Trends in dragon fruit peel compound extraction and technological applications

Background

The natural compounds extracted from the pulp of the dragon fruit have been extensively studied. However, dragon fruit peel is often discarded despite being a rich source of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, antimicrobials, pectin, and mucilage, which have various potential applications.

Scope and approach

This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of methods for extracting bioactive compounds, pectin, and mucilage from dragon fruit peel, investigating their functional properties and exploring their possible applications in various sectors and industries, such as encapsulation and films or packaging. Furthermore, recent studies have examined the potential of these compounds for reducing environmental impacts, especially in terms of waste and water treatment.

Key findings and conclusions

The results highlight the effectiveness of advanced extraction methods, such as those using citric acid, ultrasound, and microwaves, in maximizing the yield of natural compounds. Additionally, these compounds can improve food properties, such as shelf life and antioxidant capacity. The analysis also emphasizes the role of dragon fruit peel in waste and water treatment due to its effectiveness in adsorbing organic and inorganic pollutants. Therefore, dragon fruit peel offers a wide field of scientific and technological exploration, but significant challenges must be addressed to optimize its utilization and promote further studies on extraction, application, and innovation methods.