Extraction optimization and physicochemical properties of pectin from melon peel.

In this study, acidic extraction (citric acid) was used for the extraction of pectin from melon peel. A central composite design (CCD) was applied to study the effect of temperature (35–95 °C), time (40–200 min), pH (1–3) and solvent to sample ratio (10–50 v/w) on the yield and degree of esterification (DE). The results showed that the yield and DE ranged from 2.87 to 28.98% and 1.33–29.33%, respectively. Also, the highest extraction yield (29.48 ± 1.7%) was obtained under optimal conditions (pH of 1, temperature of 95 °C and ratio of 10 v/w after 200 min). The protein, ash, carbohydrate and galacturonic acid content of pectin obtained under optimal conditions were about 1.5, 3.5, 10 and 48%, respectively. Rheological experiments determined that melon peel pectin dispersions behaved as a weak gel at concentrations of 1%w/v. The emulsifying activity was 35% and also, the emulsion stability was higher at 4 °C than at 23 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]