Comparative study on phytochemical extraction from passion fruit wastes using ultrasound and supercritical fluid extraction

The agricultural and food industries produce many byproducts that are rich in natural antioxidants with potential health benefits. This study aims to extract bioactive compounds from the yellow passion fruit rind (YPFR), with therapeutic properties like antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant activity. In this study, phytochemical extraction was performed using supercritical fluid extraction with CO2 and 10% ethanol as co-solvent (SC-ET), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with 65% ethanol. Both methods were compared for extraction yield, phytocomponents, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity. Phytochemical analysis showed significant phenolic, flavonoid, and carotenoid contents in extracts, contributing to its increased antioxidant activities. SC-ET exhibited higher flavonoid and carotenoid concentrations, however, UAE yielded higher phenolics. These support higher antioxidant capacity in SC-ET compared to the UAE during the Global Antioxidant Score (GAS). GC-MS identified 75 compounds in UAE extracts and 47 in SC-ET extracts, whilst HPLC profiling indicated higher phenolic and flavonoid contents in SC-ET extracts, demonstrating SFE's selectivity and UAE's broader compound extraction range. Both extracts showed significant antibacterial activity, with SC-ET being more potent. These findings revealed the potential of using passion fruit peel to extract bioactive compounds for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, promoting sustainable waste management and resource recovery.