Evaluation of parameters affecting the process of extraction pectin from red flesh dragon fruit peel

Pectin is a type of structural fiber found in the primary cell wall and an intracellular layer of plant cells mainly in fruits. Red flesh dragon peel contains a high content of pectin, which is a potential source of substrates for pectin extraction. This study aimed to find the suitable parameters for pectin extraction from red flesh dragons to contribute to limiting agricultural waste while increasing economic profits for farmers. Pectin was extracted with a hydrochloric acid solvent and investigated under the following conditions: Concentration of HCl acid (0.1 M, 0.032 M, 0.01 M), material size (D < 1 mm, 1 < D < 5 mm), material/solvent ratio (1/10, 1/20, 1/30 (g/mL)), microwave capacity (100 W, 300 W) and heating time (5 min, 10 min, 15 min). The obtained pectin content is the highest when extracting under the following conditions: HCl acid concentration 0.032 M, material size D < 1 mm, material/solvent ratio is 1/20 (g/mL), microwave power 100 W, and heating time is 15 min. Under these conditions, the pectin yield reached 17.61%, the degree of esterification index = 51.41%. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 3rd Symposium on Industrial Science and Technology 2021