Optimizing the Homogenizer‐Assisted Extraction (HAE) of Total Phenolic Compounds from Banana Peel

Abstract

Homogenizer‐assisted extraction (HAE) was employed in the recovery of total phenolic compounds (TPC) from banana peel. The effects of ethanol concentration (20–70%, v/v, EC) and the solid–solvent ratio (2.5–7.5%, w/v, SSR) on the TPC extraction from banana peel were evaluated using response surface methodology. The best TPC extraction conditions from banana peel were defined as ethanol concentration of 54% (v/v) and solid–solvent ratio of 7.5% (w/v). The HAE in optimum conditions was able to extract a high TPC content (2.44 g GAE/100 g dw) from banana peel with just 30 s of extraction. In addition, the extract showed high antioxidant activity in the different assays used (DPPH IC 50, TEAC and T‐ORAC FL). HAE can be employed in the safe, fast and low environmental impact extraction of antioxidant compounds from plant material. Furthermore, banana peels can be considered as a renewable and low‐cost source of antioxidant compounds. Practical Applications: Extraction of antioxidants from banana peel using HAE presents more potential than traditional extraction methods, due to a lot of decrease of extraction time (30 s), low energy expenditure as the system is not heated and also the use of GRAS solvent (water : ethanol). The banana peel extract obtained in optimal conditions presents high potential, for example, it can be applied as preservatives in the food and beverage, besides others uses in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The banana peel is a cheap plant material and available throughout the year; therefore, it is an excellent raw material for the extraction of natural compounds. The use of banana peel to obtain antioxidant extracts is a practical alternative for increasing the value of this by‐product.