Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
This project addresses the issue of waste generated by potato processing plants, specifically focusing on potato peels. Potato peels are often discarded, contributing to environmental waste and lost economic potential. By developing a technology to extract valuable polyphenols and dietary fibers from these peels, the project aims to turn this waste into a resource. Polyphenols are known for their antioxidant properties, and dietary fibers are essential for digestive health, making both compounds highly desirable in the food and beverage industry. Addressing this issue is not only important for improving waste management and sustainability in agriculture but also for enhancing the economic viability of potato processing operations and providing healthier food options to the community.To achieve this, the project will employ a pilot-scale extraction system to refine and optimize the process of extracting polyphenols and dietary fibers from potato peels. The extraction process will be carefully monitored and adjusted to ensure maximum yield and quality of the extracted compounds. The project will also conduct energy consumption and cost-benefit analyses to ensure that the process is economically feasible and environmentally friendly. Workshops, training sessions, and publications will be used to share the results and knowledge gained from this research with industry stakeholders, researchers, and the general public.The ultimate goal of the project is to commercialize this extraction technology, making it widely available to potato processing companies and other stakeholders. If successful, the project will significantly reduce the environmental impact of potato processing by converting waste into valuable products, improve the economic sustainability of the industry, and provide consumers with healthier food options. The anticipated societal benefits include better waste management practices, increased economic opportunities for small and medium enterprises, and the promotion of health and wellness through the availability of nutrient-rich food ingredients.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
10%
Applied
50%
Developmental
40%
Goals / Objectives
The goal of this application is to commercialize sequential extraction technology for harvesting polyphenols and dietary fibers from potato peels, a by-product of potato processing. This technology was validated during Phase I research with satisfactory results. The project has four objectives to move the technology to the next level of commercialization: (1) demonstrating the performance of the technology at the pilot scale, (2) further improving the processes and optimizing the system, (3) evaluating the products for target applications, and (4) conducting energy and techno-economic analysis for commercial demonstration.The project will be executed by a proficient team collaborating with university researchers and another small business. The anticipated outputs of the project include an enabling technology with demonstrated technical performance and feasibility, along with engineering design and operational principles and product data for the next step of scale-up and commercialization.Key results will include the actual installation of the system, achieving 90-95% of the bench-scale results, and the production of actual products. Additionally, the project will result in improved yield, processes for improving purity, the establishment of a kinetic model set, and design recommendations for system optimization. Metrics of suitability for food applications and suitability determination will be established, along with the quantification of energy costs and strategies to minimize energy consumption. Finally, a suggested minimal selling price and priorities for further cost reduction will be provided.
Project Methods
General Scientific Methods:The project will employ a systematic approach to commercialize sequential extraction technology for harvesting polyphenols and dietary fibers from potato peels. The following methods will be used:Pilot-Scale Demonstration:Experimental Setup: Establish a pilot-scale extraction system based on the validated bench-scale model.Process Optimization: Conduct experiments to fine-tune process parameters, including temperature, pressure, solvent concentration, and extraction time.Performance Monitoring: Use analytical techniques such as HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) and GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) to monitor the yield and purity of the extracted polyphenols and dietary fibers.Process Improvement and System Optimization:Experimental Design: Implement a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach to systematically study the effects of various factors on extraction efficiency and product quality.Data Analysis: Apply statistical methods to analyze the experimental data, identify optimal conditions, and develop kinetic models to predict process behavior.Technology Refinement: Modify the extraction system based on the findings to enhance efficiency and scalability.Product Evaluation:Quality Assessment: Evaluate the extracted polyphenols and dietary fibers for key properties such as antioxidant activity, fiber content, and purity.Application Testing: Conduct trials to assess the suitability of the products in target applications, such as food and beverage formulations.Energy and Techno-Economic Analysis:Energy Consumption Measurement: Monitor and record energy usage during the extraction process.Economic Evaluation: Perform a cost-benefit analysis, considering factors such as raw material costs, energy consumption, and potential revenue from the sale of extracted products.Optimization Strategies: Develop strategies to minimize energy consumption and reduce production costs.Efforts to Cause ChangeFormal Education:Classroom and Laboratory Instruction: Integrate project findings into university courses on food science and agricultural engineering.Practicum Experiences: Provide hands-on learning opportunities for students to work with the pilot-scale extraction system.Workshops and Training:Demonstration Sessions: Organize workshops to showcase the technology and provide training on its operation and optimization.Technical Support: Offer consulting services to industry stakeholders interested in adopting the technology.Curriculum Development:Educational Materials: Develop curriculum and teaching resources based on the project's outcomes, including case studies and technical guides.Extension and Outreach:Field Days and Tours: Conduct events to demonstrate the pilot-scale system and share best practices with the agricultural community.Publications and Reports: Disseminate research findings through scientific journals, conference proceedings, and online platforms.Evaluation Plan:The success of the project will be evaluated through a combination of qualitative and quantitative measures:Key Milestones:Pilot-Scale System Installation: Successful setup and initial operation of the pilot-scale extraction system.Optimization Completion: Achievement of optimal extraction conditions and improved system performance.Product Evaluation: Positive results from product quality assessments and application trials.Energy and Economic Analysis: Completion of energy consumption measurements and cost-benefit analysis.Quantitative Indicators:Yield and Purity Metrics: Measurement of the yield and purity of extracted polyphenols and dietary fibers.Energy Consumption Data: Quantification of energy usage during the extraction process.Cost Reduction: Calculation of production cost savings achieved through optimization.Impact Assessment:Adoption Rates: Number of industry stakeholders adopting the technology.Knowledge Gains: Pre- and post-assessment surveys to measure knowledge increases among workshop and training participants.Behavioral Changes: Surveys and interviews to document changes in waste management practices and product development approaches.By systematically implementing and evaluating these methods, the project aims to achieve significant advancements in the commercial extraction of polyphenols and dietary fibers, leading to positive changes in knowledge, actions, and conditions among the target audience.