University of Alicante

Cutin is a compound present in the extracellular membrane existing in most of the epidermal cells of the aerial parts of higher plants, that is, in leaves, fruits and non-woody stems, as well as in some bryophytes. Cutin represents between 40% and 80% in weight of this membrane.

The procedure proposed by the researchers for obtaining cutin from plant waste is based on extraction through microwave heating.

The stages of this extraction are as follows:

1. Milling of the vegetable waste.

2. Addition of an alkaline solution.

3. Microwave heating.

4. First physical separation of the supernatant from the solid.

5. Addition to the supernatant of an acid.

6. Maintenance of the solution obtained in the previous step for a period of time at constant temperature and precipitation of the cutin obtained.

7. Second physical separation of the cutin precipitate from the supernatant by centrifugation.

8. Optionally, a drying step can be performed to obtain dry cutin.

The cutin obtained is stable at temperatures above 200 ºC.

ADVANTAGES OF TECHNOLOGY

The advantages of the technology are as follows:

• Obtaining cutin at a lower cost by presenting lower energy requirements.

• Elimination of the previous degreasing stage, common in this type of extraction procedures, which generated a significant temporary and energy cost.

• Lower solvent consumption than in other procedures.

• Greater efficiency and protection of thermolabile components.

• High potential for scaling up the process at an industrial level.

• Development of a more sustainable process by allowing the use of organic acids such as citric acid.

• Obtaining cutin of a higher quality by presenting higher thermal stability.

• It facilitates the recovery of a large amount of vegetable waste.

INNOVATIVE ASPECTS OF TECHNOLOGY

The main novelty of the technology is the use of microwave heating to obtain cutin. The procedure allows to obtain a higher quality cutin with a more efficient, faster and more sustainable process.

This facilitates the exploitation of a wide variety of agri-food waste since it allows to obtain various substances of high value that can again be implemented by the industry.

The research group has optimized the extraction procedure obtaining a remarkable performance. The procedure has been implemented at the laboratory level and tested with multiple plant residues.

This technology is very useful for the recovery of waste from the agri-food industry. It is therefore of interest to a wide range of companies.

It is interesting for agricultural companies and food producers that generate a high volume of vegetable waste. It is also interesting for waste management companies. Finally, it is also interesting for chemical companies specialized in the extraction of chemical compounds such as cutin, antioxidants and water-soluble proteins.

We are looking for companies interested in acquiring this technology for commercial exploitation through:

• Patent license agreements.

• R+D project agreement (technical cooperation) to undertake technology-related projects.

This technology is protected by patent application.

• Title of the patent: " Método para la obtención de cutina a partir de residuos vegetales y cutina obtenida ".

• Application number: P202230336

• Application date: April 13, 2022