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Red pitaya (Hylocereus costaricensis) peel as a source of valuable molecules: Extraction optimization to recover natural colouring agents

2021; Elsevier BV; Volume: 372; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131344

1873-7072

Custódio Lobo Roriz, Sandrina A. Heleno, Maria José Alves, M. Beatriz P.P. Oliveira, José Pinela, María Inês Días, Ricardo C. Calhelha, Patrícia Morales, Isabel C.F.R. Ferreira, Lillian Barros,

Botanical Research and Applications

Hylocereus costaricensis peel contains large amounts of betacyanins and can be exploited as a source of natural colorants. This work aimed the chemical characterization and evaluation of bioactive properties of this by-product and the optimization of the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of betacyanins using the response surface methodology (RSM). Oxalic and malic acids and traces of fumaric acid were detected, as well as the four tocopherol isoforms, predominantly γ-tocopherol. Four betacyanins were identified and used as response criteria for UAE optimization, namely phyllocactin, isobetanin, isophyllocactin, and betanin. Sample processing at 487 W for 38 min result in the maximum betacyanin content (36 ± 1 mg/g dw). The peel extract inhibit the oxidative haemolysis, with IC50 values of 255 and 381 μg/mL for Δt of 60 and 120 min, respectively, and the growth of pathogenic bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 5 to 20 mg/mL. Furthermore, no toxicity was observed for normal cells.