I’m pleased to invite you to my thesis defense on Tuesday, December 10th, at 9 a.m. in room GP3E 228 Capdeville (VP-TB-F) 30 (INSA, 135 Avenue de Rangueil 31400 Toulouse).
The title of my thesis is “Valorization of pinecones from the genus Pinus: Intensification of extraction processes & identification of bioactive molecules“.
Jury composition:
- Mme Caroline REMOND, Rapportrice, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne
- M. Fethi ZAGROUBA, Rapporteur, University of Carthage
- M. Jalloul BOUAJILA, Examinateur, University of Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier
- M. Hichem BEN JANNET, Examinateur, University of Monastir
- M. Mehrez ROMDHANE, thesis supervisor, University of Gabes
- M. Luc FILLAUDEAU, thesis supervisor, University of Toulouse – INRAE
Abstract:
Considering the circular economy and biomass valorization, this doctoral project focuses on the valorization of Tunisian pine cones (particularly the petal and core fractions) in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Initially, extraction was carried out via maceration using various organic solvents of increasing polarity (cyclohexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol) and water, from the petals and cores of P. halepensis (PA), P. brutia (PB), and P. pinea (PP). The effects of particle size, ranging from 120 to 1400 µm, and suspension concentration, ranging from 0 to 170 g mh/Lsusp, were studied on rheological behavior, sedimentation kinetics, extraction yield and kinetics, as well as chemical analyses and bioactivities for the petals of P. halepensis. Models describing the rheological behavior and extraction kinetics were proposed to address bioprocess scaling challenges and optimize process control.
Additionally, a second part of this project involved Soxhlet extraction with different solvents (ethanol and hexane) and supercritical fluid extraction (SCO2), evaluating various process parameters, including extraction time, pressure, co-solvent addition, and particle size. Finally, a comparative study was conducted between the different extraction techniques, matrices, and operating conditions, based on extraction yield, physical limitations, chemical analyses, and bioactivities, to select a matrix of interest and optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds.
This approach highlights the importance of valorizing pine cones, as a forest residue, to support the circular economy. Furthermore, integrating a green and intensified process, makes it possible to extract high-quality antioxidant compounds at a low cost, while promoting environmental sustainability.
