In the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences at the University of Baghdad, a defence of a master’s thesis titled “Extraction and Characterization of Active Compounds from Plant Waste and Their Use in Some Food Applications” took place. The student, Eman Ahmed Mahmoud from the Department of Food Sciences, conducted the study.
The aim of the research was to utilize plant waste as a source of active compounds instead of disposing of it, in order to preserve the environment. Various methods were employed to prepare extracts, and the most efficient method, providing the highest extraction yield, was selected. The study also investigated the antioxidant activity and tested the efficiency of the prepared membranes in packaging oranges and strawberries, extending their shelf life by controlling the growth of fungi that cause spoilage.
The researcher recommended the utilization of waste from different plant or animal sources as natural enhancers in membranes designed for packaging various food products and fruits. This would enhance their effectiveness against spoilage agents, improve their properties, and explore other active compounds present in these wastes. Finally, the use of membranes extracted from pomegranate seeds was suggested for preserving other types of fruits or perhaps diverse food products.
Congratulations to the researcher on this success!
