Statistical approach to investigate the effect of vibro‐fluidized bed drying on bioactive compounds of muskmelon (Cucumis melo) seeds

Muskmelon seeds hold tremendous potential to be utilized as a source of bioactive compounds as these seeds are discarded as waste during melon processing. Hence, the present study aims to optimize the process parameters of a vibro‐fluidized bed drying i.e., temperature (40–60°C), vibration strength (0.55–1.23), and air velocity (7–11 m/s) on bioactive compound of muskmelon seeds. Maximum retention total phenolic content (977.56 mg GAE/100 g), total antioxidant activity (47.84% DPPH reduction), oil yield (50.40%), and linoleic acid content (39.54%) were obtained at optimal conditions of 54.20°C drying temperature, 10.98 m/s air velocity, and 1.23 vibration intensity with the desirability of 0.917. The effect of temperature in comparison to air velocity and vibration strength is predominant on bioactive compounds retention. Practical applications Muskmelon seeds have been recognized as the proficient source of essential oils and bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and antioxidants, due to which they hold an immense potential to be utilized as a nutritional source in the food and pharmaceutical industries. From optimization of vibro‐fluidized bed drying process of muskmelon seeds, it has been confirmed that intervention of vibration in fluidization could produce high‐quality dried seeds. Vibro‐fluidized bed dryer can be implemented as an alternative drying method to reduce drying time, processing costs, and provide a better quality of the product.