Energy-efficient extraction of bioactive compounds from chicory roots using the method of discrete-pulse energy input

The present study investigates the potential for intensifying the extraction of bioactive compounds from chicory roots using the method of discrete-pulse energy input (DPEI) implemented in a cavitation-type pulsed disperser. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of hydrodynamic treatment on extraction kinetics, extractive yield, and the microstructure of the obtained extracts. The extraction kinetics was assessed based on the total soluble solids content, while the presence and size of suspended particles in the extracts were analyzed by optical microscopy. The results demonstrated that the most intensive release of extractive compounds occurred during the initial stage of the process, whereas after 40 min of treatment the system approached extraction equilibrium. Optical microscopy revealed the formation of a highly dispersed system with a predominance of particles approximately 5 μm in size, indicating efficient disruption of plant cell structures and enhanced mass transfer. Compared with conventional hot-water diffusion extraction, the proposed method reduced the extraction time by approximately twofold without preliminary heating of the extraction solvent. The absence of high-temperature treatment promotes the preservation of total soluble solids under room temperature conditions, which is promising for heat-sensitive compounds while simultaneously reducing energy consumption. The obtained results confirm the potential of the discrete-pulse energy input method as an energy-efficient green extraction technology for the production of chicory extracts enriched with inulin and other valuable bioactive compounds.