Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of extracting bioactive agents from biomass using continuous microwave-assisted extraction. The disclosed method includes contacting the biomass with a solvent and optionally homogenizing the biomass. Then blending the biomass and the solvent and continuously passing the biomass though one more microwave assisted extraction units, thereby exposing the biomass to microwave energy. The solvent is separated from the biomass, where the separated solvent is the bioactive agent.

Abstract: System and method for thermally treating a flowable product includes an apparatus including a waveguide for providing electromagnetic energy, a conduit for receiving a flowable material, and an applicator for delivering electromagnetic energy from a generator to the waveguide. The waveguide includes first and second arms that each comprise an output that is isolated from the output of the other arm by a phase shift, such that any reflected electromagnetic energy exits the arm through the input port and does not flow into the opposing arm.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of extracting bioactive agents from biomass using continuous microwave-assisted extraction. The disclosed method includes contacting the biomass with a solvent and optionally homogenizing the biomass. Then blending the biomass and the solvent and continuously passing the biomass though one more microwave assisted extraction units, thereby exposing the biomass to microwave energy. The solvent is separated from the biomass, where the separated solvent is the bioactive agent.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a system and method of extracting bioactive agents from biomass using continuous microwave-assisted extraction. The disclosed system includes a plurality of microwave modules that exposes the biomass to continuous microwave energy, and an extraction module to extract bioactive agents from the biomass. In some embodiments, the biomass is exposed to subcritical water treatment in the microwave modules. The disclosed system enables bioactive agent to be extracted effectively, in a relatively short period of time compared to conventional extraction methods and allows for an enhanced extraction yield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition having polyphenols, protein and a final moisture content of at least about 0.1% by weight and methods of making the same. In some aspects, a composition of the invention includes about 5% to about 40% polyphenols by weight and about 60% to about 90% protein by weight. In other aspects, methods of producing compositions including polyphenols and protein are provided.

Abstract: System and method for thermally treating a flowable product includes an apparatus comprising a waveguide for providing electromagnetic energy, a conduit for receiving a flowable material, and an applicator for delivering electromagnetic energy from a generator to the waveguide. The waveguide includes first and second arms that each comprise an output that is isolated from the output of the other arm by a phase shift, such that any reflected electromagnetic energy exits the arm through the input port and does not flow into the opposing arm.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing foods includes providing a flexible package. A pre-processed food product (e.g., raw food) is provided and is processed by rapidly heating the food product. This processed food product is delivered into the flexible package for consumption by a user. Additionally, in other embodiments, methods and systems for processing frozen food products to shelf stable or refrigerated products are provided. A frozen food product is provided, converted to a pumpable state, and then processed by rapidly heating the food product. This processed food product is then delivered into a package.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising polyphenols, protein and a final moisture content of at least about 0.1% by weight and methods of making the same. In some aspects, a composition of the invention comprises about 5% to about 40% polyphenols by weight and about 60% to about 90% protein by weight. In other aspects, methods of producing compositions comprising polyphenols and protein are provided.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a system and method of extracting bioactive agents from biomass using continuous microwave-assisted extraction. The disclosed system comprises a plurality of microwave modules that exposes the biomass to continuous microwave energy, and an extraction module to extract bioactive agents from the biomass. In some embodiments, the biomass is exposed to subcritical water treatment in the microwave modules. The disclosed system enables bioactive agent to be extracted effectively, in a relatively short period of time compared to conventional extraction methods and allows for an enhanced extraction yield.

Abstract: A product is provided into a first end of a conduit so that the product flows toward a second end of the conduit. The conduit may include a first pair of probes attached at a first location and a second pair of probes at a second location. The product's conductivity in the conduit at the first location is monitored using the first set of probes, and the product's conductivity at the second location is monitored using the second set of probes. An marker material is introduced into an entry port of the conduit so that the marker material flows with the product. The marker material's conductivity is different than the products conductivity. At a first time, the first set of probes detects the conductivity of the product has changed due to the introduction of the marker material, and at a second time, the second set of probes also detects such change.

Abstract: A product is provided into a first end of a conduit so that the product flows toward a second end of the conduit. The conduit may include a first pair of probes attached at a first location and a second pair of probes at a second location. The product's conductivity in the conduit at the first location is monitored using the first set of probes, and the product's conductivity at the second location is monitored using the second set of probes. An marker material is introduced into an entry port of the conduit so that the marker material flows with the product. The marker material's conductivity is different than the product's conductivity. At a first time, the first set of probes detects the conductivity of the product has changed due to the introduction of the marker material, and at a second time, the second set of probes also detects such change.

Abstract: A method for continuous processing food product is provided. The method includes providing a food product and a solution. The food product and solution are mixed so that the food product is equally distributed in the solution forming a food solution. The food solution is continuously pumped from a hopper or container through an electromagnetic or volumetric source, which rapidly heats the food solution. The processed food solution may then be filled in packages, such as flexible pouches.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing foods includes providing a flexible package. A pre-processed food product (e.g., raw food) is provided and is processed by rapidly heating the food product. This processed food product is delivered into the flexible package for consumption by a user. Additionally, in other embodiments, methods and systems for processing frozen food products to shelf stable or refrigerated products are provided. A frozen food product is provided, converted to a pumpable state, and then processed by rapidly heating the food product.

Abstract: A product is provided into a first end of a conduit so that the product flows toward a second end of the conduit. The conduit may include a first pair of probes attached at a first location and a second pair of probes at a second location. The product's conductivity in the conduit at the first location is monitored using the first set of probes, and the product's conductivity at the second location is monitored using the second set of probes. An marker material is introduced into an entry port of the conduit so that the marker material flows with the product. The marker material's conductivity is different than the product's conductivity. At a first time, the first set of probes detects the conductivity of the product has changed due to the introduction of the marker material, and at a second time, the second set of probes also detects such change.