Unlocking the Potential of Rompin MD2 Pineapple Peel: Optimizing Operational Parameters for Enhanced Pectin Extraction Efficiency

Abstract

The disposal of fruit processing waste presents a global challenge, with pineapple skin (Ananas comosus) offering potential as a valuable byproduct rich in dietary fiber. This study aimed to extract and characterize pectin, a soluble dietary fiber (SDF), from Rompin MD2 pineapple skin using acid extraction. A 32 factorial design was applied to assess the effects of pH (1.5 and 2.0), temperature (70°C and 80°C), and extraction time (60 and 70 min). The extracted pectin was dried using a vacuum desiccator method and evaluated for yield (%, w/w). The highest yield of dried pectin powder, 3.81 ± 1.81% (w/w), was obtained at pH 2.0, 80°C, and 70 min. Although this yield is lower than some reported values, it reflects the influence of extraction conditions and sample type. Toxicity was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA), where LC₅₀ values decreased from 415.48 ± 0.41 µg/mL (6 h) to 101.084 ± 0.55 µg/mL (12 h), likely due to residual solvents. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the functional groups of the extracted pectin matched those of analytical grade pectin (galacturonic acid), including O─H, C─H, C═O, and C─O bonds. HPLC-RI analysis confirmed similar retention times between the sample and standard, with the extracted pectin concentration calculated at 262.01 ± 2.45 µg/mL. These findings highlight the potential of pineapple peel pectin as a structurally comparable alternative to commercial pectin, pending further purification for food applications.