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Optimization of Biomimetic Fermentation Technique for Enhanced and Eco-Friendly Extraction of Phenolics From Pomegranate Peel Publisher



Vafajoo A1 ; Sabahi H1 ; Ebrahimi SN2 ; Ahmadikia K3
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, North Kargar Av., Tehran, 1439957131, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Evin, Tehran, 1983969411, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Enqelab Sq., Tehran, 1417613151, Iran

Source: Bioresource Technology Reports Published:2024


Abstract

In this research, we mimicked pomegranate orchard conditions for Aspergillus growth on powdered pomegranate fruit waste (PFW) to extract and purify phenolic compounds. Pomegranate's high ellagitannin content makes it attractive to Aspergillus sp., whose spores are abundant in these environments. Four experiments were conducted with varying PFW:water ratios (1:2.5, 1:5, 1:7, and 1:10), aeration, agitation, and incubation times. The 1:10 ratio achieved the highest antioxidant activity (256.34 mg GAE/g DM) and total phenolic content (300.3 mg GAE/g DM) after 48 h of fermentation, comparable to advanced chemical methods. PCR analysis identified Aspergillus tubingensis, and mycotoxin measurements showed no detectable aflatoxins or ochratoxin A, confirming extract safety and purity. This study introduced a pioneering, natural method for phenolic extraction. Additionally, the very higher protein content of fermented extract (1.18 %) compared to the non-fermented extract (0.03 %), suggests its potential as an attractive topic for future investigations as source of food industrial enzymes. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd