A Comprehensive Overview of Tomato Processing By-Product Valorization by Conventional Methods versus Emerging...

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Green Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Tomato processing generates significant by-products, posing disposal challenges and representing a loss of valuable resources.
• Tomato pomace is rich in bioactive compounds like lycopene, polyphenols, and pectin, with potential applications across various industries.
• Conventional solvent extraction methods for recovering these compounds have limitations, including high solvent usage and difficulties in utilizing residual biomass.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review on the valorization of tomato processing by-products.
• To focus on the application of green technologies for enhanced recovery of valuable compounds.
• To critically analyze the effectiveness of these technologies compared to conventional methods.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on conventional and green extraction technologies for tomato by-products.
• Analysis of green technologies including high-pressure homogenization (HPH), pulsed electric fields (PEF), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE-CO2), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE).
• Evaluation of the impact of these methods on the extraction yields of lycopene, polyphenols, cutin, pectin, oil, and proteins.

Main Results:

• Green technologies significantly enhance the extractability of target compounds from tomato residues.
• These methods reduce solvent requirements and extraction times compared to conventional solvent extraction.
• The review discusses the strengths, drawbacks, and critical factors for maximizing extraction yields for various compounds.

Conclusions:

• Valorization of tomato by-products using green technologies is a sustainable approach to resource recovery and waste reduction.
• A cascade approach for recovering multiple compounds and utilizing residual biomass for biogas generation aligns with the 'near zero discharge concept'.
• Green technologies offer a promising alternative to conventional methods for efficient and environmentally friendly recovery of valuable compounds from tomato processing residues.