Optimization and characterization of pectin extracted from hawthorn by deep eutectic solvent.

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Green Chemistry
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Pectin is a valuable polysaccharide with diverse applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
• Traditional pectin extraction methods often involve harsh chemicals and energy-intensive processes.
• Developing sustainable and efficient extraction techniques is crucial for pectin production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of deep eutectic solvent (DES) for extracting hawthorn pectin.
• To compare DES extraction with conventional acid extraction (AE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE).
• To characterize the physicochemical properties of pectin extracted using DES.

Main Methods:

• Hawthorn pectin was extracted using DES under optimized conditions (choline chloride:urea ratio 1:3, 30% water, 80°C, 60 min, pH 1).
• Extraction yields were compared with AE and UAE.
• Pectin properties including degree of esterification, monosaccharide composition, microstructure (SEM), chemical structure (FTIR), and rheology were analyzed.

Main Results:

• DES extraction achieved a high yield of 4.33% ± 0.02% hawthorn pectin under optimal conditions.
• DES extraction resulted in a higher yield, lower degree of esterification, and distinct monosaccharide composition compared to AE and UAE.
• DES-extracted pectin exhibited a fine microstructure, coarser surface, unchanged chemical structure, and lower apparent viscosity.

Conclusions:

• Deep eutectic solvent (DES) is a promising green solvent for efficient hawthorn pectin extraction.
• DES offers advantages over traditional methods, including higher yield and desirable physicochemical properties.
• The findings support the broad application prospects of DES in pectin extraction and related biomaterial processing.