Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Mandarin Peel: A Comprehensive Biorefinery Strategy

Mandarin peel is a valuable but underutilized source of numerous bioactive compounds. The main focus of this work was to develop an integrated two-step process for the subsequent extraction of polyphenols and carotenoids (step 1) and pectin (step 2) from mandarin peel by microwave-assisted extractio...

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Main Authors: Marina Jurić, Nikolina Golub, Emerik Galić, Kristina Radić, Luna Maslov Bandić, Dubravka Vitali Čepo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Antioxidants
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/6/722
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author Marina Jurić
Nikolina Golub
Emerik Galić
Kristina Radić
Luna Maslov Bandić
Dubravka Vitali Čepo
author_facet Marina Jurić
Nikolina Golub
Emerik Galić
Kristina Radić
Luna Maslov Bandić
Dubravka Vitali Čepo
author_sort Marina Jurić
collection DOAJ
description Mandarin peel is a valuable but underutilized source of numerous bioactive compounds. The main focus of this work was to develop an integrated two-step process for the subsequent extraction of polyphenols and carotenoids (step 1) and pectin (step 2) from mandarin peel by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), using only green solvents. This represents a novel, scale-up-suitable approach that might contribute to the improved revalorization of mandarin peel. Response surface methodology was used to maximize the yields of polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, as well as antioxidative activity (DPPH- and ABTS-radical scavenging capacity). The sample-to-solvent ratio and solvent type significantly influenced extractability of polyphenols and carotenoids, while extraction time and power were the key variables influencing pectin yield. Optimal extracts contained 21.76 ± 0.46 mg GAE/g of polyphenols (with 139.7 ± 2.28 mg/g and 703.62 ± 51.72 µg/g of tangeretin and nobiletin, respectively); 352.3 ± 17.4 µg/g of β-carotene and 273 ± 23 mg/g of pectin. MAE resulted in either higher yields, reduced extraction times or both, compared to conventional solvent extraction (CSE), depending on the target compound. The energy consumption of MAE was considerably lower, compared to CSE, in four out of five developed extraction procedures. Pectin obtained in the integrated two-step process had higher purity compared to pectin extracted from intact mandarin peel.
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spelling doaj-art-d15e30e115494ca8a6067f03692669082025-08-20T02:24:34ZengMDPI AGAntioxidants2076-39212025-06-0114672210.3390/antiox14060722Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Mandarin Peel: A Comprehensive Biorefinery StrategyMarina Jurić0Nikolina Golub1Emerik Galić2Kristina Radić3Luna Maslov Bandić4Dubravka Vitali Čepo5Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Ante Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaDepartment of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Ante Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaDepartment of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Ante Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaDepartment of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Ante Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaDepartment of Chemistry, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaDepartment of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Ante Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaMandarin peel is a valuable but underutilized source of numerous bioactive compounds. The main focus of this work was to develop an integrated two-step process for the subsequent extraction of polyphenols and carotenoids (step 1) and pectin (step 2) from mandarin peel by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), using only green solvents. This represents a novel, scale-up-suitable approach that might contribute to the improved revalorization of mandarin peel. Response surface methodology was used to maximize the yields of polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, as well as antioxidative activity (DPPH- and ABTS-radical scavenging capacity). The sample-to-solvent ratio and solvent type significantly influenced extractability of polyphenols and carotenoids, while extraction time and power were the key variables influencing pectin yield. Optimal extracts contained 21.76 ± 0.46 mg GAE/g of polyphenols (with 139.7 ± 2.28 mg/g and 703.62 ± 51.72 µg/g of tangeretin and nobiletin, respectively); 352.3 ± 17.4 µg/g of β-carotene and 273 ± 23 mg/g of pectin. MAE resulted in either higher yields, reduced extraction times or both, compared to conventional solvent extraction (CSE), depending on the target compound. The energy consumption of MAE was considerably lower, compared to CSE, in four out of five developed extraction procedures. Pectin obtained in the integrated two-step process had higher purity compared to pectin extracted from intact mandarin peel.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/6/722mandarin peelresponse surface methodologycarotenoidspolyphenolspectinbiorefinery approach
spellingShingle Marina Jurić
Nikolina Golub
Emerik Galić
Kristina Radić
Luna Maslov Bandić
Dubravka Vitali Čepo
Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Mandarin Peel: A Comprehensive Biorefinery Strategy
Antioxidants
mandarin peel
response surface methodology
carotenoids
polyphenols
pectin
biorefinery approach
title Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Mandarin Peel: A Comprehensive Biorefinery Strategy
title_full Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Mandarin Peel: A Comprehensive Biorefinery Strategy
title_fullStr Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Mandarin Peel: A Comprehensive Biorefinery Strategy
title_full_unstemmed Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Mandarin Peel: A Comprehensive Biorefinery Strategy
title_short Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Mandarin Peel: A Comprehensive Biorefinery Strategy
title_sort microwave assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from mandarin peel a comprehensive biorefinery strategy
topic mandarin peel
response surface methodology
carotenoids
polyphenols
pectin
biorefinery approach
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/6/722
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AT emerikgalic microwaveassistedextractionofbioactivecompoundsfrommandarinpeelacomprehensivebiorefinerystrategy
AT kristinaradic microwaveassistedextractionofbioactivecompoundsfrommandarinpeelacomprehensivebiorefinerystrategy
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