Natural pigment extraction and formulation from agricultural waste streams

Overview

This solution addresses the growing demand for natural food colorants by recovering valuable hydrophobic pigments from agricultural and food processing waste streams. The technology combines ultrasound pre-treatment with CO2 expanded ethanol extraction to isolate and purify pigments such as betalains, transforming low-value biomass into high-value functional ingredients. The approach supports circular economy goals in the food and beverage industry while reducing reliance on synthetic dyes.

The research team brings demonstrated expertise in natural pigment extraction, having previously isolated hydrophilic pigments using natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) and ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction on proprietary projects. This track record reduces technical risk and accelerates development timelines for industry partners.

Technical specifications

Extraction process:

• Ultrasound pre-treatment of agri-based waste to enhance pigment release from biomass matrices
• CO2 expanded ethanol extraction for selective isolation of hydrophobic pigments, building on proven methods for hydrophobic triterpenoid recovery
• Leverage of betalain nitrogen chemistry to form salts with CO2, facilitating purification of target pigments

Analytical characterization:

• HPLC and/or GC for identification and quantification of active pigment compounds
• UV-vis spectroscopy to confirm color effectiveness
• Karl Fischer titration for moisture content assessment of waste feedstocks

Formulation capabilities:

• Chromatography and crystallization for further purification of crude extracts
• Water-soluble delivery platforms incorporating food-grade ingredients
• Self-emulsifying systems and high-shear processing
• Spray drying into final powder form for shelf-stable commercial products

Stability assessment:

• Biological and chemical stability evaluation following established standard operating procedures
• Shelf-life quantification of purified pigment products over 6 to 12 month testing periods

Technology readiness level

The extraction methodology is at a mid-stage development level, with core techniques validated through prior research on similar agri-based waste streams and pigment recovery projects. The team's applied research facility, CARIB, actively collaborates with numerous food processing partners on industrially relevant projects, providing a realistic testing environment.

Initial waste characterization and extraction studies can be completed within a 3 month period, with downstream purification, formulation, and stability validation extending the timeline to 6 to 12 months. The technology is positioned for collaborative pilot-scale development with industry partners, with potential for further scale-up pending successful validation outcomes.