IIT Guwahati Researchers Transform Tea Factory Waste into Valuable Pharma and Food Products

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) have successfully repurposed tea factory waste to create pharmaceutical and food products, addressing both environmental and health concerns. As tea consumption worldwide continues to soar, the disposal of tea waste has become a pressing issue.

 

However, the innovative work led by Professor Mihir Kumar Purkait of IITG's Department of Chemical Engineering promises to turn this waste into valuable resources.

 

The research team focused on utilizing the high lignin and low inorganic content found in tea industry waste. The outcome of their efforts is a range of innovative, value-added products with numerous applications.

 

One notable achievement is the development of low-cost antioxidant-rich supplements derived from green tea. These supplements offer a convenient and affordable way for individuals to incorporate the health benefits of catechins without the need for multiple cups of green tea.

 

Additionally, the team has created organic preservatives capable of extending the shelf life of vegetable and fruit juices for up to one year, ensuring long-lasting freshness. This breakthrough has significant implications for the food processing industry.

 

The applications don't stop there. The researchers have also produced biochar for waste reduction and environmental restoration, including carbon sequestration. They've tailored micro and nano-crystalline cellulose for intelligent packaging, and are exploring the use of carbon quantum dots for detecting harmful contaminants in water bodies.

 

Furthermore, the team's innovative work has led to multiple patent filings based on these developments, underlining their potential impact on various industries.

 

The findings of these studies have been published in renowned international journals, further highlighting their significance. Professor Purkait emphasized the convenience and health benefits of the catechin-based capsules, which address the growing demand for antioxidant-rich supplements in daily life.

 

The products derived from tea factory waste offer a wide range of applications, from food-grade activated carbon as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic food colorants to natural-based mild abrasive materials for toiletries such as toothpaste and body washes.

 

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