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Bioactive pectic polysaccharides from bay tree pruning waste: Sequential subcritical water extraction and application
E Rincón1, E Espinosa2, M T García-Domínguez3
1Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Marie-Curie (C-3), CTRA. IV-A, Km 396, E-14014 Córdoba, Spain; Departamento de Química Inorgánica e Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Marie-Curie (C-3), CTRA. IV-A, Km 396, E-14014 Córdoba, Spain.
Bay tree pruning waste yields bioactive pectins for active food packaging. These pectin-chitosan films offer enhanced UV barrier, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, improving food preservation.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Agricultural waste, such as bay tree pruning waste, represents a potential source of valuable biomaterials.
- Polysaccharides, particularly pectins, are known for their functional properties applicable in food packaging.
- Chitosan-based films are explored for active food packaging due to their inherent antimicrobial properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extraction of bioactive polysaccharides from bay tree pruning waste.
- To develop pectin-enriched chitosan films for active food packaging applications.
- To evaluate the functional properties of these novel composite films.
Main Methods:
- Sequential subcritical water extraction was employed to isolate polysaccharides from bay tree pruning waste.
- Pectin-enriched fractions were incorporated into chitosan films.
- Characterization included optical, antioxidant, antimicrobial, water vapor permeability, and mechanical property assessments.
Main Results:
- Bioactive pectins with high molecular mass (10-100 kDa) were successfully extracted.
- Pectin-chitosan films exhibited enhanced UV-light barrier capacity (≥95%) and antioxidant activity (˃95%).
- Improved mechanical properties (Young's modulus +12%, stress resistance +51%) and maintained antimicrobial activity were observed.
Conclusions:
- Bay tree pruning waste is a viable source for extracting functional pectins.
- Pectin-chitosan composite films demonstrate promising triple-action (antioxidant, barrier, antimicrobial) for active food packaging.
- This approach offers a sustainable valorization of agricultural byproducts.
