Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Polysaccharides from Opuntia ficus-indica Fruit Peel and Their Antioxidant Activity

Abstract

Valorization of agricultural by-products into functional bioactive compounds is an important strategy for enhancing sustainability and resource-use efficiency. This study focuses on the optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from Opuntia ficus-indica fruit peel and the evaluation of their antioxidant activity. Extraction parameters, including ultrasonic power, extraction time, temperature, and solvent ratio, were systematically varied to determine optimal conditions for maximizing polysaccharide yield and functional properties. The results indicated that ultrasonic-assisted extraction significantly improved extraction efficiency compared to conventional methods by enhancing cell wall disruption and mass transfer. Optimized conditions yielded a higher concentration of polysaccharides with desirable physicochemical characteristics. The extracted polysaccharides exhibited notable antioxidant activity, demonstrated through free radical scavenging capacity and reducing power assays, indicating their potential as natural antioxidants. The functional properties of these compounds are attributed to their structural composition and bioactive constituents. While analytical techniques were used to optimize extraction conditions and characterize antioxidant activity, the primary focus remained on agricultural waste utilization and value addition. The findings highlight the potential of Opuntia ficus-indica fruit peel as a valuable resource for developing natural antioxidant products. This study contributes to sustainable agriculture by promoting the efficient use of crop residues, reducing waste, and supporting the development of eco-friendly, value-added products with applications in food, health, and related industries.