Effects of pulsed electric field-assisted treatment on the extraction, antioxidant activity and structure of naringin

Naringin is a bioactive compound that exists abundantly in the by-product of citrus fruits processing. The effects of various pulsed electric field (PEF) treatments (2?10 kV/cm, 10?50 pulses) on the extraction yield of naringin from the white capsule of pomelo peel were investigated. Results showed that PEF treatment could significantly enhance the extraction yield of naringin, in particular at the electric field intensity of 4 kV/cm and pulses of 30, the extraction yield was increased by 20% compared with non-PEF treatment. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of naringin was assessed by the assay of DPPH radical scavenging rate (RSA). Results showed that different PEF treatments had diverse effects on RSA values, which may be attributed to the changes in the structure of naringin under PEF treatments. This was confirmed by the results from scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, showing that PEF treatment changed the conformation of naringin without its degradation. These findings suggested that PEF treatment of appropriate intensity was a promising method to enhance the extraction of naringin from the white capsule of pomelo peel, and provided a basis for modifying the physicochemical properties of naringin in the future.

Automated summary

Pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment significantly improves the extraction yield of naringin from pomelo peel, with specific effects observed at an electric field intensity of 4 kV/cm and 30 pulses. Different PEF treatments impact the antioxidant activity of naringin, possibly due to changes in its structure. PEFF treatment alters the conformation of naringin without degradation, showing promise for enhancing extraction efficiency and modifying physicochemical properties in the future.