Optimization of process parameters in acoustic cavitation mediated extraction of pectin from Prosopis juliflora pod peel and its analytical characterization

Telluric plant waste contains a large volume of pectin, a versatile colloidal polysaccharide used as a thickener in jellies and jams. This work investigates a unique method for extracting pectin from the mesquite plant, specifically the Prosopis juliflora pod peel (PJPP), using the strong technique of acoustic cavitation. The Acoustic Cavitation-Mediated Pectin Extraction (ACMPE) technique was rigorously optimized with the Response Surface Methodology's face central-composite design. Key process variables such as liquid-to-solid ratio, temperature, reaction duration, and pH were thoroughly investigated to maximize yield. The procedure produced a maximum of 18.84% pectin under ideal conditions: a liquid-to-solid ratio of 18.8 mL/g, an ultrasonic reaction temperature of 65 degrees C, a reaction time of 26 min, and a pH of 1.5. The extracted pectin was thoroughly characterized, indicating a high moisture content, flavonoid presence, reducing sugars, phenolic content, and lack of antinutritional characteristics. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy validated the functional group makeup of pectin. These impressive results establish PJPP as a highly promising and sustainable source of pectin production with enormous potential for industrial applications. This study not only confirms the efficacy of the ACMPE technique but also demonstrates Prosopis juliflora's untapped potential as a valuable resource in pectin extraction.