Optimization of the Extraction Process of Bioactive Compounds from Orange Peel Waste Using Subcritical Water

Ghasempour, Niloofar; Elhami Rad, Amir Hussein; Javanmardi, MAJID; Azarpazhooh, Elham; Armin, Mohammad

doi:10.22092/fooder.2026.368574.1416

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

¹ Group of Food Science and Industry, Ehad Sabzvar, University of Azad Islami, Sabzvar, Iran

² University of Azad Islami One Green Garden

³ Director of Food Industry and Processing Department - Iran Research Organization

⁴ Associate Professor Department of Agricultural Engineering Institute, Khorasan Razavi Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Address: P.O.Box 91735-488, Mashhad-Iran http://kanrrc.areo.ir Tel&amp;Fax(work)

⁵ Member of the academic staff of Islamic Azad University, Sabzevar branch

10.22092/fooder.2026.368574.1416

Abstract

This study aimed to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds (antioxidant and antimicrobial) from orange pomace, a byproduct of orange juice production. A Face-Centered CCD design was employed to maximize extraction yield, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity using subcritical water. Extraction temperature (120, 140, and 160°C) and time (20, 30, and 40 minutes) were selected as key variables. The optimal conditions, determined through modeling, were 142.87°C and 39.97 minutes. Under these conditions, the extraction yield reached 13.94%, total phenolic content (TPC) was 454.80 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per 100 g, and free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) was 51.78%. Verification experiments confirmed these results. Additionally, the extracted compounds exhibited strong antimicrobial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 10% and 5% against Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus niger, respectively, compared to 1% for fluconazole. This study highlights the efficiency of subcritical water extraction in recovering bioactive compounds from agricultural byproducts, emphasizing its potential as a sustainable and effective method for producing valuable bioactive materials.

Keywords

Main Subjects

بهینه سازی

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Food Engineering Research

Optimization of the Extraction Process of Bioactive Compounds from Orange Peel Waste Using Subcritical Water

References

References

Volume 25, Issue 1 - Serial Number 80
Spring & Summer
April 2026
Pages 1-20

Optimization of the Extraction Process of Bioactive Compounds from Orange Peel Waste Using Subcritical Water

References

References

Volume 25, Issue 1 - Serial Number 80Spring & SummerApril 2026Pages 1-20

Volume 25, Issue 1 - Serial Number 80
Spring & Summer
April 2026
Pages 1-20