Extraction of cell wall pectins and hemicellulose from agro-industrial wastes: A sustainable alternative source

Carbohydr Polym. 2025 Jan 1:347:122769. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122769. Epub 2024 Sep 18.

Abstract

The efficient repurposing of agro-industrial waste has significantly enhanced the utilization of food resources. This study aims to propose a methodology for extracting cell wall polysaccharides from residues of mango (Mangifera indica), passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), and cashew (Anacardium occidentale). Polysaccharide fractions were obtained through sequential extraction protocols involving water, cyclohexane-trans-1,2-diamine tetracetate (CDTA), sodium carbonate:CDTA, and potassium hydroxide. These fractions were categorized as water-soluble pectin (WSP), CDTA-soluble pectin (CSP), sodium carbonate-soluble pectin (SSP), and hemicellulose (HC), respectively. Each polysaccharide fraction was characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). Monosaccharide composition was determined using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). NMR spectra of WSP, CSP, and SSP fractions exhibited characteristic pectin features, while the HC fraction primarily comprised hemicellulose. Consequently, the proposed methodology demonstrates potential as a standardized protocol for the extraction of pectin and hemicellulose from various food sources.

Keywords: Polysaccharide extraction; Repurposing of agro-industrial residues; Tropical fruits; Waste reuse potential.

MeSH terms

  • Anacardium / chemistry
  • Cell Wall* / chemistry
  • Industrial Waste*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods
  • Mangifera / chemistry
  • Pectins* / chemistry
  • Pectins* / isolation & purification
  • Polysaccharides* / chemistry
  • Polysaccharides* / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Pectins
  • hemicellulose
  • Polysaccharides
  • Industrial Waste