Advances in Green Processes for Antioxidant and Antibacterial Polyphenol Extraction

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Process Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 May 2026 | Viewed by 1290

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut P.O. Box 115020, Lebanon
Interests: food safety; food technology; screening food contaminants; food waste; affordable and clean energy
Systems, Power and Energy Research Division, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, James Watt (South) Building University Avenue, Glasgow, UK
Interests: improving thermochemical processing; novel forms of food decontamination and shelf-life extension; microalgae, including growth, dewatering, and sustainable extraction techniques of high-value products, nutrition, and biofuel
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As we confront the growing issue of food waste, the use of green technology for extracting polyphenols from plant by-products has become increasingly vital. These eco-friendly extraction methods enable us to recover valuable compounds while promoting sustainable practices that benefit both our health and the environment.

Green extraction techniques prioritize environmentally responsible processes, often requiring less energy and fewer harmful chemicals compared to traditional methods. Techniques such as ultrasound-assisted, microwave, and supercritical fluid extraction are gaining popularity due to their efficiency in obtaining polyphenols while minimizing waste and energy use. For example, ultrasound-assisted extraction can accelerate the process and improve yields, making it an effective choice for retrieving antioxidants from various food by-products.

By focusing on these green methods, we maximize the use of food resources and reduce our ecological footprint. Extracting polyphenols from by-products like fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and other plant materials not only helps decrease food waste but also harnesses the health benefits that these compounds provide. Polyphenols are known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which can enhance food quality and safety. Incorporating these compounds into food products improves nutritional value while extending shelf-life.

Moreover, adopting green extraction methods can lead to the development of natural preservatives and health supplements, offering safe alternatives to synthetic additives. This shift supports the production of better food products and encourages a healthier lifestyle by promoting the use of natural ingredients over artificial ones.

In summary, embracing green technology for extracting polyphenols from food by-products is essential for fostering a sustainable food system. By utilizing eco-friendly methods, we can turn what would otherwise be wasted into valuable resources that benefit both society and the planet. This approach not only addresses the pressing issue of food waste but also paves the way for healthier food options, contributing to environmental protection and improved public health.

Dr. Nada El Darra
Dr. Ian Watson
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • green extraction
  • phenolic compounds
  • antioxidants
  • antibacterial activity
  • sustainable methods
  • extraction techniques
  • environmental impact
  • bioactive compounds
  • phytochemicals

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

20 pages, 1568 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Essential Oils as Natural Antibacterial Agents for Eggshell Sanitization and Quality Preservation
by Azza El-Soufi, Alissar Al Khatib, Salma Khazaal, Nada El Darra and Karim Raafat
Processes 2025, 13(1), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13010224 - 14 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1117
Abstract
Eggs are considered a nutritionally complete food and an excellent source of protein. However, they are prone to bacterial contamination, which can affect their internal quality and safety. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of essential oils (EOs) as natural sanitizers for [...] Read more.
Eggs are considered a nutritionally complete food and an excellent source of protein. However, they are prone to bacterial contamination, which can affect their internal quality and safety. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of essential oils (EOs) as natural sanitizers for eggshells to reduce the bacterial load and improve shelf life. Ten EOs—cinnamon, clove, lavender, peppermint, thyme, rosemary, green tea, mustard, basil, and marjoram—were tested for antibacterial activity against three Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Listeria monocytogenes) and three Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella Enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli) using the well diffusion method. The most effective EOs were assessed in vapor form using a disc volatilization technique. A total of 288 eggs from a local farm in South Lebanon were treated with selected EOs and stored at room temperature for three weeks to evaluate microbial load and quality. The eggs were grouped into six categories: dry control, ultraviolet (UV) treated, and eggs sprayed with EOs, based on the recorded minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. At each time point, 12 eggs from each group were analyzed for microbiological testing and external and internal quality. Results indicated that nine of the ten EOs showed antibacterial activity, with the highest inhibition zones recorded for cinnamon against S. Enteritidis (14 mm) and E. coli (9 mm), peppermint against P. aeruginosa (10 mm), and rosemary against L. monocytogenes (22 mm), S. aureus (19 mm), and E. faecalis (12 mm). Vapor phase testing showed that rosemary, thyme, clove, and cinnamon EOs had average inhibition zones ranging from 21 to 33 mm against the tested bacteria, and peppermint EO achieved complete inhibition of P. aeruginosa. Clove EO consistently reduced the bacterial load as a sanitizer on eggs, initially achieving complete inhibition. While egg quality parameters such as weight, shell thickness, Haugh unit, and yolk color declined over time, EOs helped maintain better quality compared to dry controls. GC-MS analysis of the tested EOs revealed that monoterpene alcohols are the major constituents of most oils. This study concludes that EOs are effective natural sanitizers for eggs, enhancing safety and preserving quality during storage. Full article
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