Research in Plant Metabolites

Research in Plant Metabolites

Study of Pectin Extraction Methods: From Traditional Approaches to Advanced Technologies

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Faramarz Khodaiyan
Seyed Saeid Hosseini
Department of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences Engineering, College of Interdisciplinary Science and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/jrpsm.2025.535438.1082
Abstract
Pectin is a widely used plant polysaccharide predominantly found in the plant cell wall, exhibiting varying structural and functional properties depending on its source and extraction method. This article provides a comprehensive review of different approaches for extracting pectin from commercial and non-commercial sources, with a focus on the importance of the source type and extraction method. Initially, conventional extraction methods such as acidic, alkaline, and aqueous extraction are examined. Although these methods are simple and common, they face limitations due to high energy consumption, use of corrosive materials, and the potential degradation of pectin structure. Subsequently, novel methods including microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound, enzymes, pulsed electric fields, ohmic heating, high pressure, plasma, and subcritical water extraction are reviewed. Each of these techniques has been developed with the aim of improving yield, reducing processing time, preserving pectin structure, and minimizing chemical usage, while requiring specialized equipment and precise optimization conditions. This article, through an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each method, demonstrates that the selection of the extraction technique depends on factors such as the type of plant source, intended application, sensitivity of the extracted composition, cost, environmental considerations, and available infrastructure. This article can serve as a suitable guide for choosing the optimal pectin extraction method in various industrial and research applications.
Keywords
Microwave
Ultrasound
Electric field and Subcritical water
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