This study explores the extraction of highly potent antioxidants, such as lycopene, polyphenols, and resveratrol, from the discarded skins of tomatoes, apples, and grapes. By upcycling these agricultural waste streams, the project creates high-value nutritional compounds while significantly reducing the burden on landfills.
The process utilizes solvent-free, green extraction techniques—specifically supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using CO2—to safely and efficiently isolate flavonoids and polyphenols from the dried fruit peels without thermal degradation.
The HYPERBIOCOAT project aims to develop functional, biodegradable coatings for flexible and rigid plastic packaging using hemicellulose extracted from apple pomace. This bio-coating creates a highly effective sustainable barrier, reducing the need for toxic, non-recyclable metallic or synthetic layers in modern packaging.
Hemicellulose is extracted from industrial apple pomace via mild alkaline hydrolysis. It is then chemically modified and cross-linked with bio-based curing agents to form a sprayable, transparent lacquer that bonds efficiently to bioplastic substrates.
This initiative focuses on converting apple pomace—a major byproduct of the cider and juice industry—into sturdy, molded biodegradable packaging. By utilizing the fibrous remnants of the apple, the project offers a direct, compostable replacement for single-use plastics that currently dominate supply chains.
The raw apple pomace is dried, milled, and mixed with natural organic binders and recycled cellulose. The resulting slurry is then thermoformed into custom molds under high heat and pressure, drying instantly into rigid packaging structures.
