Sustainable Approaches for the Extraction of Bioactives and Production of Bio-based Materials from Food Processing Wastes

This proposal is to support a long-term research program that addresses the global problem of food waste and the growing consumer demand for products with naturally-sourced ingredients. The main objective of the proposed research is to investigate green extraction methods for natural compounds from food processing wastes and develop functional bio-based materials.

In this research, the focus will be on pomace, which is a by-product from juice production and is rich in natural pigments. Natural pigments (e.g. anthocyanins, betalains, lycopene and beta-carotene) are associated with numerous health benefits and are highly-prized ingredients for functional foods, health supplements, and beauty and personal care products. Green extraction/separation methods for biomolecules will be explored using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) and foam fractionation, where the solvent and resultant extract will consist of food and cosmetic-compatible compounds in a water-based system. Then, a novel strategy for producing functional biopolymeric hydrogels from these liquid extracts, where the solvent forms part of the formulation medium, will be established. This research program is innovative as its entire approach is centered on sustainability and the principles of green chemistry: the raw materials for extraction are food processing by-products, the extraction processes are low energy and use natural chemicals that are non-toxic and non-hazardous, and the extracts are incorporated into materials that are biodegradable and produced from natural bioactive compounds and biopolymers.

The impact of this research will be significant as it will improve the sustainability of food processing by adding value to food processing byproducts and reducing waste. In addition, the research will develop simpler green extraction technologies for natural pigments and biomolecules that are compatible with food and other consumer products to satisfy the demand for natural clean label products. The use of green extraction technologies and alternative solvents that are bio-based, non-toxic and compatible with food and consumer products will reduce the complexity and cost of existing extraction processes based on conventional organic solvents, while increasing safety and sustainability. By incorporating the green solvents and extracts into bio-based materials, this research program will develop innovative products with increased functionalities for the functional food, nutraceutical, beauty and personal care industries, such as controlled release delivery systems for bioactives and biodegradable active packaging based on calcium-alginate films. This research program will also provide excellent training for highly qualified personnel for the sustained growth of the functional food and natural products industries in Canada, and help to position Canada as a leader in green processing technologies.