Аннотация:Extraction of pectin from pequi peel using microwave heating was investigated in this study. Pectin extraction was optimized by a central composite rotational design varying microwave power, extraction time and temperature. Pectin yield ranged from 9.91 to 20.79 g/100 g. Temperature and microwave power significantly affected the yield of pectin extraction employing citric acid, with the highest yield obtained at 108 °C and 600 W. The obtained pectins were of high degree of esterification and the microwave-assisted extraction yields were comparable to other relevant sources of pectin with significantly shorter extraction times, thus confirming the potential of pequi peels as sources of high grade pectins and the extraction technique as quite suitable for such endeavor.
