Starch recovery from turmeric wastes using supercritical technology

Extraction processes that employ supercritical fluid technology has been extensively applied for the obtaining of high-quality extracts from turmeric rhizomes. Nevertheless, these processes generate high quantities of wastes, which are potential sources of antioxidant constituents and carbohydrates. In this work, mixed biopolymers composed of starch and curcuminoids were recovered from supercritical fluid and pressurized liquid extraction processes. The quality of these materials was investigated in terms of experimental and economic approaches. The application of supercritical fluid and pressurized liquid extraction resulted on products with relevant quality in terms of curcuminoids and modified polymer matrix, which can attribute inclusion in industry as a colorant agent, and in human diet as a resistant starch source. Economic evaluation reports that recovery of biopolymers from turmeric wastes is a feasible alternative considering 80% yield and capacities of 50 L and 500 L. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.