Processing methods and systems for medicago SPP plant biomass

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to in-the-field process and equipment to do so for recovering valuable products from Fabaceae family plant fractions, in particular from Medicago sativa ssp. The processes disclosed herein include processes in-the-field for extracting and protecting green juice suspension extracted directly from original biomass. There is also disclosed herein material and methods to maintain safe food processing even out of the industrial plant, chilling instantly green juice and maintaining CIP procedures in-the-field. The processes may comprise at least one of extracting plant fibers while attenuating shear forces, maintaining the temperature at or below 35°C.

Description

PROCESSING METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MEDICAGO SPP PLANT BIOMASSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 538,065, which was filed September 12, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of processing of plants for isolating high value products. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods and systems for Medicago spp plant biomass extraction and isolation of high value products therefrom.BACKGROUND

[0003] For centuries, agriculture has been using plant biomass as source for bulk protein and carbohydrate nutriments. Mainly that biomass is harvested in field and process in industrial plant later after transportation, prior to any extraction / protection to preserve their intrinsic qualities final transformation.

[0004] On the other hand, this type of biomass from plant origin may provide value-added compounds or molecules (other than protein and lipid) for different types of industries such as those related to human and animal health, human nutrition, animal nutrition, biocontrol of certain pathogens and bio stimulation of plants. Photosynthetic biomass can come from terrestrial plants grown naturally or by humans.

[0005] To date, the full value of different plants of interest, as per example Alfalfa, is under-exploited because of the absence of an industrial process capable of preserving properties and structures specific to each of the different components of the plant that can be valorized or upgraded. In many situations, the equipment and operating parameters used create physical, chemical and / or biological stresses that irreversibly affect the value of many of the valorizable or recoverable components. Harsh conditions such as high temperatures, as an example, can result in increased oxidative decay of major nutritional solutes, for example but without restriction, carotenes, chlorophyll, antioxidants, anthocyanins, proteins, omega-3 phospholipids, which are all heat labile. Moreover, some processes need to be carried out within a relatively short period of time in order to avoid degradation of the various products to be recovered or isolated.

[0006] As such, there is a need for improved process that alleviate at least some of these drawbacks. Specifically, there is a need for a extraction process of vegetal species of interest,such as Alfalfa, which preserves the value of the main recoverable components of the plant and thus allow for isolation of a maximum of innovative products with high value by minimizing invasive process. More specifically, there is a need for process having a lower environmental carbon footprint, i.e. environmentally manage the production of solid waste to dispose of and the need for treatment of existing liquid waste, while maximizing the quality of the final compositions extracted from the vegetal biomassSUMMARY

[0007] Accordingly, the present disclosure application relates to a method for processing a Medicago spp plant biomass, the method comprising: harvesting the Medicago spp plant to provide the plant biomass; extracting, within a period of time after harvesting that is less than about 180 minutes, the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension; cooling to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 30 minutes, the green juice suspension to obtain a cooled green juice suspension; and maintaining the temperature of the cooled green juice suspension at about 0°C to about 8°C during transportation.

[0008] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for in-field processing of a Medicago spp plant biomass, the method comprising: harvesting the Medicago spp plant to provide the plant biomass; extracting , in-field, the plant biomass to provide a green juice; cooling, in-field, to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, the green juice suspension to obtain a cooled green juice suspension; and maintaining the temperature of the cooled green juice suspension at about 0°C to about 8°C during transportation.

[0009] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates a method for processing Medicago spp plant biomass, the method comprising: extracting, within a period of time after Medicago spp plant harvest that is less than about 180 minutes, the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension;cooling to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 30 minutes, the green juice suspension to obtain a cooled green juice suspension; and maintaining the temperature of the cooled green juice suspension at about 0°C to about 8°C during transportation.

[0010] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates a method for in-field processing a Medicago spp plant biomass, the method comprising: extracting, in-field, a harvested Medicago spp plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension;and cooling, in-field, to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, the green juice suspension to obtain a cooled green juice suspension.

[0011] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates a mobile system for processing of plant biomass, the system comprising: at least one mobile extracting unit for processing a harvested plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension; and at least one mobile cooling unit configured to be in fluid communication with the extracting unit for receiving, cooling, and storing the green juice suspension.

[0012] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for managing production of compositions comprising products extracted from Medicago spp, the method comprising: harvesting the Medicago spp plant to provide plant biomass; providing at least one mobile system in-field that comprises at least one mobile extracting unit and at least one mobile cooling unit; extracting, in-field, the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension; cooling, in-field, to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 30 minutes, the green juice suspension; transporting the green juice suspension to a manufacturing site while maintaining the green juice suspension to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C during transportation; andextracting products from the green juice within a period of time that is less than about 72 hours after the harvesting.

[0013] Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the application, are given by way of illustration only and the scope of the claims should not be limited by these embodiments, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In the following drawings, which represent by way of non-limitative examples, various embodiments of the disclosure, wherein:

[0015] FIG.1 is a comprehensive diagram for an in-field processes resulting in a cooled high quality green juice suspension (i.e. macrofibre depleted suspension) to be carried to downstream processes located in a remote industrial facility, within the next 48 hours, according to embodiments of the present application.

[0016] FIG.2 is a diagram of a lay-out of the different equipment in the field to provide high quality green juice suspension, according to embodiments of the present application.

[0017] FIG.3 is a timeline diagram of the entire process for quality preservation of the green juice suspension, according to embodiments of the present application.

[0018] FIG.4 is a schematic view of a mobile extraction unit mounted on trailer, according to embodiments of the present application.

[0019] FIG.5 is a picture of a mobile extraction unit mounted on trailer ready to operate in the field, according to embodiments of the present application.

[0020] FIG.6 is a picture of a mobile extraction unit mounted on trailer protected to be moved to other field extraction sites, according to embodiments of the present application.

[0021] FIG.7 is a schematic view of a mobile cooling unit mounted on trailer for cooling in the field the green juice suspension just extracted, according to embodiments of the present application.

[0022] FIG.8 is a picture of a mobile cooling unit discharging the green juice suspension in an isolated tanker in the field, according to embodiments of the present application.

[0023] FIG.9 is a schematic view of a mobile CIP (Clean-in-Place) unit to be operated in the field for food grade systematic cleaning of the equipment utilized to harvest, convey, extract,cool or transport green juice suspension, in an isolated tanker, according to embodiments of the present application.

[0024] FIG.10 is a picture of a mobile CIP unit ready to operate in the field site, according to embodiments of the present application.

[0025] FIG.11A is a schematic representation of steps in a plant processing method according to prior art.

[0026] FIG.11 B is a schematic representation of steps in a plant processing method according to embodiments of the present application.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONI. Definitions

[0027] Further features and advantages of the disclosure will become more readily apparent from the following description of various embodiments as illustrated by way of examples only and in a non-limitative manner.

[0028] As used herein, the term “fibers” means elongate structures composed mainly of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The level of lignification varies, in particular, according to the plant, the structure of the plant and its growth stage. The fibers play a role in providing support to the plant. They may be isolated or in bundles and be of various length and diameter. As used herein, the term “fibers” (macrofibres and microfibers) refers not only to such elongate structures but also to other structures or aggregates that may be more or less retained by whole or fragmented filiform structures. Depending on the context, more or less bound liquid containing more or less dissolved compounds or molecules may also be found. It should be noted that in this document the term macrofibre may include fibres of any size resulting from a pressing separation activity, for example, while the term microfibre refers mainly to fibres of small size, for example less than 200 microns, resulting from screening separation, for example.

[0029] As used herein the terms “plant fragment” or “plant fragments” mean portions or sections of varying lengths of plant, for example of alfalfa plant, including aerial portions, e.g. stem and leaf portions, preferably more leafy portions of the plants. For example, the plant fragments have a leaf to stem ratio of about 1 :1 , about 1 :1.1 , about 1 :1.2, about 1 :1.3, about 1 :1.4 or about 1 :1.5 (based on wet weight). For example, the plant fragments contain at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85% or at least 90% of the chloroplast content in the plant.

[0030] As used herein, the term “reference Fabaceae family plant” means a Fabaceae family plant, preferably aerial portions thereof, that has not been processed, pressed, extracted, or otherwise treated or transformed. The reference Fabaceae family plant may, for example, be an unharvested Fabaceae family plant or a Fabaceae family plant that has been cut into smaller fragments. For example, the reference Fabaceae family plant may be the plant fragments harvested prior to processing as described herein (e.g. prior to separating, conditioning, extracting, washing). It will be understood that the reference Fabaceae plant is of the same family, tribe (e.g. Trifolieae), genus, species (e.g. Medicago sativa), subspecies (e.g. Medicago sativa subsp. Sativa) and variety (or cultivar) as the plant to which it is being compared to. For example, if the plant fragments are obtained from a specific alfalfa cultivar, the reference Fabaceae family plant comprises fragments of the same alfalfa cultivar. Similarly, the term “reference Medicago spp plant” means a Medicago spp plant, preferably aerial portions thereof, that has not been processed, pressed, extracted, or otherwise treated or transformed. The reference Medicago spp plant may, for example, be an unharvested Medicago spp plant or a Medicago spp plant that has been cut into smaller fragments. For example, if the fragments are obtained from a specific alfalfa cultivar, the reference Medicago spp plant is of the same alfalfa cultivar. In the context of measuring and comparing the content of a compound e.g. saponin or Rubisco present in the plant to be tested, the reference may also be a known value.

[0031] As used herein, the term “saponin” or “saponins” refers to an aglycone or sapogenin unit linked to one or more carbohydrate chains. The aglycone or sapogenin unit consists of either a sterol or the more common triterpene unit. In both the steroid and triterpenoid saponins, the carbohydrate sidechain is usually attached to the 3 carbon of the sapogenin. Saponins possess surface-active or detergent properties because the carbohydrate portion of the molecule is water-soluble, whereas the sapogenin is fat-soluble. Some plant saponins have been shown to inhibit cholesterol absorption from the intestinal lumen in experimental animals and consequently to reduce the concentration of plasma cholesterol. Other saponins have also been shown to have insecticidal properties.

[0032] As used herein, the term “medicagenic acid” or “medicagenic acid saponin” means a specific form of saponin obtained from Medicago spp, e.g. more particularly from Medicago sativa (alfalfa). Medicagenic acid is one of the most abundant saponins found in alfalfa foliage, representing about 50% of total saponin content, depending on the cultivar. It will be understood that saponin content, including medicagenic acid saponin content, may vary in absolute value depending, for example, on the cultivar type. In contrast, the relative concentration of saponin ormedicagenic acid saponin (e.g. in terms of decrease in concentration relative to a reference Medicago spp plant) from one product to another, resulting from the extraction process, remains similar regardless of cultivar type. For example, saponin content can be determined using mass spectrometry analysis on a UPLC-MS / MS system e.g. in electrospray mode. For example, quantification of saponin content can be based on commercial standards, for example of medicagenic acid (LGC standard), bayogenin (Cederlane), hederagenin (Sigma Aldrich Canada Ltd) soyasapogenol A (LGC standard) and soyasapogenol B (Sigma Aldrich Canada Ltd).

[0033] As used herein, the term “chloroplast content” means the total chloroplast content in a composition, suspension or mixture herein described. The chloroplast content may be determined qualitatively or quantitatively, using any suitable known method, for example using light scattering techniques, using visual inspection under microscopy, spectrophotometric methods for analyzing specific chloroplast pigments (e.g. carotene, xanthophyll, chlorophyll), measuring photosynthesis levels of the chloroplasts (e.g. carbon assimilation and / or oxygen evolution / emission) and measuring levels of proteins, enzymes and / or other molecules solely found in chloroplasts, e.g. immunofluorescent quantitation of Rubisco holoenzyme, specific inner or outer chloroplast membrane proteins or thykaloid lumen or thykaloid membrane proteins. The chloroplast content may be measured in terms of chlorophyll content, for example according to the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL (2005) 18th Ed., AOAC Official Method 942.04 (Modified). The beta carotene content may be measured for example according to the Official Methods of Analysis, Method 2005.07, AOAC INTERNATIONAL, (modified).

[0034] As used herein, the term “solid fraction” means a mixture of structures, compounds and / or molecules, extracted from plant biomass, that is not soluble and that may retain a certain volume of liquid, and / or that is totally or partially bounded to said liquid.

[0035] As used herein, the term “liquid fraction” means a liquid extracted from plant biomass, modified or not (e.g. by addition of an acid), that may contain structures and / or compounds in suspension and / or molecules dissolved or not in said liquid.

[0036] As used herein, the term “protein content” means the total protein content of a product (e.g. composition, precursor or suspension) herein described. The protein content includes the Rubisco protein content. The protein content includes proteins that are linked or connected to or embedded in plant structures (e.g. membranes), proteins that are wholly soluble, proteins that are naturally present as aggregates in suspension in the liquid fraction, and portions of these proteins that are either partially assembled or partially degraded. The protein content can be measured using recognized methods in the art, for example without limitation protein assayse.g. bicinchoninic acid (BCA) protein assay. The protein content may also be measured according to the Dumas Method or according to the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, 18th Ed., Methods 968.06 and 992.15, AOAC INTERNATIONAL, Gaithersburg, MD, USA, (2005) (Modified).

[0037] As used herein, the term “lipid content” means the total lipid content of a product (e.g. composition, precursor or suspension) herein described. The lipid content includes triglycerides, phospholipids (including the valuable omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) sphingolipids and other membrane lipids and lipid droplets (mainly triacylglycerols). The lipid content can be measured using recognized methods in the art. For example, the fatty acid profile may be measured according to Official Method No. 996.06 of the Official Methods of Analysis of the AOAC INTERNATIONAL (modified), 19th Ed., AOAC INTERNATIONAL: Gaithersburg, Maryland (2012).

[0038] As used herein, the term “conditioning” or “conditioned” means any process, or treatment that may be carried out on an intermediate product in view of making an end product suitable for further (e.g. commercial, industrial) use. For example, conditioning comprises minimally packaging a product and optionally further drying, diluting, adding additives and / or supplements. For example, in the context of the microfiber fraction, the conditioning may include in addition to packaging, drying the microfibers to reduce their moisture content and adding a suitable amount of nutritional supplement and other additives.

[0039] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0040] In embodiments comprising an “additional” or “second” component, such as an additional or second compound, the second component as used herein is different from the other components or first component. A “third” component is different from the other, first, and second components, and further enumerated or “additional” components are similarly different.

[0041] The term “and / or” as used herein means that the listed items are present, or used, individually or in combination. In effect, this term means that “at least one of” or “one or more” of the listed items is used or present.

[0042] The term “suitable” as used herein means that the selection of the particular composition or conditions would depend on the specific steps to be performed, the identity of the components to be transformed and / or the specific use for the compositions, but the selection would be well within the skill of a person trained in the art.

[0043] In understanding the scope of the present disclosure, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms “including”, “having” or "containing" and their derivatives.

[0044] Terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of ±5% or ±10% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.

[0045] The definitions and embodiments described in particular sections are intended to be applicable to other embodiments herein described for which they are suitable as would be understood by a person skilled in the art.II. Methods and Uses of the Application

[0046] It has been shown herein that methods of the present application provide for improved quality of final products. The present application further provides for optimal use of resources to minimize transportation by processing plant biomass in-field. The methods of the present application also provide for improved quality of final products, such as retaining chloroplasts intact, by limiting invasive steps in processing plant biomass. Comparable methods did not display the same properties, highlighting the advantageous results obtained with the methods of the application.

[0047] The present disclosure relates to extraction processes of plant fragments of economic interest, such as alfalfa, initiated right in the field at the time of harvesting in order to prevent oxidation and to optimize volumes for transportation to remote facilities for additional extraction steps, which are intended to provide high-value compounds or molecules as active ingredients for further development of products to be used in various industries.

[0048] The extraction mainly generates a green juice suspension rich in high value compounds and molecules, and a macrofibre portion, that could be transferred directly from field to final utilization as feedstock, but not limited to. These high-quality compounds are the reason why the preservation of the original and intrinsic qualities of the elements constituting the plant biomass fractions gives it a great commercial interest; this is made possible by the “in-field” solution for rapid selective separation of the green juice and the macrofibres.

[0049] It was thus proposed that field extraction in order to extract and preserve qualities of green juice suspension would be done at the field, by pressing biomass just harvested in the field shortly after harvesting, for example by twin screw pressing or screw pressing, at a controlled flow rate and with convenient back pressure in order to gently extract green juice suspension and obtain a macrofibres pressed cake; optionally by a 2ndstage pressing, also using twin screw pressing, after adding water to the macrofibres pressed cake in order to expand the structures to permit an easy second extraction of green juice suspension; as a combined output of the 2ndstage pressing, obtaining a final macrofibres pressed cake at the optimal humidity to go for ensilage.

[0050] The 1ststage pressing green juice suspension and the 2ndstage pressing green juice suspension would be mixed, downstream the screw presses to be pumped to a chiller, in the field, in order to chill down instantly to a temperature lower than 4°C in order to protect juice from decay in high end components, molecules, and compounds included in the juice.

[0051] The chilled green juice suspension, now stable and protected from rapid decay in quality due to temperature degradation, may then be pumped from the chiller, for example in the field, to an isolated large capacity road tanker in order to be transported to a downstream industrial facility, for example within the next 24h. For example, by using the current technology it is possible to obtain a broad window of about 72 hours, after harvesting, for isolating the various high value products from the plant biomass. As such, the shelf life of the green juice suspension would be increased prior to the downstream extractions; this increase coming directly from the initial extraction and chilling in the field just after harvesting.

[0052] Also, to minimize the environmental footprint, instead of transporting all of the harvested biomass to the downstream industrial facility for processing the biomass fragments to the final compositions and molecules, the process was initiated and selected having, from one part, extracting at the field, of the green juice suspension, where the biomass was harvested first, prior to being carried to the downstream industrial processing facility, delivering high-end compositions and compounds through downstream extraction and conditioning processes at the facility, and on the other hand, to deliver in-field a macrofibre fraction rich in some compounds and molecules for further use, for example ready for ensilage.

[0053] Accordingly, the present application includes a method for processing a Medicago spp plant biomass, the method comprising: harvesting the Medicago spp plant to provide the plant biomass; extracting, within a period of time after harvesting that is less than about 180 minutes, the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension; cooling to a temperature of about 0°C toabout 8°C, within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 30 minutes, the green juice suspension to obtain a cooled green juice suspension; and maintaining the temperature of the cooled green juice suspension at about 0°C to about 8°C during transportation.

[0054] Also included is method for in-field processing of a Medicago spp plant biomass, the method comprising: harvesting the Medicago spp plant to provide the plant biomass; extracting, in-field, the plant biomass to provide a green juice; cooling, in-field, to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, the green juice suspension to obtain a cooled green juice suspension; and maintaining the temperature of the cooled green juice suspension at about 0°C to about 8°C during transportation.

[0055] The present application further includes method for processing Medicago spp plant biomass, the method comprising: extracting, within a period of time after Medicago spp plant harvest that is less than about 180 minutes, the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension; cooling to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 30 minutes, the green juice suspension to obtain a cooled green juice suspension; and maintaining the temperature of the cooled green juice suspension at about 0°C to about 8°C during transportation.

[0056] The present application further includes a method for in-field processing a Medicago spp plant biomass, the method comprising: extracting, in-field, a harvested Medicago spp plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension; cooling, in-field, to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, the green juice suspension to obtain a cooled green juice suspension.

[0057] In some embodiments, the extracting is carried out within the period of time after harvesting that is about 1 minute to about 150 minutes. In some embodiments, the extracting is carried out within the period of time after harvesting that is about 2 minutes to about 150 minutes. In some embodiments, the extracting is carried out within the period of time after harvesting that is about 2 minutes to about 120 minutes. In some embodiments, the extracting is carried out within the period of time after harvesting that is about 5 minutes to about 90 minutes.

[0058] In some embodiments, the extracting is carried out at a temperature of about 10°C to about 34°C. In some embodiments, the extracting is carried out at a temperature of about 10°C to about 30°C. In some embodiments, the extracting is carried out at a temperature of about 10°C to about 25°C.

[0059] In some embodiments, the cooling is to a temperature of about 2°C to about 6°C. In some embodiments, the cooling is to a temperature of about 3°C to about 5°C. In someembodiments, the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 25 minutes. In some embodiments, the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 20 minutes. In some embodiments, the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 15 minutes. In some embodiments, the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 10 minutes. In some embodiments, the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 5 minutes. In some embodiments, the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is about 1 minute to about 15 minutes. In some embodiments, the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is about 1 minute to about 10 minutes.

[0060] In some embodiments, the harvesting comprises cutting the plant at a height of about 30 cm to about 70 cm. In some embodiments, the harvesting comprises cutting the plant at a height of about 40 cm to about 60 cm.

[0061] In some embodiments, the harvested plant biomass has a leaf to steam ratio of about 1 : 1 to about 1 :1.5, by weight.

[0062] In some embodiments, the method further comprises contacting the plant biomass with an antioxidant, an antimicrobial agent, an antifoaming agent, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the contacting with the antioxidant, antimicrobial agent, antifoaming agent, or combinations thereof is made from 1 minute to about 2 hours after harvesting. In some embodiments, the antioxidant, antimicrobial agent or antifoaming agent is selected from organic certified antioxidant, organic certified antimicrobial agent or organic certified antifoaming agent.

[0063] In some embodiments, the extracting of the plant biomass provides a green juice suspension and a macrofibre fraction. In some embodiments, the method further comprises rehydrating the macrofibre portion and submitting the rehydrated macrofibre portion to a second pressing and a second separation to provide a second green juice suspension and a second macrofibre portion; and optionally combining the second green juice suspension with the green juice suspension.

[0064] In some embodiment, the extracting comprises pressing the plant biomass and optionally separating or collecting the extracted green juice. In some embodiments, the pressing is conducted in a screw press, or a hydraulic press. In some embodiments, the pressing exerts a pressure of about 400 kPa to about 800 kPa.

[0065] In some embodiments, the temperature is maintained for a predetermined period of time of about 1 hour to about 72 hours. In some embodiments, the temperature is maintainedfor a predetermined period of time of about 2 hours to about 48 hours. In some embodiments, the temperature is maintained for a predetermined period of time of about 2 hours to about 24 hours. In some embodiments, the temperature is maintained for a predetermined period of time of about 2 hours to about 12 hours. In some embodiments, the temperature is maintained for a predetermined period of time of about 1 hour to about 6 hours. In some embodiments, the temperature is maintained during transportation at about 2°C to about 6°C. In some embodiments, the temperature is maintained during transportation at about 3°C to about 5°C.

[0066] In some embodiments, the green juice suspension comprises chloroplasts and microfibers having an average length of about 20-200 microns. In some embodiments, at least about 70% of the chloroplasts are intact. In some embodiments, at least about 75% of the chloroplasts are intact. In some embodiments, at least about 80% of the chloroplasts are intact. In some embodiments, at least about 85% of the chloroplasts are intact. In some embodiments, at least about 90% of the chloroplasts are intact. In some embodiments, about 70% to about 90 % of the chloroplasts are intact. Without being bound to theory, it will be appreciated that limiting the invasive steps of the processing of the plant, and protecting the biomass from high temperatures by cooling the isolated green juice in-field and / or rapidly after harvesting and by maintaining the temperature cool during transportation allows to keep intact the natural high value compounds and components from the plant biomass.

[0067] In some embodiments, the macrofibre portion comprises macrofibres having an average length of about 10mm to about 100mm. In some embodiments, at least 75% of the macrofibres have an average length of less than about 20mm. In some embodiments, the macrofibre portion has a moisture content of about 50 wt. % to about 75 wt. %. In some embodiments, the macrofibre portion has a saponin content of about 1.0 to 5.0 mg / g, on dry basis. In some embodiments, the macrofibre portion has a protein content of about 10 % w / w to about 30 % w / w (dry basis).

[0068] In some embodiments, the method further comprises dewatering and / or conditioning the macrofibre portion. In some embodiments, the conditioning comprises mixing the macrofibre portion with an antioxidant, an antimicrobial agent, a nutritional supplement, an organic acid, a bacteria to accelerate fermentation, or combinations thereof.

[0069] In some embodiments, the extracting is conducted by a mobile pressing unit.. In some embodiments, the cooling is conducted by a mobile cooling unit. In some embodiments, the maintaining the temperature during transportation is conducted by an insulated transport unit, such as an insulated tanker. It will be appreciated that the insulated transport unit may beequipped with further cooling means to maintain the temperature of the cooled green juice suspension. In some embodiments, the method further comprises cleaning each of the mobile units. In some embodiments, the cleaning is conducted by a mobile cleaning unit.

[0070] In some embodiments, the method further comprises preparing a pad surface for receiving at least one of the mobile units. In some embodiments, the pad surface is made of gravel, sand, or a mixture thereof, or Rolled compacted concrete (RCC) or paved surface .

[0071] The present application further includes a method for managing production of compositions comprising products extracted from Medicago spp, the method comprising: harvesting the Medicago spp plant to provide plant biomass; providing at least one mobile system in-field that comprises at least one mobile extracting unit and at least one mobile cooling unit; extracting, in-field, the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension; cooling, in-field, to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 30 minutes, the green juice suspension; transporting the green juice suspension to a manufacturing site while maintaining the green juice suspension to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C during transportation; and extracting products from the green juice within a period of time that is less than about 72 hours after the harvesting.

[0072] In some embodiments, the method further comprises preparing a pad surface for receiving at least one of the mobile units. In some embodiments, the pad surface is made of gravel, sand, or a mixture thereof.

[0073] In some embodiments, the extracting comprises pressing the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension and a macrofibre portion and wherein the method further comprises collecting the green juice suspension and disposing of the macrofibre portion within the field.

[0074] In some embodiments, the extracting comprises pressing the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension and a macrofibre portion and wherein the method further comprises collecting the green juice suspension and delivering the macrofibre to a remote site.

[0075] In some embodiments, transporting the green juice suspension is carried out via a tanker truck. In some embodiments, the tanker truck has capacity of about 2000 to about 40000 liters. In some embodiments, the tanker truck has an average speed of about 50 to about 90 km / hour.

[0076] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for processing a plant biomass, the method comprising:harvesting the plant to provide the plant biomass; extracting, within a period of time after harvesting that is less than about 180 minutes, the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension; cooling to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 30 minutes, the green juice suspension to obtain a cooled green juice suspension; and maintaining the temperature of the cooled green juice suspension at about 0°C to about 8°C during transportation.

[0077] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for in-field processing of a plant biomass, the method comprising: harvesting the plant to provide the plant biomass; extracting , in-field, the plant biomass to provide a green juice; cooling, in-field, to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, the green juice suspension to obtain a cooled green juice suspension; and maintaining the temperature of the cooled green juice suspension at about 0°C to about 8°C during transportation.

[0078] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates a method for processing plant biomass, the method comprising: extracting, within a period of time after plant harvest that is less than about 180 minutes, the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension; cooling to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 30 minutes, the green juice suspension to obtain a cooled green juice suspension; and maintaining the temperature of the cooled green juice suspension at about 0°C to about 8°C during transportation.

[0079] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates a method for in-field processing a plant biomass, the method comprising: extracting, in-field, a harvested plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension;and cooling, in-field, to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, the green juice suspension to obtain a cooled green juice suspension.

[0080] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for managing production of compositions comprising products extracted from, the method comprising: harvesting the plant to provide plant biomass; providing at least one mobile system in-field that comprises at least one mobile extracting unit and at least one mobile cooling unit; extracting, in-field, the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension; cooling, in-field, to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 30 minutes, the green juice suspension; transporting the green juice suspension to a manufacturing site while maintaining the green juice suspension to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C during transportation; and extracting products from the green juice within a period of time that is less than about 72 hours after the harvesting.

[0081] For example, the plant can be from the Fabaceae family plant.

[0082] In some embodiments, the Fabaceae family plant is a Medicago spp plant. In some embodiments, the Medicago spp plant is selected from Medicago sativa, Medicago falcata, Medicago polymorpha, Medicago lupulina, Medicago rugosa, Medicago cretacea, Medicago platycarpa, Medicago marina, Medicago rupestris, Medicago secundiflora, Medicago truncatula, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the Fabaceae family plant is alfalfa. It will be appreciated that the method of the present application may be applied to other plant harvesting requiring pressing / separation such as peas, fava beans, oranges or the like.

[0083] The presently disclosed extraction process has been developed based on the principle of preservation of the integrity and quality of the main components of each plant fragments which can generate various intermediary and end products as well as precursors e.g. molecules and compounds presenting a high value for the development of other products following their extraction and purification, if required. It was hypothesized that preserving the integrity of chloroplasts (i.e. major component of leaf cells) would allow to isolate them from the rest of the plant content and preserve the quality of their own components (e.g. Rubisco, membrane lipids, membrane proteins, carotenes, xanthophyll, chlorophyll). The macrofibre fraction contains mainly digestible macrofibres of the plant fragments, suitable for animal nutrition, since an important quantity of saponin was extracted from this solid fraction. The microfiberfraction contains microfibers also beneficial for humans and animals. In addition, these two fractions also contain various value-added molecules or compounds such as fatty alcohols, enzymes, peptides, etc. The remaining fraction is liquid and presents a high saponin concentration which can be extracted and purified in order to develop different saponin-based end products. By preserving chloroplast integrity, it was possible to produce a liquid fraction devoid of major contaminating components of the chloroplast that would otherwise have been released in the liquid fraction, and impair further treatment of the liquid fraction aimed at isolating valuable soluble compounds.

[0084] Another aspect relates to a process for preparing a green juice suspension comprising chloroplasts suspended in water, said process comprising: pressing, in the field within a short period of time after harvesting, Medicago spp plant fragments or other vegetal production fragments; separating a green juice suspension, at the field step, from the pressed plant fragments; cooling the green juice suspension right after extraction from the pressed plant fragments; loading the cooled green juice suspension to carry it from pressing site in the field up to the downstream extraction processes at the industrial facility; trucking off-site the solid macrofibre dewatered at the right level ready for ensilage.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the global process is shown in the flow sheet diagram of FIG.1. Briefly, first, at the field, in an industrial mobile plant, suitable plants, e.g. alfalfa, are harvested and fragmented during biomass harvesting and undergo a green juice extraction in which a liquid fraction is collected from the biomass dewatered. The resulting macrofibre fraction ready to be ensiled can be subject to a macrofibre conditioning to obtain a macrofibre composition ready to use as end products and / or to undergo a compound isolation of high value molecules and / or compounds.

[0086] In some embodiments, the liquid fraction, green juice suspension, will be chilled instantly to protect the quality of the green juice suspension and each compositions and compounds that will be isolated from green juice suspension, at the downstream facility, within the next hours or so. The chilled green juice suspension may undergo a compound isolation of high value molecules and / or compounds.

[0087] Other specific but non-limiting examples will be described. In the flow sheet diagram of FIG.1 , process activities are identified by shaded delineated rectangles, products(intermediate, precursor, end products) are identified by delineated white rectangles, and supporting activities are identified by non-delineated colored rectangles.PLANT BIOMASS PRODUCTION / HARVESTING

[0088] Care is taken during the processing at the field as described in FIG.1 to enhance the quality level of the green juice suspension and consequently the quality of all future extracted molecules and compounds.

[0089] In some embodiments, biomass harvest is performed with a harvester, for example equipped with a cutter bar. As a general principle, harvesters equipped with conditioning devices and / or hammer mills are to be avoided. The objective is to feed the process with biomass that have been cut sharply with as little shearing, milling and stripping as possible, in order to minimize releasing of cell content at this early stage of the process. Releasing cell content at this stage would have deleterious effects on the process principle of preserving integrity. Releasing chloroplasts at this stage would expose them to breakage during biomass manipulation and transport. In the same way, releasing cell content at this stage would trigger premature denaturation of valuable components. Examples of denaturation could be, for example, chemical (e.g. oxidation), enzymatic (e.g. proteolysis) or biological (e.g. microbial growth stimulated by release of high energy components) degradation.

[0090] It will be understood that while it is described to obtain freshly harvested biomass, other suitable plant fragments or biomass may be used as long as they have recently been harvested and cut with as little damage to the chloroplast integrity as possible.

[0091] In some embodiments, the at least one plant is a Fabaceae family plant. For example, the at least one plant is a plant from the Trifolieae tribe. For example, the at least one plant is from the Medicago genus such as Medicago sativa, Medicago falcata, Medicago polymorpha, Medicago lupulina, Medicago rugosa, Medicago cretacea, Medicago platycarpa, Medicago marina, Medicago rupestris, Medicago secundiflora or Medicago truncatula. For example, the at least one plant is the Medicago sativa species or alfalfa. It will be understood that reference herein to Medicago sativa includes all subspecies (ssp. or subsp.) of Medicago sativa (i.e. Medicago sativa ssp). For example, when the at least one plant is Medicago sativa, it will be understood that any suitable cultivar or variety may be used, including for example the Symphonie cultivar.

[0092] In some embodiments, the alfalfa plant is cut at a height of about 40 cm to about 60 cm. For example, the alfalfa is cut at a height of about 45 cm to about 55 cm. For example, the alfalfa is cut at a height of about 50 cm.

[0093] In some embodiments, the biomass has an average leaf to stem ratio of about 1:1 , of about 1:1.2, of about 1:1.3, of about 1:1.4, of about 1:1.5 (based on wet weight).

[0094] In some embodiments, the plant biomass is treated with an antioxidant, an antifoaming agent, an antimicrobial agent or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the plant biomass is treated with a BIO certified antioxidant and / or a BIO certified antimicrobial agent. For example, the antioxidant is BIO certified citric acid composition.

[0095] In some embodiments, the biomass is contacted with the antioxidant and / or the antimicrobial agent within 2 hours of harvesting. For example, the biomass could be contacted with the antioxidant and / or the antimicrobial agent within 1 hour of harvesting. For example, the biomass could be contacted with the antioxidant and / or the antimicrobial agent within 15 minutes of harvesting. For example, the biomass could be contacted with the antioxidant and / or the antimicrobial agent within 5 minutes of harvesting. For example, the biomass could be contacted with the antioxidant and / or the antimicrobial agent at time of harvesting.EXTRACTION

[0096] Referring to FIG.1, the process activities (delineated shaded rectangle), intermediary or end products (delineated white rectangle), and support activities are represented by non-delineated colored rectangle. In some embodiments, the plant biomass (fragments) is obtained from field biomass and action of the harvester; such fragments are submitted to extraction to obtain a macrofibre fraction as well as an extracted green juice suspension, which contains inter alia chloroplasts and remaining microfibers. The extraction can be carried out more than once to extract more valuable molecules, compounds or structures from the macrofibre fraction in the resulting additional suspensions. In some embodiments, the resulting macrofibre fraction undergoes a macrofibre conditioning to obtain a macrofibre composition which can be used in various compositions, for example for animal nutrition.

[0097] In some embodiments, the extraction is performed while avoiding excessive shearing, temperature increases and / or pressure differentials, all conditions that would lead to chloroplast breakage. In some embodiments, it is desirable that the extraction be carried out as quickly as possible after providing the plant biomass. In some embodiments, the temperaturedoes not exceed 30°C at the output of the extraction device used. It will be appreciated that any device suitable for extraction may be used, as long as the mechanical forces used or the energy dissipated preserve chloroplast integrity. In some embodiments, hammer mills and ultrasonic devices are to be avoided as they may create excessive shearing and / or destroy chloroplast membrane integrity. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed process is in contrast with other known extraction processes for photosynthetically active plant biomass where the use of excessive mechanical strength results in breakage of chloroplast integrity and release of Rubisco protein component, for example, in the liquid fraction (green juice) and thus reducing quality of the chloroplast concentrates. Without wishing to be bound to theory, Rubisco would then be mixed with all remaining soluble components of the plant cell and its recovery or purification would also become challenging. In addition, use of mechanical conditions that would result in high shearing at this early stage will likely increase biomass temperature, which in turn would result in increased oxidative decay of major nutritional solutes present in the fibrous fractions (macrofibre and microfiber), in the chloroplasts and in the green juice suspension, such as for example carotenes, chlorophyll, natural antioxidants (i.e. not antioxidants added to the fractions), anthocyanins, proteins and omega-3 phospholipids, which are all heat labile and pH sensitive.

[0098] In some embodiments, the extraction of the green juice suspension is carried out at a temperature of the green juice suspension of about 35°C or less. In some embodiments, the extraction of the green juice suspension is carried out at a temperature of about 10°C to about 35°C. For example, the extraction of the green juice suspension is carried out at a temperature of about 15°C to about 32°C. For example, the extraction of the green juice suspension is carried out at a temperature of about 20°C to about 32°C. For example, the extraction of the green juice suspension is carried out at a temperature of about 25°C to about 30°C.

[0099] In some embodiments, the extraction of the green juice suspension is carried out, directly in the field close to the harvested land field (FIG.2), using a press, such as a screw press or a hydraulic press. In some embodiments, the pressure applied is less than about 800 kPa. For example, the pressure applied is about 400kPa to about 800 kPa. For example, the pressure applied is about 400kPa to about 750 kPa. For example, the pressure applied is about 400kPa to about 700 kPa. For example, the pressure applied is about 400kPa to about 650 kPa. For example, the pressure applied is 400kPa to about 600 kPa. For example, the pressure applied is about 400kPa to about 500 kPa.

[0100] In some embodiments, the extraction of the green juice suspension is carried out less than 2 hours from the providing of the plant biomass. For example, the extraction of the greenjuice suspension is carried out less than 1.5 hours from the providing of the plant biomass. For example, the extraction of green juice suspension is carried out less than 1 hour from the providing of the plant biomass. For example, the extraction of the green juice suspension is carried out less than 45 minutes from the providing of the plant biomass. For example, the extraction of the green juice suspension is carried out less than 30 minutes from the providing of the plant biomass.

[0101] In some embodiments, the extraction of the green juice suspension comprises pressing the plant biomass twice (FIG.1 , screw press and 2ndstage screw press). In this context, the second pressing (2ndstage) comprises rehydrating the macrofibre fraction containing the plant macrofibres resulting from the first pressing (screw press) and extracting from the rehydrated material a second volume of green juice suspension. For example, the rehydrating comprises adding water and / or a recirculated liquid coming from downstream activities of the global process. For example, the first and second green juice suspension can be used, mixed or not, for downstream isolation. For example, where the plant biomass is pressed twice, the resulting macrofibre fraction is used as a ruminant feedstock ready for silage.

[0102] In some embodiments, the process comprises providing an antifoaming agent in the screw press to the green juice suspension obtained from pressing.

[0103] In some embodiments, the green juice suspension contains suspended structures and / or compounds of small size and optionally molecules dissolved therein, such as for example saponin. In some embodiments, the green juice suspension also comprises different solids and solubles of interest such as compounds, molecules, with minimal degradation of such compounds or molecules. As further described hereinafter and illustrated in FIG.1 , a two-stage pressing (screw press and 2ndstage screw press), including watering of the first pressed cake just upstream of the second pressing stage, permits capturing at a higher rate of such desirable solid and soluble matters, while preserving their quality and integrity. In some embodiments, a size distribution analysis of the green juice suspension indicates that, excluding microfibers included therein and having a length of about 20-200 microns, more than 75% of the solid particles are between 5 and 10 microns (corresponding to the average size of chloroplasts), which is an indicator of the quality of the macrofibre separation. Furthermore, a substantial proportion of microfibers that have not been trapped in the macrofibre agglomerates constituting the macrofibre fraction may remain in the green juice suspension. As mentioned above, these microfibers have an average size or length between 20 and 200 microns. Finally, it should be noted that the green juice suspensionmay also contain residual antioxidant and / or antimicrobial agent such as for example citric acid added in the upstream process to the plant biomass.

[0104] In some embodiments, the macrofibre fraction comprises a variety of structures including macrofibres, microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, yeast, fungi), whole plant cells, as well as compounds and / or molecules such as proteins, peptides, amino acids, pigments, all able to retain a certain liquid volume and / or are totally or partially bounded to said liquid. In some embodiments, the macrofibre fraction also contains residual antioxidant and / or antimicrobial agent such as citric acid in the upstream process to the plant biomass. In some embodiments, it was observed that most of the plant's saponin was carried away by, or dissolved in, the liquid green juice suspension, which in turn improves the nutritional value and digestibility of the macrofibre fraction.Macrofibre conditioning

[0105] In some embodiments, in order to preserve quality and palatability, the macrofibre fraction comprising plant macrofibres, after dewatering (screw press and 2ndstage screw press) may be conditioned in order to obtain a macrofibre composition. In some embodiments, the conditioning comprises quickly packaging and compressing the macrofibre fraction according to the needs, in receptacles or containers. Without being bound to theory, if care is taken to harvest at an early plant growth stage (e.g. when the plant still displays a high leaf / stem ratio), to cut sharply (e.g. between 10-50 mm), to extract the plant fragments under low shearing and pressure differential with limited temperature increase, the macrofibre fraction conditioning will lead to a macrofibre composition having for example about 60%-65% moisture and having about between 15 and 20 % w / w protein content (dry basis). Using a hermetic receptacle or container, fermentation, or ensiling, may bring down the pH of the macrofibre composition to a desired pH, for example below 4.3, within about 3-6 weeks. Alternatively, a bacterial inoculum may be added to the macrofibre fraction prior to enclosing during the macrofibre conditioning. A supplement, antioxidant and / or antimicrobial agent can also be added to the macrofibre fraction prior to enclosing.

[0106] In some embodiments, the conditioning comprises mixing the macrofibre fraction with a BIO certified antioxidant and / or a BIO certified antimicrobial agent. For example, the antioxidant is BIO certified citric acid. For example, the conditioning comprises adding a nutritional supplement to the macrofibre fraction. For example, the conditioning comprises mixing the macrofibre fraction with an organic acid.

[0107] In some embodiments, the conditioning comprises inoculating the macrofibre fraction with Lactobacillus bacteria to accelerate fermentation. For example, the conditioning comprises inoculating the macrofibre fraction with Bacillus bacteria, e.g. Bacillus subtilis, to stimulate a beneficial microbial activity. For example, the fermentation is anaerobic. For example, the fermentation is aerobic.

[0108] In some embodiments, the macrofibre fraction is fermented for a period of about 2 weeks to about 6 weeks. For example, the macrofibre fraction 1 is fermented for a period of about 3 weeks to about 5 weeks.

[0109] In some embodiments, the conditioning comprises adding vitamins and fatty acids to increase the nutritional value of the macrofibre composition as end product.

[0110] In some embodiments, the conditioned macrofibre composition may be commercialized and used as animal feed.ISOLATION OF PRODUCTS AT THE DOWNSTREAM FACILITY

[0111] As they have been maintained substantially intact during the extraction , the chloroplasts may be isolated from the soluble plant components. The extraction (see FIG. 1) mainly generates a green juice suspension rich in high value compounds and molecules and a macrofibres fraction, that could be transferred directly from the field to final utilization as feedstock as described above. In addition, many compounds and molecules of economic interests having nutritional exceptional quality could be isolated selectively from macrofibres. Downstream isolation of high value products, processing at the plant, mainly generates microfibers, human food and animal feed ingredients; mainly generates products mostly devoid of chloroplasts, such as for example a saponin extract; mainly generates chloroplasts, unchanged or slightly altered, optionally suspended in a liquid fraction. Without being bound to theory, the preservation of the original and intrinsic qualities of the elements constituting the latter fraction gives it a great commercial interest; this is made possible by the mitigation, at each stage of the process, of chemical, physical and microbiological stresses. This mitigation is believed to be mainly based on one or more of the following factors: attenuation of shear forces resulting from the separation of fibers at the beginning of the process and on the constant use of low energy dissipation equipment, maintaining of temperature at or below 45°C, maintaining of pH above 4 and processing without delays in order to prevent alteration of the components at specific process activities. Based on the foregoing, the by-products of one step can become the raw material for the next step. As such, taken as a whole, the process generates a small volume of liquid waste,containing minimal organic matter, and is easily biodegradable. WO 2020210907 and WO 2022082310 describe in details the downstream isolation of various high value products.III. Systems of the Application

[0112] It has also been shown herein that systems of the present application provide for the processing of plant biomass in-field.

[0113] Accordingly, the present application includes a mobile system for processing of plant biomass, the system comprising: at least one mobile extracting unit for processing a harvested plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension; and at least one mobile cooling unit configured to be in fluid communication with the extracting unit for receiving, cooling, and storing the separated green juice suspension.

[0114] In some embodiments, the at least one mobile cooling unit is configured for transporting the separated green juice suspension.

[0115] In some embodiments, the at least one mobile extracting unit comprises a screw press or a hydraulic press that is mounted on a mobile platform.

[0116] In some embodiments, the at least one mobile cooling unit comprises a heat exchanger that is mounted on a mobile platform. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger comprises cooling channels configured for circulation of a cooling fluid. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid is selected from glycol, or other refrigerant.

[0117] In some embodiments, the at least one mobile extracting unit and the at least one mobile cooling unit are mounted on a same mobile platform.

[0118] In some embodiments, the at least one mobile extracting unit and the at least one mobile cooling unit are mounted on separate mobile platforms.

[0119] In some embodiments, the system comprises at least two extracting units comprising a first extracting unit and a second extracting unit, wherein the second extracting unit is configured for receiving a macrofibre portion, rehydrating the macrofibre portion, extracting to provide a second green juice suspension and a second macrofibre portion. In some embodiments, the first extracting unit and the second extracting unit are configured to be received on a same mobile platform. In some embodiments, the first extracting unit and the second extracting unit are configured to be received on separate mobile platforms.

[0120] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a mobile cleaning unit for cleaning components of the system. In some embodiments, the mobile cleaning unit is for foodgrade cleaning.

[0121] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a storing unit for receiving the macrofibre portion. In some embodiments, the storing unit is mounted on a further mobile platform.

[0122] In some embodiments, the system further comprises conveyors for moving products between units of the system.

[0123] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a power supply for powering various components of the system. In some embodiments, the power supply is a mobile generator. In some embodiments, the mobile generator is from renewable natural gas (RNG), natural gas, or diesel.

[0124] In some embodiments, each unit comprises quick connectors for connecting to other components of the system.

[0125] In some embodiments, the mobile platforms are chosen from flatbed trailers, low deck trailers.

[0126] In some embodiments, the mobile platforms have a maximum height of about 36 inches (0.91 m).

[0127] In some embodiments, the system is provided with a material for absorbing shocks between the extracting unitand the mobile platform. In some embodiments, the system is provided with a material for absorbing shocks between the heat exchanger and the mobile platform.

[0128] All and any equipment, food grade quality designed, used from harvesting to conveying, extracting, cooling, transporting, could be cleaned directly at the field, for example every 24h period or after each single lot production, trough sanitary processing using in sequence water, acid and caustic cleaning prior a final rinse with water, in order to permit the production in the field to start a new lot in optimal food grade conditions all the time.

[0129] Green juice suspension extraction at the field, to maximize quality of the final extracted components, molecule and compounds, requires extracting at different field sites in order to schedule field extraction with biomass optimal growth; all and any equipment required have to be moved from field to field, being mobile equipment, arranged in an organized optimal set-up at the field.

[0130] Mobile equipment requires a special design of the food grade mobile equipment in order to have specific energy panel including variable drive device; instrumentation and control panel; fixed and mobile connections to feed upstream and collect downstream the liquid and solid products, all on a road certified trailer permitting to be operated safely in the field but being able to move on official national and / or rural roads.

[0131] In the field, on a pad prepared to support all mobile equipment, tanker and macrofibre truck, it is necessary to have power, from connection to the grid mainly available or using mobile generator, such as from renewable natural gas (RNG), natural gas, or diesel; all the food grade mobile equipment have to be optimized in power consumption (peak loads and base load) in order to permit convenient connections to grid in rural areas.General description of the system set-up

[0132] FIG.1 describes the process in line from arrival of the plant fragments at in-field extraction system according to some embodiments, to obtain as one part, the green juice suspension and as the second part, the ruminant feedstock (macrofibre fraction) ready for ensilage. To achieve that, a number of mobile equipment have to be positioned cooperatively to permit: an easy flow from upstream to downstream; a free circulation of vehicles delivering plant fragments; an efficient CIP procedure on a daily basis; and a comprehensive positioning of each mobile equipment at their arrival on site and at the exiting for another site after the harvesting of the neighborhood parcels.

[0133] In some embodiments, as presented in FIG.2, silage boxes just filled with the harvested plant fragments are running on the external perimeter of the surface where the processing will occur, hereinafter the “pad”. The pad has an average surface of approximatively 40m wide by 40m long at the connection of the rural road and the end of the field where crops are growing. The pad is away from existing receiving river bodies for environmental convenience; and with direct connection and ease of movement to the field to permit circulation of the silage boxes coming from the field crops. The pad is on the natural local soil without special foundations, but the surface is prepared to spread the equipment loads correctly and to have a clean surface, without contamination, having as an example, gravel on top (200mm) and a sand to gravel foundation for an additional 0-300mm deep horizon. It will be appreciated that this prepared surface could be removed easily if this pad has to be relocated for any reason.

[0134] In between each equipment according to exemplary embodiments as represented in FIG.2 by white and shaded boxes, a number of connections, as for example power cables,instrumentation and control cables, flexibles pipes, exist as well as band conveyers for solids’ transportation, such as plant fragments upstream and downstream of screw press. In some embodiments, these conveyers are made of stainless steel, in accordance with sanitary requirements, with stainless steel bars moving on deck to push up the plant fragments. In some embodiments, each conveyor has a bottom horizontal section of about 2m long and 1m wide, to catch the loads, continuing in a climbing section of about 7m long, at a 45° vertical angle, and finishing with a horizontal section of about 2m long to discharge in the downstream equipment. In some embodiments, these conveyers are built on wheels and support and are moving from one site to the next site on a flat bed. It will appreciate that any connections and transportation systems may be used, as long as they allow functioning of the system, including the above noted advantages and requirements.

[0135] In some embodiments, all and any equipment in-field are electrically powered and require a connection to an electrical grid. Alternatively, it is possible to connect all and each equipment to an independent power supply such as, but not limited to, a Renewable Natural Gaz (RNG) electrical generator where the electrical grid is not available. The connection to the grid or to a portable generator requires from each mobile equipment to have their dedicated power panel and dedicated Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), as required.

[0136] In some embodiments, the in-field processing, as described on FIG.1 and FIG.2 requires: three (3) mobile pressing devices; one (1) mobile chilling device; and one (1) mobile CIP system device, described in more detail hereinafter.

[0137] FIG.4 is a schematic view of one over the three (3) identical mobile pressing devices according to exemplary embodiments. The figure shows a power and VFD cabinet 410, which is a stainless steel enclosed, waterproof and ventilated facility, within which are fixed the power panel and connectors and the VFD adapted for the specific electric motor driving the pressing device on the trailer. Also shown is an instrumentation and control (hereinafter “l&C”) cabinet 420, which is a stainless steel enclosed, waterproof and ventilated facility, within which are fixed all the instrumentation, communications and command devices to monitor and control from Supervisory, Control, And Data Acquisition (hereafter “SCADA”). FIG.4 further shows a twin screw press 430 having a capacity to press about 5 to 20 tons per hour of Alfalfa plant fragments, for example a TSP12 Vincent twin screw press; the solid discharge at the end of the screw press is located just over a special built-in open mouth trough the trailer deck just rear of the set of wheels to permit a free discharge on the collecting conveyer. Further illustrated is a mobile stainless steel pump 440 in casing, connected to a stainless steel connecting pipe from the tankunder the press, going through the floor deck of the trailer, to the pump with clamps and derivations to connect to the CIP mobile system for cleaning. Finally, FIG.4 also shows a reservoir of anti-foaming agent 450, having its own and independent peristaltic pump connected to deliver the anti-foaming solution right at the top of the tank, receiving the green juice suspension, located under the press (not shown). In some embodiments, all of these devices are mounted to be vibration resistant, waterproof, CIP resistant and all food save connections are built-in on a trailer for transportation from one site to another.

[0138] FIG.5 is a picture of an exemplary mobile pressing trailer open and ready to operate with is collecting conveyer installed to collect the macrofibres after dewatering. As presented in FIG.2, the collecting conveyer may be in line with mobile pressing trailer to discharge in the right device downstream or may be perpendicular; this configuration being site specific depending on the special configuration of the pad to receive the system.

[0139] When the trailer is on the road, moving from one site to another, all the devices / unites on the trailer have to be protected against contamination and / or damages resulting from spills and splash on the road while still allowing for immediate operation as soon as reconnected at the next site. FIG.6 shows a covered trailer according to exemplary embodiments. FIG.6 shows the system for on-road protection (covered trailer) as used indifferently for all the mobile units on trailers, such as pressing (3), chilling (1), or CIP (1) units.

[0140] As introduced hereinabove, chilling the green juice suspension within a few minutes after extraction, in-field, is key to avoid decay of molecules and compounds of interest. FIG.7 presents a schematic view of the mobile chilling device according to exemplary embodiments. The figure shows a power and VFD cabinet 710, which is a stainless steel enclosed, waterproof and ventilated facility, within which are fixed the power panel and connectors and the VFD adapted for the specific electric motor driving the chiller device on the trailer. FIG.7 also shows an l&C cabinet 720, which is a stainless steel enclosed, waterproof and ventilated facility, within which are fixed all the Instrumentation and communications and command devices to monitor and control from SCADA. Further illustrated is a heat exchanger 730 to cool down the glycol serving to transfer heat from green juice suspension to glycol, having a capacity of 900000 BTLI / h (75 tons R.), for example at 0°C from 5°C. Furthermore, FIG.7 shows a plates heat exchanger 740 to permit and efficient heat transfer between green juice suspension on one side and glycol on the other side. Finally, FIG.7 illustrates a reservoir of glycol 750, having its own and independent pumping system. In some embodiments, all of these devices are mounted to bevibrations resistant, waterproof, CIP resistant and all food safe connections are built-in on a mobile platform, such as a trailer.

[0141] FIG.8 is a picture of an exemplary mobile chilling trailer, ready to operate; green juice suspension pumped from 1ststage screw press and 2ndstage screw press is chilled on the trailer and pumped out to an isolated tanker as shown on FIG.2.

[0142] FIG.9 presents a schematic view of mobile CIP system according to exemplary embodiments, as a unit designed to ensure quality processing in regard to food quality and safety. The mobile CIP unit includes a power and VFD cabinet 910, as a stainless steel enclosed, waterproof and ventilated facility, within which are fixed the power panel and connectors and the VFD adapted for the specific electric motor driving the pumping device on the trailer. FIG.9 also shows an l&C cabinet 920, which is a stainless steel enclosed, waterproof and ventilated facility, within which are fixed all the Instrumentation and communications and command devices to monitor and control from SCADA; on the front panel, a control screen, waterproof and acid resistant screen, permit to check tank and equipment status and give instructions to all and each mobile equipment, including three (3) mobile pressing unit, one (1) mobile chilling unit, and the mobile CIP unit itself. Also illustrated is a CIP water instant heater 930 connected upstream to a water tanker parked on pad and downstream to a pumping system delivering hot water through all and each mobile equipment. Also shown on FIG.9 are three (3) tanks 940, for acid, for caustic and for used solutions not to be recirculated. Finally, FIG.9 shows an air compressor 950 to flush piping prior a first rinse in order to optimize CIP processing effort. In some embodiments, all these units are mounted to be vibrations resistant, waterproof, CIP resistant and all food safe connections were built-in on trailer.

[0143] FIG.10 is a picture of mobile CIP unit on a trailer ready to operate according to exemplary embodiments.

[0144] In some embodiments, all the mobile units, namely the pressing units, the chilling unit, or the CIP unit are designed to be on a low deck trailer according to health and safety standards to protect the operating staff during operations; for example, the deck of the trailers are made of stainless steel, epoxy painted and non-slipping surface.

[0145] In some embodiments, all the mobile units, namely the pressing units, the chilling unit, or the CIP unit are highway certified. Tires, twin wheels and twin axles are large ones in order to stay well balanced even on rough surface like in- field entrance and pad parking lot. Insome embodiments, the total gross weight capacity for each trailer is about 30 000 pounds (13.6 tons) including trailer weight (around 3.5 tons).

[0146] In some embodiments, the mobile processing system has a cycle of: demobilization, transport from previous extraction site to the next one, mobilization, pre-runs testing cycle, which could be completed within about 24h.IV. Compounds and Compositions of the Application

[0147] The present application further includes compounds and compositions obtained from the methods and systems described herein.

[0148] Unless otherwise indicated, “macrofibres” in the present section refer to macrofibres comprised in the macrofibre fraction, isolated macrofibres and to macrofibres comprised in a macrofibre composition (the latter being further described in patent WO 2020210907).

[0149] In some embodiments, the macrofibre fraction and macrofibre composition herein disclosed comprise plant from the Medicago spp genus. For example, the plant is from the Medicago sativa specie (i.e. alfalfa) or subspecies.

[0150] In some embodiments, the plant macrofibres, macrofibre fraction and / or macrofibre composition have a moisture content of about 50 wt. % to about 75 wt. %. For example, the plant macrofibres, macrofibre fraction and / or macrofibre composition have a moisture content of about 55 wt. % to about 70 wt. %. For example, the plant macrofibres, macrofibre fraction and / or macrofibre composition have a moisture content of about 60 wt. % to about 65 wt. %.

[0151] In some embodiments, the plant macrofibres, macrofibre fraction and / or macrofibre composition have a decrease in saponin content of about 30% to about 70% relative to a reference Medicago spp plant. For example, the plant macrofibres, macrofibre fraction and / or macrofibre composition have a decrease in saponin content of about 50% to about 70% relative to a reference Medicago spp plant. For example, the reference Medicago spp plant are the plant fragments. For example, the plant macrofibres, macrofibre fraction and / or macrofibre composition have a decrease in saponin content of about 60% to about 65% relative to reference plant fragments. For example, the plant macrofibres, macrofibre fraction and / or macrofibre composition have a decrease in medicagenic acid saponin content of about 50% to about 70% relative to a reference Medicago spp plant. For example, the plant macrofibres, macrofibrefraction and / or macrofibre composition have a decrease in medicagenic acid saponin content of about 60% to about 65% relative to a reference Medicago spp plant.

[0152] In some embodiments, the reference Medicago spp plant consists of plant fragments. In some embodiments, the reference Medicago spp plant is alfalfa.

[0153] In some embodiments, the plant macrofibres, macrofibre fraction and / or macrofibre composition have a saponin content of about 1.0 to 5.0 mg / g (dry basis). For example, the plant macrofibres, macrofibre fraction and / or macrofibre composition have a saponin content of about 1.5 to 4.0 mg / g (dry basis). For example, the plant macrofibres, macrofibre fraction and / or macrofibre composition have a saponin content of less than 1.5 mg / g (dry basis).

[0154] In some embodiments, the plant macrofibres, macrofibre fraction and / or macrofibre composition have a saponin content of about 0.5 mg / g (dry basis), about 0.6 mg / g (dry basis), about 0.7 mg / g (dry basis), about 0.8 mg / g (dry basis), about 0.1 mg / g (dry basis), about 1 .0 mg / g (dry basis), about 1 .2 mg / g (dry basis), about 1.4 mg / g (dry basis), about 1.6 mg / g (dry basis), about 1.8 mg / g (dry basis), about 2.0 mg / g (dry basis), about 2.5 mg / g (dry basis), about 3.0 mg / g (dry basis), about 3.5 mg / g (dry basis), about 4.0 mg / g (dry basis), about 4.0 mg / g (dry basis), about 4.5 mg / g (dry basis) or about 5.0 mg / g (dry basis). For example, the saponin is medicagenic acid saponin.

[0155] In some embodiments, the plant macrofibres, macrofibre fraction and / or macrofibre composition have a protein content of about 10 % w / w to about 30 % w / w (dry basis). For example, the plant macrofibres, macrofibre fraction and / or macrofibre composition have a protein content of about 12 % w / w to about 24 % w / w (dry basis). For example, the plant macrofibres, macrofibre fraction and / or macrofibre composition have a protein content of about 15 % w / w to about 20 % w / w (dry basis). For example, the plant macrofibres, macrofibre fraction and / or macrofibre composition have a protein content of about 16 % w / w to about 18 % w / w (dry basis).

[0156] In some embodiments, the plant macrofibres have an average length of about 10 mm to about 100 mm. For example, the macrofibres have an average length of about 10 mm to about 50 mm. For example, at least 75% of the macrofibres have an average length of less than about 20mm. For example, at least 80% of the macrofibres have an average length of less than about 20mm.

[0157] Following a fermentation period, the resulting fermented macrofibre composition has a lowered pH. For example, the macrofibre composition has a pH between 4.0 and 5.0. For example, macrofibre composition has a pH between 4.0 and 4.5. For example, the macrofibre composition has a pH between 4.0 and 4.4. For example, the macrofibre composition has a pH between 4.0 and 4.3. For example, the macrofibre composition has a pH of less than about 5.0. For example, the macrofibre composition has a pH of less than about 4.8. For example, the macrofibre composition has a pH of less than about 4.7. For example, the macrofibre composition has a pH of less than about 4.6. For example, the macrofibre composition has a pH of less than about 4.5. For example, the macrofibre composition has a pH of less than about 4.4. For example, the macrofibre composition has a pH of less than about 4.3.

[0158] In some embodiments, the macrofibre composition has a moisture content of about 50 wt. % to about 75 wt. %. For example, the macrofibre composition has a moisture content of about 65 wt. % to about 75 wt. %.

[0159] In some embodiments, the macrofibre composition has a decrease in saponin content of about 30% to about 70% relative to a reference Medicago spp plant. For example, the macrofibre composition has a decrease in saponin content of about 50% to about 65% relative to plant fragments.

[0160] In some embodiments, the macrofibre composition has a decrease in medicagenic acid saponin content of about 30% to about 70% relative to plant fragments. For example, the macrofibre composition has a decrease in medicagenic acid saponin content of about 40% to about 65% relative to plant fragments. For example, the reference Medicago spp plant consists of plant fragments. For example, the reference Medicago spp plant is alfalfa. For example, the macrofibre composition has a medicagenic acid saponin content of about 0.4 to 5.5 mg / g (dry basis). For example, the macrofibre composition has a medicagenic acid saponin content of less than 1 .5 mg / g (dry basis).

[0161] In view of all of the above, and without wishing to be bound to theory, it will be appreciated that the methods and systems of the application allow for the production of higher quality green juice suspension by cooling it as soon as possible after harvest, for example within 30 min v. 8-1 Oh in conventional process. See for example FIG.11 A showing an exemplary process in the art and FIG.11 B showing an exemplary in-field process according to embodiments of the present application. This provides an increased shelf life of the green juice suspension before isolation, such as centrifugation, since the green juices cooled quickly can be conserved longerthan juices cooled after heating (by ambient temperatures), even if the heating lasted only 8-10 hours.

[0162] Furthermore, transporting only the green juice portion (typically 60 tons per day in a volume of 60 m3) instead of a biomass including fibers (typically 120 tons in a volume of 240 m3) would require, for example, two trips for a tanker compared to ten trips for a tractor with its silage box on the same distance. As liquid is easier to transport, this will lead to lesser need for drivers. The transport speed for handling the juice portion only is also increased, typically 80 km / h on average for a tanker compared to 30 km / h on average for a tractor and its silage box. It follows that the methods and systems of the application allow to increase the distance between the juice extraction (harvesting field) and the downstream processing facility, without compromising the quality of the products. This will also allow for specialized equipment adapted to the road and others adapted to the fields, rather than having hybrid equipment required to do both. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the lower needs in transportation resources will also lead to reduced greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions by + / - 80%, since tanker consumes less than tractor and fewer vehicles on the road (2 transports vs 10 transports) are quired, as explained above.

[0163] Again without wishing to be bound to theory, the methods and systems of the application allow for a more efficient overall processing. Indeed, since the macrofibre fraction does not need to be transported from the field to the downstream facility and then from the downstream facility to the customer, but rather can be directly transported from the field to the customer, this result in fewer delays and again reduced greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions.

[0164] Because different specialized equipment may be used for the different steps (road v. fields), there is an increased potential to extract the juice 24 hours a day since harvesting, extraction and transporting biomass are done independently. Time of day for transportation may also be managed to avoid highly trafficked hours and roads.

[0165] The systems of the application including the pressing mobile unit, the cooling mobile unit and the CIP mobile unit, which may be developed in compliance with food regulations, allow for better quality of the finished product, increased retention period, operation flexibility, carbon footprint reduction, remoteness of harvest sites no longer an issue, and minimized environmental damage. The equipment may be readily designed to follow specifications for compliant road trailers (maximum width; maximum length, maximum height; maximum weight) and to optimize arrangement of the mobile units between them to reduce the length of theconnection pipes (necessary to ensure the quality of the CIP) and the transfer of solids from upstream to downstream (lengths and slopes of conveyors).

[0166] Furthermore, after extensive experimentation, it was found that decoupling extraction from isolation (as separate process steps as shown in FIG.11 B, rather than together at the downstream facility as shown in FIG.11 A), combined with a rapid lowering of the temperature of the green juice suspension made it possible to considerably increase the pre-isolation conservation time by a factor of about 6 to 9, which also creates valuable degrees of freedom in operation. Moreover, if the extraction and the cooling are done in the fields, the increase in preisolation holding time can be used to increase transport time without affecting the quality of the finished products and / or increase processing time in the downstream facility. Surprisingly, it was also observed that this modification of the process led to a significant increase in the quantity of quality chlorophyll extracted, i.e. by a factor varying from about 2 to 3. The increase in conservation times for the most fragile components against any form of thermal degradation combined with increased production are major gains.

[0167] It should be mentioned that this improvement in the overall process allows consequently reduce transport costs because the macrofibre fraction may remain in the field, resulting in less material to transport. Furthermore, the transportation of the cooled green juice suspension being done with cooled tank trucks, significant energy savings are observed. Another non-negligible advantage is that the surface area of the downstream facility building can be reduced by about 30% since the extraction stage is moved to the field on mobile platforms (see FIG.HA and FIG.11 B)• EXAMPLES

[0168] The following non-limiting examples are illustrative of the present application.Example 1 - Overall description of the process

[0169] In FIG.1 , the three (3) main process activities (pressing, 2ndstage pressing, instant chilling) of the industrial process are described in brief.

[0170] In the production stage, alfalfa grown over 10 hectares of agricultural land, was harvested and chopped to produce 120 metric tons of fresh plant fragments (e.g. Medicago sativa) per harvest; 4 to 9 harvests per year, for a total minimum average of 500 tons per year of fresh plan fragments.

[0171] The plants fragments harvested over a 10 hectares parcel underwent physical separation and subsequent physical, or biological treatment to obtain about 60 (50-70) metric tons of ruminant feedstock ready for silage (ready to use end product).

[0172] Then, at the plant, coming from the green juice suspension (for example extraction at the field) produced from a 10 hectares parcel (about 120 tons of harvested biomass), dry chloroplast composition may be obtained for an average of 2 tons (about 1.5 to about 3) metric tons; and dry microfiber composition may be obtained for an average of 0.5 (0.3-0.6) metric tons.

[0173] In sum, using this process, commercial (ready to use) end products dry chloroplast composition, and precursor products (biosourced industrial precursors) may be obtained.Example 2 - Biomass preparation

[0174] Biomass preparation is illustrated particularly in the flow sheet diagram in FIG.1.

[0175] Biomass preparation is related to plant production P. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), in particular the Symphonie cultivar, was cultivated over about 10 hectares of agricultural land. The decision to harvest was based on a plurality of factors, including satellite surveys (further confirmed by site surveys), a suitable leaf to stem ratio (e.g. of 1 :1 based on wet weight), a suitable plant height (e.g. 50 to 60 cm), the right specifications described hereinabove were generally obtained after a period of 28 to 35 days following a previous harvest.

[0176] Biomass preparation started by harvesting where harvest was conducted using harvester comprising additional 10-20 metric ton trailers (silage boxes). The truck loading time was about 10 minutes and a one-way trip to reach the in-field mobile process may take from about 5 to 10 minutes. Uploading the harvest into a conveyer may take for example about 60 minutes. Thus, in these conditions, the time from harvest to extraction was about 1.5 hours. Using the following process, up to 20 metric tons per hour of alfalfa were harvested, chopped and conditioned, and the harvest was carried out 16 hours per day, for example 100 days per year in Northern agricultural area of North America and 250 days per year in Midwest agricultural area of North America.

[0177] Upon harvesting, plant fragments measuring about 10 - 100 mm, mostly about 20 mm in length were obtained.

[0178] The in-field facility comprised two inlet conveyers that operate in parallel (FIG.2). Using conveyors, the plant fragments were moved to fed directly into the intake of the extraction stage (screw pressing).

[0179] The plant fragments of about 2 cm in length and comprising leaves and stems were produced at a rate of about 20,000 tons per year (20 tons per hour, 12 hours per day, 80 days per year). The plant fragments thus obtained have a shelf life of less than about 4 hours, have a moisture content of about 82% and may be mixed with bio citric acid.Example 3 -Extraction at the field

[0180] In this extraction at the field, the freshly obtained plant fragments underwent a two-stage press (1ststage pressing and 2ndstage pressing) to separate fiber components from liquid fractions. The extraction is detailed in FIG.1.

[0181] Referring now to FIG.1 and FIG.2, in the extraction, plant fragments were fed into 2 parallel screw presses (e.g. twin screw press), each press having a 10 metric tons per hour capacity, providing a total input capacity of more than 15-20 metric tons per hour. The person skilled in the art would understand a single screw press can alternatively be used. The plant fragments were fed into the top of the presses using conveyors and / or distributors. About 200- 300 ppm of bio antifoaming agent (in vegetable oil) was added at the lower end of the screw chamber. The back cone device applied a pressure of no greater than about 100 psi to build a restriction on the pressed cake moving out to better extract the liquid fraction from the plant fragment. From one (1) screw press, upon pressing the fragments, a green juice suspension, was obtained at a rate of about 3-5 cubic meters per hour, and a pressed cake comprising plant macrofibre fraction was obtained at a rate of about 4-6 metric tons per hour.

[0182] Two (2) parallel lines of loading and screw-pressing exists, as shown in FIG.2, in order to accelerate processing of the harvested biomass (plant fragments). Unloading of the silage boxes was mechanically done by auto-discharging silage box in a conveyor having an initial small receiving hopper followed by the elevating section and ending in a second horizontal section dropping the material in the screw press hopper at the top of screw press. The flow on the conveyor was automatically adjusted in order to be synchronized to screw press flow capacity. The average capacity of each couple conveyor-screw press was 7-10 tons / h, for a total of 15-20 tons / h with twin parallel line in simultaneous operation.

[0183] Each independent screw press caught the plant fragments in their elevated hopper, dropping, as an example in a double-screw rotating opposite; screws were widened from entrance to exit and restrained by a back cone pressure device in order to force solid fragments on side screens, thus extracting green juice suspension by positive pressure on the fragmentscake forced on the screens surfaces. As such, green juice suspension was extracted to flow in a tank connected to a pump in order to pump green juice suspension to the chiller.

[0184] The pressed cake was the result of the 1stpressing (screw press; 2 in parallel) in the extraction, as shown in FIG.1. Ten (10) metric tons of pressed cake were further combined with about 2 m3of liquid (liquid being fresh water and / or recirculated process water). The rehydrated pressed cake, having a moisture content of about 70-80%, underwent a 2ndstage pressing (2ndstage screw press) in order to extract more compounds from the initial plants fragments (biomass). To do so, the pressed cake obtained from the 1ststage pressing (screw press) was rehydrated and fed into the top of the second train of press (e.g. screw press) using conveyors and / or distributors. If required, after observation of the presence of foam in excess, less than about 200 ppm of bio antifoaming agent (in vegetable oil) was added at the lower end of the screw chamber. The back cone device applied a pressure of about 90 psi to build a restriction on the pressed cake moving out to better extract the liquid fraction from the rehydrated pressed cake. Upon pressing the cake, a green juice suspension was obtained at a rate of about 2 to 5 cubic meters per hour, and a macrofibre fraction, comprising plant macrofibres, was obtained at a rate of about 6-7 metric tons per hour.

[0185] The green juice suspension free flowing in the press bottom tank comprises about 11-15% suspended solids, was at a temperature of less than about 30°C, had a bright green color and may comprise some residual foaming.

[0186] The green juice suspensions originating from 1ststage and the 2ndstage pressing, were mixed to provide a final suspension having about 8-20 % suspended solids. The combined green juice suspensions was at a temperature of less than about 30°C, had a bright green color and may comprise some residual foaming. At this stage, no preservative was added to the liquid fraction. The green juice suspension was subsequently pumped through a plates heat exchanger in order to cool down the green juice suspension to less than 4°C.

[0187] The macrofibre fraction (e.g. ruminant feedstock ready for ensilage) had a moisture content of about 63%, was at a temperature of less than 30°C and had a faded green color. The macrofibre fraction may have a shelf life of about 24 hours prior ensilage. The macrofibre fraction was deposited onto conveyors and trucked to outside silage facilities (e.g. biological, chemical and physical conditioning).Example 4 - Rapidly chilling to protect the green juice suspension

[0188] The green juice suspensions originating from 1ststage and the 2ndstage pressing was pumped through a plates heat exchanger in order to cool down the green juice suspension to less than 4°C. Without being bound to theory, rapidly cooling the green juice suspension, less than 60 minutes after harvesting, permits to protect the quality of the green juice suspension. As example, pigments (e.g. chlorophyll) and antioxidant levels are protected by an immediate chilling of the green juice suspension. Biomass initial temperature could be at an average of 25°C in peak summer period. Green juice suspensions at a temperature of about 25°C to 30°C after extraction were pumped in a plates heat exchanger to cool down instantly by glycol at 0°C, circulating in the inner section of the plates heat exchanger and itself cooling down by a glycol cooler from 5°C at the output of the plates heat exchanger and to 0°C after cooling, to allow a green juice suspension at 3°C + / - 2°C, with an average temperature mainly below 4°C.

[0189] Again, without wishing to be bound by theory, benefits of an instant cooling of the green juice suspension without delay include protection of the quality of the molecules and compounds included. Managing the juice at 30°C for an 8-hour period may be acceptable in order to preserve proteins and a large numbers of compounds, but very sensible molecules like pigments are still affected by temperature. Indeed, the content in chlorophyll in a final dry composition of chloroplasts extracted from green juice suspension at a remote / downstream facility no more than 8h after harvesting is about 1-1.5g of chlorophyll per 100g of material (g / 100g), whereas, when green juice suspension is chilled down at 4°C immediately after harvesting, the content in chlorophyll is about 2-3g chlorophyll / 100g of material.

[0190] Such a benefit is observed for some phospholipids, other pigments and antioxidant. The preservation of the quality of the green juice suspension itself, when chilled down to 4°C right after extracting in-the-field, was confirmed to maintain quality specifications of the product for more than 48h, up to 72h, as presented in FIG.3. Verification was done by checking quality of the different components and compounds existing in the dry final formulation, after complete and final isolation at the remote / downstream facility, when the green juice suspension was staying for period up to 24h, 48h, 72h in an isolated tanker, for example about 24h, and then transferred in chilled tanks at the remote facility for an additional 24h-48h. Final products characteristics are improved; as posted hereinaboved about the chlorophyll content; it is observed an advantage about antioxidant, phospholipids, and color. A comparison protocol was conducted to compare the intrinsic quality of the long lasting green juice suspension for two scenarios: infield processing, as described herein, compared to in-plant processing. In-plant processing means a 8h period having the biomass at a temperature between 20 and 34°C, extracting the juice atthe arrival at the plant, chilling right after and keeping the juice in chilled tanks up to 72 hours for experimentation. From our experience, the juice characteristics, for the juice obtained by in-plant processing moves rapidly negatively less than 24h after harvesting, based in change for color, odor and settling characteristics. For the in-field processing, the characteristics of the juice, stored in same chilled tanks, but being chilled right in the field, less than 1 hour after harvesting, stays quite similar from near extraction up to 72 hours after extraction. Table 1 present the differences for the two processing ways. As expected, degradation of the quality of the product occurs rapidly, within the first 8 hours at ambient temperature and the degradation continue even after chilling of the green juice. In the in-field scenario, rapid extraction of the green juice followed by rapid chilling, few minutes after harvesting, slow down the alteration processes right at the beginning and oxidation and decay stay slower for a longer period of time, up to 72 hour. From our experimentation, the green juice coming from the in-field processing scenario stay at a higher level of quality even 72 hours after harvesting, compared to the observations of the characteristics of the green juice achieved by the in-plant scenario, just 24h after the harvesting (see Table 1).Table 1.Long lasting green juice characteristics in front 2 different processing waysExample 5 - final food grade quality requires CIP

[0191] Processing at the field (in-field program) requires CIP (Clean-in-Place) procedure for all and each mobile equipment as it is required in plant food processing. Such procedure and equipment do not exist in-field in conventional agriculture practice, even for vegetable processing intended for direct human food. Mobile equipment to achieve the same does not exist, only portable systems exists but for exceptional in-facility procedures and could not be operating out of the facility and certainly not for in-field application.

[0192] Mobile CIP platform were moved to the in-field extraction site, at the same time than other extraction mobile platforms, in order to run a full CIP of all platforms and equipmentprior to any extraction on day #1. At the end of each daily production or after each 24h period if platforms are continuously in operation, a full CIP program, first rinsed with water followed by an acid washing, a caustic washing and a final rinse, was driven through all and each connection, equipment, conveyor, tank, tanker, silage box and harvester; such a full CIP program was about 2h long. Mobile processing equipment and mobile CIP platform have to be designed in order to permit efficient quick connecting and efficient automatic derivation in order to ensure that all and any line and volume are efficiently CIP managed, allowing for check-up and balance to provide quality reports to the clients and authorities.

[0193] Water temperature having to be as hot as 80°C, a water instant heater was also part of the mobile CIP platform. Acid and Caustic tanks, also part of the mobile CIP platform, were filled in the field, after installation of the mobile platform, and the used acid and caustic solutions after usage were stored in a special tank to be pumped out, conditioned and reclaimed at remote facility at the end of the day, or at the end of the parcel harvesting period when the mobile platforms are moved to the next agriculture parcel to be harvested.

[0194] As presented in FIG.2, lay-out must be optimized for industrial efficiency but also for the CIP procedure. It is desired that the connections having to be CIP wise, as example to be as short as possible, and the number of fittings, connectors and valves o be minimized to permit CIP of all and any length of connections and all and any surface and volume of equipment, part of the extraction processing. Lay-out also has to be optimized to permit circulation of silage box coming from the harvesting area to empty biomass (pant fragments) to the intake conveyors; to permit circulation of the juice tanker catching the chilled green juice suspension to transport to the downstream processing facility; and to allow the large capacity auto-discharging semi-trailer catching the ruminant feedstock to easily be moved to silage facilities.Conclusion

[0195] It was demonstrated that the amount of green juice suspension required to operate the downstream facility for 72 hours can be produced in 24 hours. It has been shown that quality green juice can be stored to produce quality end products for 72h (or 48+h) instead of 16h when not chilled in field. It has also been shown that transport in an insulated tank can be done over 300 km in 4 hours without any problems. The complete displacement of the systems including demobilization - transport - mobilization was also tested on several occasions (25+) and it was shown that this can be done in less than 24 hours.

[0196] While the applicant's teachings described herein are in conjunction with various embodiments for illustrative purposes, it is not intended that the applicant's teachings be limited to such embodiments as the embodiments described herein are intended to be examples. On the contrary, the applicant's teachings described and illustrated herein encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, without departing from the embodiments described herein, the general scope of which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A method for processing a Medicago spp plant biomass, the method comprising: harvesting the Medicago spp plant to provide the plant biomass; extracting, within a period of time after harvesting that is less than about 180 minutes, the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension; cooling to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 30 minutes, the green juice suspension to obtain a cooled green juice suspension; and maintaining the temperature of the cooled green juice suspension at about 0°C to about 8°C during transportation.

2. A method for in-field processing of a Medicago spp plant biomass, the method comprising: harvesting the Medicago spp plant to provide the plant biomass; extracting , in-field, the plant biomass to provide a green juice; cooling, in-field, to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, the green juice suspension to obtain a cooled green juice suspension; and maintaining the temperature of the cooled green juice suspension at about 0°C to about 8°C during transportation.

3. A method for processing Medicago spp plant biomass, the method comprising: extracting, within a period of time after Medicago spp plant harvest that is less than about 180 minutes, the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension; cooling to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 30 minutes, the green juice suspension to obtain a cooled green juice suspension; and maintaining the temperature of the cooled green juice suspension at about 0°C to about 8°C during transportation.

4. A method for in-field processing a Medicago spp plant biomass, the method comprising: extracting, in-field, a harvested Medicago spp plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension;and cooling, in-field, to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, the green juice suspension to obtain a cooled green juice suspension.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the extracting is carried out within the period of time after harvesting that is about 1 minute to about 150 minutes.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the extracting is carried out within the period of time after harvesting that is about 2 minutes to about 150 minutes.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the extracting is carried out within the period of time after harvesting that is about 2 minutes to about 120 minutes.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the extracting is carried out within the period of time after harvesting that is about 5 minutes to about 90 minutes.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the extracting comprises pressing the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension and a macrofibre portion.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising separating the green juice suspension from the macrofibre portion.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, further comprising rehydrating the macrofibre portion and submitting the rehydrated macrofibre portion to a second pressing and a second separation to provide a second green juice suspension and a second macrofibre portion; and optionally combining the second green juice suspension with the green juice suspension.

12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the extracting is carried out at a temperature of about 10°C to about 34°C.

13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the extracting is carried out at a temperature of about 10°C to about 25°C.

14. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the pressing and the separating is carried out at a temperature of about 10°C to about 34°C.

15. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the pressing and the separating is carried out at a temperature of about 10°C to about 25°C.

16. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the cooling is to a temperature of about 2°C to about 6°C.

17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the cooling is to a temperature of about 3°C to about 5°C.

18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the temperature during transportation is maintained at about 2°C to about 6°C.

19. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the temperature during transportation is maintained at about 3°C to about 5°C.

20. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 25 minutes.

21. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 20 minutes.

22. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 15 minutes.

23. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 10 minutes.

24. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 5 minutes.

25. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is about 1 minute to about 15 minutes.

26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is about 1 minute to about 10 minutes.

27. The method of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the harvesting comprises cutting the plant at a height of about 30 cm to about 70 cm.

28. The method of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the harvesting comprises cutting the plant at a height of about 40 cm to about 60 cm.

29. The method of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the harvested plant biomass has a leaf to steam ratio of about 1 :1 to about 1 :1.5, by weight.

30. The method of any one of claims 1 to 29, further comprising contacting the plant biomass with an antioxidant, an antimicrobial agent, an antifoaming agent, or combinations thereof.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the contacting with the antioxidant, antimicrobial agent, antifoaming agent, or combinations thereof is made from 1 minutes to about 2 hours after harvesting.

32. The method of any one of claims 1 to 31 , wherein the extracting comprises pressing in a screw press, or a hydraulic press.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the pressing exerts a pressure of about 400 kPa to about 800 kPa.

34. The method of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the temperature is maintained for a predetermined period of time of about 1 hour to about 72 hours.

35. The method of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the temperature is maintained for a predetermined period of time of about 2 hours to about 48 hours.

36. The method of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the temperature is maintained for a predetermined period of time of about 2 hours to about 24 hours.

37. The method of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the temperature is maintained for a predetermined period of time of about 2 hours to about 12 hours.

38. The method of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the Medicago spp plant is selected from Medicago sativa, Medicago falcata, Medicago polymorpha, Medicago lupulina, Medicago rugosa, Medicago cretacea, Medicago platycarpa, Medicago marina, Medicago rupestris, Medicago secundiflora, Medicago truncatula, and mixtures thereof.

39. The method of any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the Medicago spp plant is alfalfa.

40. The method of any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the green juice suspension comprises chloroplasts and microfibers having an average length of about 20-200 microns.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein at least about 70% of the chloroplasts are intact.

42. The method of claim 40, wherein at least about 75% of the chloroplasts are intact.

43. The method of claim 40, wherein at least about 80% of the chloroplasts are intact.

44. The method of claim 40, wherein at least about 85% of the chloroplasts are intact.

45. The method of claim 40, wherein at least about 90% of the chloroplasts are intact.

46. The method of claim 40, wherein about 70% to about 90% of the chloroplasts are intact.

47. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the macrofibre portion comprises macrofibres having an average length of about 10mm to about 100mm.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein at least 75% of the macrofibres have an average length of less than about 20mm.

49. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11 , 47 and 48, wherein the macrofibre portion has a moisture content of about 50 wt. % to about 75 wt. %.

50. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11 and 47 to 49, wherein the macrofibre portion has a saponin content of about 1.0 to 5.0 mg / g, on dry basis.

51. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11 and 47 to 50, wherein the macrofibre portion has a protein content of about 10 % w / w to about 30 % w / w on dry basis.

52. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11 , further comprising dewatering and / or conditioning the macrofibre portion.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the conditioning comprises mixing the macrofibre portion with an antioxidant, an antimicrobial agent, a nutritional supplement, an organic acid, a bacteria to accelerate fermentation, or combinations thereof.

54. The method of any one of claims 1 to 53, wherein the extracting is conducted by a mobile extracting unit.

55. The method of any one of claims 1 to 53, wherein the extracting is conducted by a mobile pressing unit.

56. The method of any one of claims 1 to 55, wherein the cooling is conducted by a mobile cooling unit.

57. The method of any one of claims 54 to 56, further comprising cleaning each of the mobile units.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the cleaning is conducted by a mobile cleaning unit.

59. The method of any one of claims 54 to 58, further comprising preparing a pad surface for receiving at least one of the mobile units.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein the pad surface is made of gravel, sand, or a mixture thereof.

61. A mobile system for processing of plant biomass, the system comprising: at least one mobile extracting unit for processing a harvested plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension; and at least one mobile cooling unit configured to be in fluid communication with the extracting unit for receiving, cooling, and storing the green juice suspension.

62. The system of claim 61 , further comprising at least one insulated unit configured for transporting the cooled green juice suspension.

63. The system of claim 61 or 62, wherein the at least one mobile extracting comprises at least one mobile pressing unit for pressing the harvested plant biomass to provide the green juice suspension and a macrofibre portion and separating the green juice suspension from the macrofibre portion64. The system of claim 63, wherein the at least one mobile extracting unit comprises a screw press or a hydraulic press that is mounted on a mobile platform.

65. The system of any one of claims 61 to 64, wherein the at least one mobile cooling unit comprises a heat exchanger that is mounted on a mobile platform.

66. The system of claim 61 or 65, wherein the at least one mobile extracting unit and the at least one mobile cooling unit are mounted on a same mobile platform.

67. The system of claim 61 or 65, wherein the at least one mobile extracting unit and the at least one mobile cooling unit are mounted on separate mobile platforms.

68. The system of claim 65, wherein the heat exchanger comprises cooling channels configured for circulation of a cooling fluid.

69. The system of claim 68, wherein the cooling fluid is chosen from dielectric fluids and glycol- based fluids.

70. The system of claim 68, wherein the cooling fluid is selected from propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, water, polyalphaolefin, and mixtures thereof.

71. The system of any one of claims 61 to 70, wherein the at least one mobile extracting comprises a first pressing unit and a second pressing unit, wherein the second pressing unit is configured for receiving a macrofibre portion, rehydrating the macrofibre portion, pressing and separating to provide a second green juice suspension and a second macrofibre portion.

72. The system of claim 71 , wherein the first pressing unit and the second pressing unit are configured to be received on a same mobile platform.

73. The system of claim 71 , wherein the first pressing unit and the second pressing unit are configured to be received on separate mobile platforms.

74. The system of any one of claims 61 to 73, further comprising a mobile cleaning unit for cleaning components of the system.

75. The system of claim 74, wherein the mobile cleaning unit is for food-grade cleaning.

76. The system of any one of claims 61 to 75, further comprising a storing unit for receiving the macrofibre portion.

77. The system of claim 76, wherein the storing unit is mounted on a further mobile platform.

78. The system of any one of claims 61 to 77, further comprising conveyors for moving products between units of the system.

79. The system of any one of claims 61 to 78, further comprising a power supply for powering various components of the system.

80. The system of claim 79, wherein the power supply is a mobile generator.

81. The system of claim 80, wherein the mobile generator is from renewable natural gas (RNG), natural gas, or diesel.

82. The system of any one of claims 61 to 81 , wherein each unit comprises quick connectors for connecting to other components of the system.

83. The system of any one of claims 64 to 67, 72, 73 and 77, wherein the mobile platforms are chosen from flat bed trailers, and low deck trailers.

84. The system of claim 83, wherein the mobile platforms have a maximum height of about 36 inches (0.91 m).

85. The system of claim 64, wherein the system is provided with a material for absorbing shocks between the press and the mobile platform.

86. The system of claim 65, wherein the system is provided with a material for absorbing shocks between the heat exchanger and the mobile platform.

87. A method for managing production of compositions comprising products extracted from Medicago spp, the method comprising: harvesting the Medicago spp plant to provide plant biomass; providing at least one mobile system in-field that comprises at least one mobile extracting unit and at least one mobile cooling unit;extracting, in-field, the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension; cooling, in-field, to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C, within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 30 minutes, the green juice suspension; transporting the green juice suspension to a manufacturing site while maintaining the green juice suspension to a temperature of about 0°C to about 8°C during transportation; and extracting products from the green juice within a period of time that is less than about 72 hours after the harvesting.

88. The method of claim 87, further comprising preparing a pad surface for receiving at least one of the mobile units.

89. The method of claim 88, wherein the pad surface is made of gravel, sand, or a mixture thereof.

90. The method of any one of claims 87 to 89, wherein the extracting comprises pressing the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension and a macrofibre portion and wherein the method further comprises separating the green juice suspension from the macrofibre portion and disposing of the macrofibre portion within the field.

91. The method of any one of claims 87 to 89, wherein the extracting comprises pressing the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension and a macrofibre portion and wherein the method further comprises separating the green juice suspension from the macrofibre portion and delivering the macrofibre to a remote site.

92. The method of any one of claims 87 to 91 , wherein transporting the green juiced suspension is carried out via a tanker truck.

93. The method of claim 92, wherein the tanker truck has capacity of about 2000 to about 40000 liters.

94. The method of claim 92 or 93, wherein the tanker truck has an average speed of about 50 to about 90 km I hour.

95. The method of any one of claims 87 to 90, wherein the extracting comprises pressing the plant biomass to provide a green juice suspension and a macrofibre portion.

96. The method of claim 95, further comprising separating the green juice suspension from the macrofibre portion.

97. The method of any one of claims 87 to 96, wherein the cooling is to a temperature of about 2°C to about 6°C.

98. The method of any one of claims 87 to 96, wherein the cooling is to a temperature of about 3°C to about 5°C.

99. The method of any one of claims 87 to 98, wherein the temperature during transportation is maintained at about 2°C to about 6°C.

100. The method of any one of claims 87 to 98, wherein the temperature during transportation is maintained at about 3°C to about 5°C.101 . The method of any one of claims 87 to 100, wherein the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 25 minutes.

102. The method of any one of claims 87 to 100, wherein the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 20 minutes.

103. The method of any one of claims 87 to 100, wherein the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 15 minutes.

104. The method of any one of claims 87 to 100, wherein the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 10 minutes.

105. The method of any one of claims 87 to 100, wherein the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is less than about 5 minutes.

106. The method of any one of claims 87 to 100, wherein the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is about 1 minute to about 15 minutes.

107. The method of any one of claims 87 to 100, wherein the cooling is carried out within a period of time after extracting that is about 1 minute to about 10 minutes.

108. The method of claim 87 to 107, wherein the Medicago spp plant is selected from Medicago sativa, Medicago falcata, Medicago polymorpha, Medicago lupulina, Medicago rugosa, Medicago cretacea, Medicago platycarpa, Medicago marina, Medicago rupestris, Medicago secundiflora, Medicago truncatula, and mixtures thereof.

109. The method of any one of claims 87 to 108, wherein the Medicago spp plant is alfalfa.

Images