Polyphenol-enriched pectin from pomegranate peel: multi-objective optimization of the eco-friendly extraction process

CELINA PODETTI; MATHIAS RIVEROS-GÓMEZ; MARÍA CELIA ROMÁN BARÓN; DANIELA ZALAZAR GARCÌA; MARÍA PAULA FABANI; GERMÁN MAZZA; ROSA RODRÍGUEZ

MOLECULES

Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute - MDPI

Lugar: Basel; Año: 2023 vol. 28 p. 1 - 16

1420-3049

Abstract: A multi-objectiveoptimization was performed using response surface methodology, to obtain a highvalue-added product, pectin enriched in polyphenols, from pomegranate peel. Forthis purpose, a green extraction technique that combines citric acid andultrasound was carried out considering three variables: time, pH, andtemperature. The extraction procedure was optimized using the Box-Behnkendesign, being the most suitable conditions, with an extraction time of 34.16minutes, a pH of 2.2, and a temperature of 89.87 °C. At this point, the pectinyield was 31.89 %, with a total retained polyphenol content of 15.84 mg GAE/gpectin. In addition, the water activity, ash content,equivalent weight, methoxyl content, and degree of esterification weredetermined for pectin obtained at the optimal point. This studydemonstrates that polyphenol-enriched pectin can be obtained from pomegranatepeel by an eco-friendly and efficient method and that it presents similarproperties to commercial pectin, preserving its quality, and with potential useas an ingredient or food supplement with high nutritional value. This workcontributes to developing sustainable strategies to valorize pomegranateagro-industrial waste and produce high-value functional ingredients.