Membrane separation technology for the recovery of nutraceuticals from food industrial streams

Background: Nutraceuticals are bioactive components that deliver health benefits on top of their innate nutritional value. With an increasing demand of nutraceuticals in the food as well as pharmaceutical sector, a continuous and inexpensive supply of nutraceuticals is much required. Scope and approach: Almost every food industry produces variable amount of waste or byproducts, which could serve as a potential source for a variety of bioactive compounds for the growing nutraceutical market. Among different techniques, which can be applied to separate nutraceuticals, membrane separation technology has been well recognized for its mild processing conditions and other benefits that cannot be achieved with conventional techniques. In the present manuscript, we have given an overview of various membrane processes that can be considered, together with examples from fruit, dairy, cereal, seafood, and slaughterhouse processing waste. However, some pre- and post-treatments are also relevant, which are slightly touched upon, as are the actual applications. Key findings and conclusions: Membrane technology can be used in dual fashion, i.e., industrial food waste treatment in combination with recovery of nutraceuticals, which will lead to a sustainable production of nutraceuticals. Moreover, the membrane technology offers a great flexibility in operation thus making it possible to work with variable feeds.