New and Clean Technologies for Extraction Using Microwave Energy

Dear Colleagues,

In modern food production, analysis of food quality and attributes are fundamental. We have seen this tendency emerging over the last several years as we have found more demanding consumers. But also, and in a necessary response to this rise in quality pursuit and consumer care, the authorities are establishing a clear need for food labelling. In complement, and no less important, consumer protection demands from the authorities the execution of the control of contaminants, and potential contaminants. In order to achieve those analyses successfully, it is necessary to separate the target compounds or its families from its matrix. In recent years, we have seen the appearance of new technologies for extraction, providing faster separation from the matrix and very much comparable with validated and well-known traditional tedious and hard labor methods. The new technologies for the extraction involved are directed mainly for the laboratory processes. We can see the preoccupation with increasing the throughput of the laboratory as well as the environmental concern for using preferentially greener technologies, solventless methods, or with the lesser use of them. After this extraction or sample preparation, these compounds will be submitted to a simple or complex analytical method, from gravimetric to mass spectrometry for example. The objective could be food profiling, analysis of content for researching added value compounds, food labelling, authenticity, contaminant analysis, quality control, and value determination, amongst others. One field in particular has been developing in a very interesting way, applying microwave energy in order to accelerate the process of extraction. Microwaves can heat very fast and effectively and promote the use of less or no solvent at all, whilst improving extraction efficiency by rising the pressure. The use of microwaves is widely spread now to digest samples in order to analyze metal contaminants or nutrients. Using similar approaches, the extraction follows a new and potential route for expanding the capabilities of the technology.

Prof. Dr. Jesus Miguel Lopez Rodilla
Prof. Dr. Giancarlo Cravotto
Guest Editors

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