A Critical Review on Pulsed Electric Field: A Novel Technology for the Extraction of Phytoconstituents

Abstract

Different parts of a plant (seeds, fruits, flower, leaves, stem, and roots) contain numerous biologically active compounds called “phytoconstituents” that consist of phenolics, minerals, amino acids, and vitamins. The conventional techniques applied to extract these phytoconstituents have several drawbacks including poor performance, low yields, more solvent use, long processing time, and thermally degrading by-products. In contrast, modern and advanced extraction nonthermal technologies such as pulsed electric field (PEF) assist in easier and efficient identification, characterization, and analysis of bioactive ingredients. Other advantages of PEF include cost-efficacy, less time, and solvent consumption with improved yields. This review covers the applications of PEF to obtain bioactive components, essential oils, proteins, pectin, and other important materials from various parts of the plant. Numerous studies compiled in the current evaluation concluded PEF as the best solution to extract phytoconstituents used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. PEF-assisted extraction leads to a higher yield, utilizes less solvents and energy, and it saves a lot of time compared to traditional extraction methods. PEF extraction design should be safe and efficient enough to prevent the degradation of phytoconstituents and oils.

Up-To-Date Analysis of the Extraction Methods for Anthocyanins: Principles of the Techniques, Optimization, Technical Progress, and Industrial Application

“…Thus, this technique can also be classified as a non-thermal extraction method, which makes it an ideal technique to extract thermolabile bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins. The pulsed electric field technique is based on the application of short duration pulses of moderate to high electric field strengths ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 kV/cm in batch mode and 20–80 kV/cm in continuous mode extraction at room temperature [ 35 ]. The basic principles of PEFE processing are based on innovative concepts within electrical engineering, fluid mechanics, and biology.…”

“…The electric field generated is able to induce the formation of hydrophilic pores in the cell membrane, which opens protein channels ( Figure 6 ). This process is known as “electroporation” [ 35 , 93 ]. The strong electric field applied on the cell sample originates accumulation of oppositely charged ions on both sides of the membrane.…”

“…By-products and waste from some food industries represent low-cost sources of anthocyanins that are of interest to the industry. The extraction methods applied to anthocyanin extraction in different natural matrices have been extensively studied [ 6 , 17 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ]. Conventional techniques, such as maceration and heat-assisted extraction (HAE), do not require sophisticated instrumentation and are easy to apply at the industrial level.…”

Effect of Co-Encapsulated Natural Antioxidants with Modified Starch on the Oxidative Stability of β-Carotene Loaded within Nanoemulsions

“…Usage of innovative techniques has become common for production and processing [20][21][22][23]. Recently, there is a growing interest in the use of natural antioxidants instead of synthetic ones due to consumer preference for natural ingredients [24][25][26].…”

Metabolite Profiling of Helichrysum italicum Derived Food Supplements by 1H-NMR-Based Metabolomics

“…Enriched fractions or pure phytochemicals must be obtained via extraction [1]. Extraction procedures often involve different steps and the use of unsustainable solvents which can interfere with the presence of chemical constituents [3]. In recent years, new technologies and methods of extraction occurred which accelerated the extraction and analysis of phytochemicals [3,4], along with an increasing interest in the development of green and environmentally friendly extraction methods [5][6][7].…”