Title:
Process Optimization of Pectin Extraction from Opuntia Spp. and Characterization
Author(s):
Rodrigues, C., Rheinboldt, A.A.A., Souza, V.G.L., Coelhoso, I., Rashad, M., Pari, L., Outzourhit, A., Fernando, A.L.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Cactus (Opuntia spp.) is considered a promising crop to surpass the climate change effects in agriculture as it is a xerophytic plant which is particularly adapted to arid lands (e.g. Mediterranean area, including North Africa) and severely degraded soils that are unsuitable for traditional crops. The mucilage from the palms of the plant (cladodes) is rich in polysaccharides (especially pectin) capable to form viscous solutions with promising applications in the food industry and as edible films and coatings. Once the cladodes are poorly utilized, and considered as a by-product, the aim of this work was to optimize an efficient and sustainable method to extract pectin from this biomass to be used as a biobased material in a circular economy approach. Moreover, application of the extracted pectin to substitute fossil based products, e.g. plastics in the food packaging, will contribute to accomplish the targets of the European Green Deal in terms of reducing fossil-based packaging waste and reducing dependence on non-renewable, unsustainable resources, helping to decarbonize the economy. Extraction processes follow the succeeding route: (1) removal of cladodes outer layers; (2) washing/cutting, (3) mix with solvent, (4) centrifugation; (5) precipitation with ethanol; (6) drying. To optimize the extraction process, different solvents were tested (water, citric acid and acetic acid), as also different extraction parameters (extraction temperature and time, pH, among others). Preliminary results indicate that a yield (in dry basis) ranging from 7 to 15 %, can be obtained by using the different solvents at 80 ºC. Ultrasound combined with lower temperatures enhanced the extraction yield, improving the sustainability of the process. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that acidic solutions facilitate pectin extraction with a high esterification degree, rich in galacturonic acid units. Also, it can be concluded that the use of organic acids (e.g citric acid) avoids pectin depolymerization.
Keywords:
biobased products, biobased economy, biopolymers, circular economy, Opuntia spp.
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Agroforestry Residues and By-Products
Event:
29th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1BV.3.12
Pages:
194 - 198
ISBN:
978-88-89407-21-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/29thEUBCE2021-1BV.3.12
Price:
FREE
