High-methylated pectin from walnut processing wastes as a potential resource: Ultrasound assisted extraction and...

The ultrasound-assisted extraction of pectin from walnut processing waste was optimized by Box-Behnken design. The highest extraction yield (12.78 ± 0.83%) was obtained at ultrasound power of 200 W, sonication time of 10 min, pH of 1.5 and LS ratio of 15 v/w. The resulting pectin in these conditions was rich in galacturonic acid (69.44%) and was high in degree of esterification (59.21%) which was confirmed by NMR and FTIR spectra. In addition, the molecular weight distribution analysis showed that the obtained pectin had a heterogeneous natural with low molecular weight (6.30-158.48 kDa). The XRD spectrum of the walnut pectin showed an amorphous structure with few crystalline portions. Furthermore, walnut green husk pectin had good emulsifying properties, water and oil holding capacities, and radical-scavenging activity. Given that the obtained result, the extraction of pectin from this by-product in addition to being able to reduce environmental problems, it can also provide financial benefits for the walnut production sector.