Optimization and characterization of pectin extracted from sour orange peel by ultrasound assisted method

In this work, a Box-Behnken design (BBD) with three variables (ultrasound power, irradiation time and pH) in three levels was applied for pectin extraction optimization. The optimization process showed that the maximum extraction yield was 28.07 ± 0.67% in ultrasound power of 150 W, irradiation time of 10 min and pH of 1.5 (as optimum conditions). In these conditions, ash, moisture and protein contents of SOPP were 1.89 ± 0.51, 8.81 ± 0.68 and 1.45 ± 0.23%, respectively. HPLC analysis indicated that 65.3% of the extracted pectin was galacturonic acid and approximately 72% of total neutral sugars was galactose. The optimized pectin had a total phenolic content of 39.95 ± 3.13 mg gallic acid equivalents/g pectin, the surface tension of 46.56 ± 0.23 and 42.14 ± 0.61 mN/m in concentrations of 0.1 and 0.5%w/v, water holding capacity and oil holding capacity of 3.10 ± 0.12 and 1.32 ± 0.21 g water or oil/g pectin with a suitable emulsifying and antioxidant properties. In addition, SOPP with degree of esterification of 6.77 ± 0.43% was classified as low methoxyl pectin, which confirmed by FTIR and 1H NMR analysis. •Ultrasound-assisted extraction of sour orange peel pectin (SOPP) was optimized.•The optimal condition was power of 150 W, irradiation time of 10 min and pH of 1.5.•The extraction yield and DE were 28.07 ± 0.67% and 6.77 ± 0.43% in optimum condition.•HPLC, 1H NMR, FTIR and XRD analysis were used to determine the pectin structure.•The obtained pectin had a good emulsifying and antioxidant activity.