Pea Within Pea: Microencapsulation of Pea Pod Extract Using Pea Grain Powder as a Sustainable Carrier

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Food Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Pea pods (Pisum sativum L.) are an abundant agro-industrial byproduct rich in bioactive compounds.
• Valorization of this waste stream can contribute to sustainability and the circular economy.

Purpose of the Study:

• Optimize ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of polyphenols, chlorophylls, and carotenoids from pea pod waste.
• Evaluate the encapsulation of pea pod extract using a novel pea grain powder carrier.
• Compare pea grain powder with whey protein as an encapsulation carrier.

Main Methods:

• Response surface methodology was employed to optimize UAE parameters (time, solid-to-solvent ratio, ethanol concentration).
• Extracts were encapsulated using pea grain powder and whey protein.
• Microencapsulates were characterized for yield, moisture, particle size, thermal properties, and phenolic composition.

Main Results:

• Optimal UAE conditions determined: 45 min, 1:48 solid-to-solvent ratio, 58.51% ethanol.
• Pea grain powder carrier yielded higher powder recovery, lower moisture content, and enhanced thermal stability.
• Whey protein carrier showed slightly higher retention of most bioactive compounds, except coumaric acid and kaempferol.

Conclusions:

• Pea grain powder is a viable, sustainable plant-based carrier for encapsulating bioactive compounds from pea pod waste.
• This approach supports the valorization of legume processing byproducts and promotes circular economy principles.
• The study demonstrates the potential for developing novel, sustainable ingredients from agricultural waste.