Phytochemicals

PEF for phytochemicals extraction

Product examples: functional foods, phytosterols, isoflavonoids, polyphenol extracts, cocoa flavanols

Aim PEF treatment: enhanced and gentle recovery of phytochemicals through induction of stress reactions on plant cells, increased extraction yield, cell disintegration

Stress Response

A very mild PEF treatment can induce formation of phytochemicals (secondary metabolites) in biological tissues. A field strength of 0,1 – 0,5 kV/cm and energy delivery of 0,1 – 1,0 kJ/kg suffices to induce this effect. As a result the concentration of phytochemicals in plant materials such as soy and cocoa beans is increased.  For example, PEF can be applied on soybeans soaked in water. The treatment also enhances extraction processes, such as the extraction of soybeans and cocoa nibs.

Benefits PEF

• Increased concentrations of phytochemicals
• Increased extraction yield
• Higher process efficiency

More information

Pulsemaster has developed industrial scale equipment – named Conditioner – with treatment capacities up to 5,000 l/h (1320 US gal./h) for microbial inactivation and up to 50,000 kg/h (110,000 lb/h) for cell disintegration.