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FORNY20-FORNY2020

MP: BioConserve - A natural food preservative from plant biomass to replace synthetic additives.

Alternative title: BioConserve - et naturlig alternativ fra planteråstoff som erstatning for syntetisk tilsetningsstoff.

Awarded: NOK 0.50 mill.

Project Number:

312892

Project Period:

2020 - 2021

Funding received from:

Food high in fats and oils is susceptible to lipid oxidation when exposed to air. Lipid oxidation is a taste- and quality-deteriorating process and foods become rancid and partly inedible. Antioxidants are chemicals added to processed foods to protect them against oxidation. Manufacturers of food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals have used synthetic chemicals as antioxidants for a long time. However, a growing concern for their safety both by the industry and the consumer, for example from reports on being endocrine disruptors, has brought natural alternatives into focus. In plants, a variety of natural substances exists acting as antioxidants, protecting them against harmful oxidation. Using plant biomass, natural antioxidants from potato peels have been extracted by a simple and innovative extraction method. Potato peels represent a major byproduct from the manufacturing of fries, flakes, and chips. The peel has little value except as cattle feed or substrate into biogas. The extraction method developed on potato peel, complies well with circular bioeconomy which states all raw material should be used. When a peel extract was tested on a short term in vegetable oil it demonstrated protection against oxidation. From this initial proof-of-concept, more realistic tests were warranted. The project aimed to show that the extraction method works on a larger scale, and then demonstrate how the peel extract can act conserving in a food product. Using industrial potato peels, upscaling of the method was carried out in batches up to almost 40 liters. This proved the project with an amount of concentrated extract sufficient for application tests. Extensive analysis of composition and antioxidant potency was comparable to earlier results on peel extract. The pilot-scale extraction also provided valuable process data for further simulation. Potato peel extract was tested in a 2-month accelerated storage experiment with vegetable oil and demonstrated a very significant dose-response effect on protecting against oxidation. The effect was like that of rosemary extract (E392), an EFSA-approved natural antioxidant. When the extract was tested over four months in a dry food model, protection was observed but the results were inconsistent due to unforeseen shortcomings of the selected food model. In addition to the practical aspects, the project has drafted a potential business model and investigated the market for natural antioxidants. Antioxidants is a growing market (2020 US$ 1.8bn) where the industry is now constantly looking for natural replacements. The project has attracted interest from the food industry, which will be crucial partners for the next steps. The BioConserve project has been led by Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences and Klosser Innovation, in collaboration with Nofima and Biorenewables Development Centre, York, UK.

Outcomes: A natural antioxidant preservative made from potato peels, a low-value industrial residue. Potential of replacing synthetic counterparts used in consumer food today, conserving against lipid oxidation. Peel extract characterized by chemical composition and bioactivity, linking the protective effect to well-known phytochemicals in potato. Industry has voiced interest in testing the potato antioxidant in relevant food products, supporting proof-of-concept as a preservative. Impacts: Potato peel extract with preservative effect is a likely natural antioxidant additive. Improved use of feedstock in the potato processing complies with bioeconomy. Spiking interest in the food industries; ready to use natural antioxidants if available within a realistic price range. A healthier way to conserve food; consumers have an increasing awareness of food safety preferring natural over synthetic additives which we will supply.

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Funding scheme:

FORNY20-FORNY2020