Food waste as potential bioresources for extraction of carotenoid of nutraceutical importance: Current research and future challenges

Abstract

Carotenoids are lipid soluble natural pigments found in various plants, animals, and microbes giving them their yellow, orange, or red hue. Carotenoids have been linked to a variety of health benefits as bioactive compound including antioxidant properties, reduced risk of certain cancers, improved ocular and cardiovascular health, and improved immune function and skin health to name a few. The global volume of wastage of edible part of food is accounts as 1.3 billion tons and a sizeable portion of this wastage have significant amount of carotenoid content which can be utilized for industrial purpose and economical values. However, most of these wastes are used as animal feed, composting and land filling. Although, chemical synthesis of carotenoids is possible, it has several disadvantages including complex extraction process, high cost, and low yield of final product and environmental impacts and safety concerns. The present review focuses on advances in extraction of carotenoid using non-thermal technologies, such as ultrasound assisted extraction, supercritical CO2 extraction, and microwave assisted extraction, from various food wastes to utilize the waste. The green extraction of carotenoids from food waste materials is an area that has a lot of potential for future development. Using environmentally friendly extraction methods and utilizing food waste as a source of carotenoids, we can create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food production system.