Upcycling Quince Peel into Bioactive Ingredients and Fiber Concentrates through Multicomponent Extraction Processes

Abstract

This study aimed to promote the total upcycling of quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) peel into bioactive extracts (BEs) and fiber concentrates (FCs). The multicomponent extraction processes were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with a 20-run experimental design, where the effects of time (1–120 min), temperature (25–95 °C), and EtOH percentage (0–100%) were combined. In addition to the extraction yields, BEs were analyzed for phenolic compounds, organic acids, and other water-soluble constituents, while FCs were characterized for their color and dietary fiber content. Statistically valid theoretical models were obtained by fitting these dependent variables to a quadratic equation and used to predict optimal extraction conditions. Those obtained for phenolic compounds and malic acid were experimentally validated, yielding 9.3 mg/g and 7.6 g/100 g of these bioactive constituents, respectively, and about 51% (w/w) FC. These BEs showed in vitro antioxidant activity and antimicrobial effects against foodborne fungi and bacteria, standing out in some aspects in relation to synthetic food additives, mainly the malic acid-enriched BE. Overall, the developed extraction processes allowed valorizing of quince peel in FCs and BEs that could be used as natural fortifiers or preservatives in the formulation of foods, beverages and dietary supplements.

Quince Pomace: A Source of Fiber Products and Polyphenols

“…Non-cellulose polysaccharides refer to the carbohydrates in a sample other than cellulose, including digestible sugars, starches, and other soluble and insoluble carbohydrates. Our results showed that the levels of TCC were slightly lower than the values reported in [7] from quince peels, which were determined using an enzymatic-gravimetric method. The highest levels of TCC and NCP were observed in the S_QPE-substrate of the quince pomace after treatment with ethanol.…”

“…Previous studies have investigated the properties of the fiber-rich products from quince (Cydonia oblonga) wastes after aqueous or ethanol extraction, but they did not evaluate the properties and possible applications of the resulting extracts [6,7]. A recent study analyzed the acetone extraction of C. oblonga fruits, but it did not characterize the resulting substrate [3].…”

“…A recent study analyzed the acetone extraction of C. oblonga fruits, but it did not characterize the resulting substrate [3]. Both extracts and the resulting substrates have been characterized for the peels of Cydonia oblonga but not of other by-products [1,8]. These peel extracts were shown to be rich in polyphenols and have significant antioxidant activity, and the substrate was found to be rich in fiber.…”

Investigation of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity of Cydonia oblonga Leaf on Breast Cancer (MCF-7) and Liver Cancer (HepG2) Cell Lines

“…Regarding the antimicrobial effect of the plant, gram negative bacteria were more sensitive to the extracts, while the extracts obtained from C. oblonga flour showed growth inhibitory effect on Aspergillus niger (A. niger) [41]. To promote the full reuse of this plant, biologically active extracts and fiber concentrates of the plant were extracted and found to exhibit in vitro antioxidant activity as well as antimicrobial activity against food borne fungi and bacteria, suggesting that various extracts of the plant could be pioneers in the use of natural preservatives in foods [42]. Dye was obtained from the extract of C. oblonga plant in order to work on recovery to nature and dyeing process was carried out with various chemicals as a coloring agent on wool.…”