Linoleic acid (57–64%) and oleic acid (18–29%) were the major fatty acids in both Prunus avium L. and Prunus spinosa L. kernel oils. α-Eleostearic acid (11.87%) was quantified only in Prunus avium kernel oil. Furthermore, the α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol content were determined, and it was found that both kernel oils contained γ-tocopherol as the major tocopherol (~204–237 mg/Kg). TPC in Prunus avium L. kernel oil was measured at 9.5 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/Kg and recorded as ~316% higher TPC than Prunus spinosa L. kernel oil. However, the recorded AAC were 11.87 and 14.22 μmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/Kg oil, respectively. Both oils recorded low peroxide values (~1.50 mmol H2O2/Kg), and low TBARS value (~0.4 mmol malondialdehyde equivalents, MDAE/Kg oil), but high p-anisidine value (23–32). The results indicated that both Prunus avium L. and Prunus spinosa L. kernel oils exhibited unique chemical compositions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Science and Emerging Technologies in Biomass Processing)
19 pages, 3235 KiB  
Article
Maximizing the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Diospyros kaki Peel through the Use of a Pulsed Electric Field and Ultrasound Extraction
by Vassilis Athanasiadis, Theodoros Chatzimitakos, Eleni Bozinou, Konstantina Kotsou, Dimitrios Palaiogiannis and Stavros I. Lalas
Biomass 2023, 3(4), 422-440; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass3040025 - 04 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1016
Abstract
The persimmon fruit (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) is renowned for its exceptional health benefits, which can be attributed to its abundance of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds from persimmon peel, an underexplored waste biomass, within the [...] Read more.
The persimmon fruit (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) is renowned for its exceptional health benefits, which can be attributed to its abundance of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds from persimmon peel, an underexplored waste biomass, within the frame of sustainability and a circular economy. For this reason, a comprehensive multi-factor extraction approach was employed. Specifically, diverse methods including a pulsed electric field and ultrasonication combined with simple stirring were explored. Through this systematic approach, the most efficient extraction process was determined, resulting in elevated yields of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, ascorbic acid, and total carotenoids. Among the identified phenolic compounds, rutin emerged as the most abundant, with concentrations reaching up to 172.86 μg/g. Utilizing partial least squares analysis, the maximum predicted values for the bioactive compounds were determined, with total polyphenols reaching 7.17 mg GAE/g, ascorbic acid at 4.93 mg/g, and total carotenoids at 386.47 μg CtE/g. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated with the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, and H2O2 scavenging assays. The recorded antioxidant performance underscored the substantial potential of persimmon peels as a source of cost-effective extracts with high antioxidant activity. This study not only contributes to optimizing the bioactive compounds’ extraction from persimmon peel but also highlights the process’s viability by producing valuable extracts with antioxidant properties at low cost. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Science and Emerging Technologies in Biomass Processing)
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