Microwave-assisted extraction of pectin from grape pomace

The utilization of microwave technique for the pectin extraction from grape pomace (Feteasca Neagra and Rara Neagra), its influence on yield, galacturonic acid content, degree of esterification and molecular weight of pectin were analyzed. The optimal conditions of the extraction process were microwave power of 560 W, pH of 1.8 for 120 s. The pectin samples extracted by MAE in optimal conditions were analyzed by comparing with commercial apple and citrus pectin based on FT-IR analysis, thermal behavior, rheological characteristics and microstructure. The FT-IR analysis established the presence of different functional groups which are attributed to the finger print region of extracted pectin, while the rheological behavior presented a good viscoelasticity of pectin solutions. The obtained data assumes that grape pomace has a great potential to be a valuable source of pectin which can be extracted by simple and quick techniques, while maintaining analogous quality to conventional sources of pectin.