Biotechnological Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction for Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis) Peel Polysaccharides: Physicochemical Characterization and Their Potent Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities
Xiaobo Fan, Jiahao Huang, Bing Zhang, Jiayi LiBackground:
Passion fruit peel (PFP) is an underutilized agricultural by-product rich in bioactive polysaccharides. This study aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of polysaccharides from PFP (PFPPs) and evaluate their physicochemical, functional, and biological properties.
Methods:
A Box–Behnken design combined with response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize extraction parameters (ultrasonic power, temperature, and time). The physicochemical characterization included monosaccharide composition analysis by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection, as well as water-holding capacity (WHC) and oil-holding capacity (OHC). Antioxidant activities were assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and reducing power activity. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against
Results:
The optimal extraction parameters were established as 82°C, 151 min, and 175 W, resulting in a maximum yield of 9.11 ± 0.013%. PFPPs were identified as an acidic heteropolysaccharide primarily composed of glucose (33.24%) and galacturonic acid (32.63%), exhibiting substantial WHC (2.84 ± 1.27 g/g) and OHC (3.35 ± 1.08 g/g). PFPPs demonstrated robust
Conclusions:
Moderate ultrasonic degradation enhances the accessibility of active functional groups in PFPPs, promoting their potential as high-value functional ingredients for the food and pharmaceutical industries.