Abstract
Green extraction is aimed at reducing energy consumption by using renewable plant sources and environmentally friendly bio-solvents. Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is a rich source of flavonoids (e.g., hesperidin) and limonoids (e.g., limonin). Manufacturing of lime products (e.g., lime juice) yields a considerable amount of lime peel as food waste that should be comprehensively exploited. The aim of this study was to develop a green and simple extraction method to acquire the highest yield of both limonin and hesperidin from the lime peel. The study method included ethanolic-aqueous extraction and variable factors, i.e., ethanol concentrations, pH values of solvent, and extraction temperature. The response surface methodology was used to optimize extraction conditions. The concentrations of limonin and hesperidin were determined by using UHPLC-MS/MS. Results showed that the yields of limonin and hesperidin significantly depended on ethanol concentrations and extraction temperature, while pH value had the least effect. The optimal extraction condition with the highest amounts of limonin and hesperidin was 80% ethanol at pH 7, 50 °C, which yields 2.072 and 3.353 mg/g of limonin and hesperidin, respectively. This study illustrates a green extraction process using food waste, e.g., lime peel, as an energy-saving source and ethanol as a bio-solvent to achieve the highest amount of double bioactive compounds.
Highlights
Plant extract is one of the main ingredients in functional food, dietary supplements and herbal medicine
We demonstrated a good example of green extraction by utilizing food waste such as lime peel as a plant source and by using ethanol–water as a bio-solvent to achieve the highest amount of double bioactive compounds, i.e., limonin and hesperidin
This study demonstrated that lime peel obtained as food waste from a lime juice factory could be a potential renewable plant source for limonin and hesperidin—a rich extract
Summary
Plant extract is one of the main ingredients in functional food, dietary supplements and herbal medicine. A green extraction concept has been proposed as a desirable approach to save energy, reduce environmental problems, and promote sustainable development [1]. To obtain limitless and energy-saving plant sources for extraction, clean waste from the food industry can be a good candidate. To promote responsible consumption and production, according to the sustainable development goals, such a significant amount of food waste from lime use should be managed and comprehensively exploited. Utilizing food waste such as the lime peel reduces environmental problems and adds commercial value to limes [4]
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