“PROSPECTS OF PULSED ELECTRIC FIELD TREATMENT FOR IMPROVING FLAXSEED PRESSING EFFICIENCY”

Abstract

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a valuable oilseed rich in α-linolenic acid, lignans, and other bioactive compounds. Conventional pressing methods are limited by the structural resistance of seed cell walls, which reduces oil recovery and leaves a significant portion of oil in the press cake. This study analyzes the prospects of Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) pre-treatment as an innovative technology to improve flaxseed pressing efficiency.Theoretical considerations show that electroporation induced by PEF causes pore formation in cell membranes, which reduces mechanical resistance and facilitates oil release. The effectiveness of PEF depends on medium properties such as seed moisture (optimal range: 7–10%) and temperature (40–50 °C), as well as treatment parameters including field strength (5–20 kV/cm), pulse duration (10–100 μs), number of pulses (10–50), and frequency (1–5 Hz). Experimental studies confirm that PEF pre-treatment increases flaxseed oil yield by approximately 4.9% compared to untreated pressing, while preserving heat-sensitive compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and tocopherols.In conclusion, PEF treatment is a non-thermal, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly technology that enhances oil recovery, reduces energy consumption, and improves product quality. Its industrial application in flaxseed processing represents a promising innovation for sustainable oil production.