Work

Integral Extraction of Opuntia ficus-indica Peel Bioproducts via Microwave-Assisted Hydrodiffusion and Hydrodistillation

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: The microwave-assisted hydrodiffusion extraction process affords high quality pectin and betanin from the peel of red and green Opuntia ficus-indica fruits under mild conditions. An aqueous mixture of valued bioproducts is readily obtained from the fruit peel cell water itself, without any water addition. The integral extract can be used as such to formulate nutraceutical beverages and products or, upon straightforward separation, to isolate pectin and betanin devoid of chemical contaminants suitable as ingredients for products ranging from food and beverage to cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors. Betanin shows exceptional stability thanks to the high amounts of antioxidant polyphenols in the extract. Here, we describe the simple extraction process and present spectroscopic characterization of the extracts from red and green Opuntia ficus-indica peel.

Source: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering

DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b00502

Authors: Rosaria Ciriminna, Alexandra Fidalgo, Giuseppe Avellone, Carmelo Danzì, Giuseppe Timpanaro, Mattia Locatelli, Diego Carnaroglio, Francesco Meneguzzo, Laura M. Ilharco, Mario Pagliaro

Institutions: Institute of Nanostructured Materials, University of Lisbon, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Palermo, University of Catania, Istituto di Biometeorologia

Language: English

Topic: Botanical Research and Applications

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2932335243

FWCI: 2.698

Cites: 40

Cited by: 40

Related to: 10