Pulsed Electric Fields as a Green Technology for the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds

In recent years, several innovative extraction procedures have been developed to carry out more effective and sustainable extraction of bioactive compounds. Sustainability is a vital concept for social, technological, and economic advancement, which strives to establish a circular economy. Thus, the significance and demand of eco-friendly methods used for producing plant extracts is currently booming. However, the food industries are strictly expected to implement manufacturing techniques that are highly effective and energy-efficient because of the rising cost of energy and other utilities. Pulsed electric field (PEF) processing is very efficient, more eco-friendly and sustainable compared to conventional extraction techniques such as solvent extraction and steam distillation. Further, PEF is also a desirable and effective nonthermal method with improved functioning, extractability, and retrieval of phytochemicals with nutritional benefits. Thus, swapping the conventional techniques with PEF can minimize or eradicate the utilization of harmful solvents and utilize less energy and water, and in return preserve the environment for the future generations. Therefore, PEF extraction technology has been considered as a sustainable strategy and green technology to extract the bioactive compounds. Additionally, cutting-edge nonthermal extraction techniques such as PEF make it intelligible and more effective to identify, characterize, and analyze bioactive components. PEF also has various advantages when compared to conventional extraction techniques such as cost efficiency, reduced extraction times, and greater yields with less solvent use. This chapter focuses on the employability of pulsed electric fields as a suitable green technology for bioactive extraction.