PAN hollow fibre membranes with triacetyl-β-cyclodextrin for the removal of pesticides from citrus essential oils

The volatile fraction composition in the permeate of lemon essential oil treated with the prepared membranes remained unchanged if compared with that of the initial feed. Therefore, PAN membranes loaded with triacetyl-β-CDs did not modify the organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics of the essential oil. On the contrary, the treatment of orange essential oil with ceramic membranes having MWCO of 750 and 1000 Da produced a removal of the volatile fraction of 5-10%, a removal of non-volatile fraction in the range of 10-50% (especially in terms of cumarines) and a removal of carotenoids higher than 90%.