Abstract: Methods for extracting and recovering bioactive components from a biomass feedstock with pressurized aqueous solvent solutions comprising one or more organic solutes and/or one or more inorganic solutes. The methods comprise the steps of: (i) preparing a selected aqueous solvent solution for pressurizing; (ii) providing a flow of the prepared aqueous solvent solution to a plant biomass feedstock contained within a pressure-resistant temperature-controllable reactor vessel (iii) warming the flow of aqueous solvent solution and the contents of the reactor vessel to a selected temperature; (iv) pressurizing the flow of the aqueous solvent solution and the contents of the reactor vessel to a selected pressure; (v) controllably flowing the pressurized aqueous solvent solution through the reactor vessel while maintaining the contents of the reactor vessel at the selected pressure; and (vi) collecting a flow of the pressurized aqueous solvent solution egressing from the reactor vessel for a selected period of time.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an antimicrobial mixture of at least two volatile compounds derived from essential oils, at least one of which is a bactericide selected from cinnamaldehyde, diacetyl, and acetic acid with another being a fungicide selected from allyl isothiocyanate, hexanal, thymol, and 2-nonane. The antimicrobial mixture inhibits both bacterial and fungal pathogens that negatively impact the shelf-life of perishable agricultural commodities, and at concentrations sufficiently low to avoid phytotoxic effects to agricultural commodities held in closed shipping and storage systems.

Abstract: Methods for extracting and recovering bioactive components from a biomass feedstock with pressurized aqueous solvent solutions comprising one or more organic solutes and/or one or more inorganic solutes. The methods comprise the steps of: (i) preparing a selected aqueous solvent solution for pressurizing; (ii) providing a flow of the prepared aqueous solvent solution to a plant biomass feedstock contained within a pressure-resistant temperature-controllable reactor vessel (iii) warming the flow of aqueous solvent solution and the contents of the reactor vessel to a selected temperature; (iv) pressurizing the flow of the aqueous solvent solution and the contents of the reactor vessel to a selected pressure; (v) controllably flowing the pressurized aqueous solvent solution through the reactor vessel while maintaining the contents of the reactor vessel at the selected pressure; and (vi) collecting a flow of the pressurized aqueous solvent solution egressing from the reactor vessel for a selected period of time.

Abstract: A method for separating, purifying, and recovering components from a liquid feedstock. The method steps include (i) commingling the liquid feedstock with a sorbent whereby one or more components in the liquid feedstock are bound onto the sorbent, thereby producing a loaded sorbent; (ii) packing the loaded sorbent into a first temperature-controlled pressure-resistant column; (iii) sealably engaging the first temperature-controlled pressure-resistant column with a supply of water, and cooling equipment for receiving a flow of an eluate from the temperature-controlled pressure-resistant column; (iv) from the supply of water, producing a first flow of PLP water at a first selected temperature; (v) flowing the first flow of PLP water through the temperature-controlled pressure-resistant column thereby producing a first flow of the eluate therefrom, said eluate containing the one or more components; (vi) cooling the first flow of the eluate; and (vii) collecting the cooled first flow of the eluate.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an antimicrobial mixture of at least two volatile compounds derived from essential oils, at least one of which is a bactericide selected from cinnamaldehyde, diacetyl, and acetic acid with another being a fungicide selected from allyl isothiocyanate, hexanal, thymol, and 2-nonane. The antimicrobial mixture inhibits both bacterial and fungal pathogens that negatively impact the shelf-life of perishable agricultural commodities, and at concentrations sufficiently low to avoid phytotoxic effects to agricultural commodities held in closed shipping and storage systems.

Abstract: A processing system and methods for extracting phytochemicals from plant materials with subcritical water. The processing system includes a water supply interconnected with a high-pressure pump, diverter valve, a temperature-controllable extraction vessel, a cooler, a pressure-relief valve and a collection apparatus for collecting eluant fractions from the extraction vessel. The processing system controllably varies the temperature of subcritical water within the extraction vessel, and may optionally be configured to controllably vary the pH of subcritical water flowing into the extraction vessel. A plant material is placed into the extraction vessel after which a flow of subcritical water is provided through the extraction vessel for extraction of phytochemicals.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel designs of tray lids and tray bases for modified atmosphere packaging of fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers. More particularly, this invention relates to novel designs of landscaped lids and corresponding tray bases which enable cooling air to be circulated in single or multiple directions through stacked lid and tray combinations that contain fresh fruits, vegetables and cut flowers in a modified atmosphere environment. The gas-permeable modified atmosphere package comprises a lid constructed of a polymer, the lid having on the top surface thereof at the mid-regions of each side a plurality of raised load supports and in between grooves; and a base with a hollow interior constructed of corrugated kraft paper polymer and having a configuration at the top edges which conforms with the interior profile of the lid; the grooves enabling air to be circulated over the lid when one package combination is stacked on another.