Microwave‐Assisted Extraction of Fructooligosaccharides From Plantain Peel: Optimization Through Response Surface Methodology and Its Prebiotic Activity

Plantains are a commonly grown fruit crop, and around one‐third of their total weight, consisting of the peel, is usually thrown away as waste. This peel waste is rich in antioxidants and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), valuable for the food and pharmaceutical industries. The present study used microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) to extract FOS from plantain peel waste, optimizing the process through response surface methodology (RSM) using variables like microwave power, irradiation time, and solvent‐to‐solute ratio. Maximum yield (3.96%) of FOS from the peel was achieved by using 900 W microwave power with a 14:1 solvent‐to‐solute ratio for 6 min of irradiation. Chromatographic‐analysis revealed that nystose ( m / z 666.2218) was one of the components of the extracted FOS. Evaluation of the prebiotic potential of the FOS revealed that the growth of the probiotic Streptococcus thermophilus population was significantly enhanced as compared to other sources of carbon, which explains its role in functional foods.