At the DTU National Food Institute, the High Voltage Food Treatment System, also known as Pulsed Electric Field equipment, is utilized to conduct various food processes efficiently and sustainably. The system is used by researchers and students – often in collaboration with industry partners. Assistant Professor Lucas Sales Queiroz is one of the researchers working with the system, which is part of the research infrastructure Open Innovation FOOD & Health Laboratory, FOODHAY.
"At the DTU National Food Institute, we use the High Voltage Food Treatment System to extract valuable substances from side streams using only water instead of harsh solvents. These substances include proteins, minerals, and fats, which can then be used as ingredients in other foods. Additionally, the equipment can modify the properties of components, improving their functionality, such as solubility, foaming, gelling and emulsifying capacity," says Lucas Sales Queiroz.
Currently, he is working on producing a nutrient-rich shrimp food from byproducts in the fish industry.
"We aim to develop shrimp food ingredients using the high voltage system, which can improve the extraction of valuable proteins and peptides from the head and shells, and also enhance their techno functionality," says Lucas Sales Queiroz.
For example, the peptides and proteins extracted from shrimp residues are water-soluble, making them ideal for fast solubilization and further consumption, similarly to what we do with whey proteins.
"The Shrimp products from side streams could be a good option for consumers looking for protein-rich foods with complete amino acid compositions. And at the same time, we are producing it in a way that minimizes the environmental impact," says Lucas Sales Queiroz.
The researchers are also exploring whether all the fractions from shrimp can be used, including the minerals, chitin and non-extracted proteins. The objective is to explore their functional and bioactive properties, that can be used in packaging or as antioxidants as possible nutraceuticals.
