Recovery of carotenoids as bioactive compounds from peach pomace by an eco-friendly ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction

Abstract The industrial processing of fruits generates by-products. These by-products serve as a source of valuable bioactive compounds. In this study, carotenoid was extracted from peach pomace (PP) by using the ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE), an eco-friendly method. The process conditions ensuring the highest carotenoid content and b* color value for UAEE were detected by response surface methodology (RSM). To demonstrate the effectiveness of the ultrasonic process, enzymatic extraction was carried out at the optimum point. Physicochemical (pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids), color ( L*, a*, b*, chroma value (ΔC) and color difference (ΔE), total phenolic compound (TPC) and antioxidant activity analyses (ABTS and FRAP) were carried. When the analysis results evaluated, the highest b * color parameter, TPC (761.10 mg gallic acid/L), ABTS (1933.33 mg Trolox/L) and FRAP (52.66 µmol Trolox/L) results of the extracts was observed with UAEE method. The study shows that ultrasound based upon the cavitation event was increased efficiency of enzymatic reaction with higher extraction yield and this provided in higher amounts of carotenoid and bioactive compounds. In other respects, when obtained carotenoid extracts are used in food formulations compatible with their acidic structure, they will contribute to protection of the product and minimizing color losses.