Ohmic assisted extraction: a sustainable and environment friendly approach to substitute conventional extraction methods
Muhammad Talha, Samran Khalid, Abid Aslam Maan, Nimra Tanveer, Muhammad Kashif Iqbal Khan, Muhammad Asif, Sharmeen Arif, Amina Sarwar
Abstract
Ohmic heating (OH) is a volumetric heating technique which emerged as an alternative to conventional heating in numerous sectors. Ohmic assisted extraction provides a potential approach to extract the valuable compounds from botanical origin and to get beyond the drawbacks of traditional extraction techniques. This novel technique proffers advantages such as increasing extraction efficiency, saving energy and time and remarkably enhances the quantity of heat labile and other bioactive compounds in the plant extracts. The present study provides a detailed overview of the applications of ohmic technology for extracting various compounds including essential oils, pectin, inulin, colors, juices and other bioactive substances from plant materials in comparison to conventional extractions. The principle of OH along with the factors affecting its functioning during extraction are outlined. The effects of this technique on the processing temperature, time, energy consumption, yield, and quantity of bioactive compounds in the extracts are discussed. Advantages of ohmic assisted extraction over conventional extraction techniques include high energy efficiency, short processing period, high extraction yield and better extract quality in terms of quantity of bioactive compounds and functional properties. Further research on safety and sustainability along with economic study are prerequisites for commercial application of this technology.