Enhancement of cell disruption and selective recovery of intracellular components from selenium-enriched Konjac fly powder assisted by pulsed electric fields

This study investigated the effect of pulsed electric field (PEF, E = 0-6 kV/cm, t = 0-5.65 ms) on cell disruption and selective extraction of intracellular components from selenium-enriched Konjac fly powder, in comparison with high pressure homogenization (HPH). The intracellular components extractability and cell disruption degree were evaluated by extraction indexes and cell disruption index, respectively. Results showed that PEF significantly improved cell disruption and components release. The extraction indexes increased with higher E and t. The extractability order was ionic components > carbohydrates > proteins, while the maximum selenium level was obtained at 1.13 ms. Compared to HPH, PEF favored carbohydrates extraction over proteins. For example, at 3 kJ/g, PEF gave a selectivity index (S) ≈ 3.0 (4 kV/cm) and ≈ 4.2 (6 kV/cm), while HPH gave S ≈ 2.3. Non-linear relationships between extraction indexes and cell disruption index reflected PEF differential effects on cell membranes and walls.