Optimization of Pectin Extraction from an indigenous variety of Musa acuminata peel from Karnataka using Response Surface Methodology

Purpose The current study aimed to optimise pectin extraction from the non-AIS (crude) sample variety of Musa acuminata (Yelakki) peel, which was conducted using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), using a citric acid-assisted extraction method. Methods The study was conducted with RSM to determine individual, quadratic, and interactive effects of process variables, namely concentration, extraction time, and temperature, on pectin yield were systematically evaluated. It was carried out based on a three-factor design to determine optimal conditions and statistically significant factors. Results The optimum conditions for extraction were found to be a concentration of 1.5%, an extraction duration of 90 minutes, and a temperature of 61.59°C with a desirability value of 0.616. In these conditions, the yield of pectin was determined to be 2.025%. Concentration, extraction time, and temperature revealed a statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) on pectin yield. The extracted pectin was categorized as high methoxyl pectin, exhibiting a DE of 53.49%, which is slightly lower than values typically reported for conventional sources. The degree of esterification remains within the acceptable range for HM pectin and contains Methoxyl content of 4.75% and Anhydrouronic acid of 50.45%, respectively. Conclusion The findings of the work suggest that non-AIS Musa acuminata (Yelakki) peel holds potential as a low-cost raw material for pectin production. Future studies may focus on enhancing pectin yield by using alternative extraction methods and further refining process parameters through optimization techniques using RSM, ANN or other statistical models.