Selective extraction of high added value molecules from coffee pulp waste, by innovative membrane and separation technologies

Implementation and evaluation of a strategy for treating coffee pulp to extract chlorogenic acids (CGA) and detoxify it (high organic load, polyphenols and caffeine) by favouring the use of processes that are low in terms of energy consumption and environmental footprint.

(1) study of the raw material and characterisation of the phenolic fraction,
(2) study of the extraction stage: development on a laboratory scale and evaluation on a semi-industrial scale,
(3) study of the potential of coupling membrane techniques (micro, ultra, nanofiltration) for extract concentration and purification.

The technical feasibility of the process for obtaining an extract enriched in chlorogenic acids has been demonstrated. This process contributes to reducing the environmental impact of waste. In order to envisage an industrial application, it will be necessary to:
(1) optimise the extraction conditions for the compounds of interest and gain a better understanding of the transfer mechanisms during the separation stages;
(2) check the suitability of the quality of the extracts with the specifications of the potential users (agri-food and pharmaceutical industries);
(3) to investigate the recovery and recycling channels for solid and liquid residues according to their composition and/or residual toxicity;
(4) to evaluate the economic profitability and environmental impact of the entire coffee pulp processing chain.