The present work introduces a sustainable strategy for biowaste valorization through the extraction and functionalization of biopolymers from Citrus limetta (bergamot) peel using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). A green NADES system composed of citric acid, glucose, and water (1:1:2 molar ratio) enabled an efficient extraction of polysaccharides, achieving a maximum yield of 28.11%. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization by SEC, GC-MS, FTIR, NMR, UV-Vis, and DSC confirmed the biopolymer's suitability for advanced material design. Rheological analyses revealed strong intermolecular interactions and ion-mediated structuring, particularly in the presence of CaCl2, while NaCl reduced viscosity through electrostatic screening. The extracted polysaccharides were subsequently processed into biodegradable films, plasticized either with glycerol (FPCG) or NADES (FPCN). The NADES-plasticized films exhibited enhanced antimicrobial performance, improved mechanical stability, and superior structural integrity, highlighting the multifunctionality of NADES as both extraction and plasticizing agents. This study provides a circular and eco-efficient pathway for converting citrus waste into high-value biopolymers, offering a new class of NADES-engineered biomaterials suitable for additive manufacturing, sustainable packaging, and biomedical applications.
Green extraction of Citrus limetta pectin using NADES and its application in chitosan-based eco-friendly films
Adele Papetti;
2026-01-01
Abstract
The present work introduces a sustainable strategy for biowaste valorization through the extraction and functionalization of biopolymers from Citrus limetta (bergamot) peel using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). A green NADES system composed of citric acid, glucose, and water (1:1:2 molar ratio) enabled an efficient extraction of polysaccharides, achieving a maximum yield of 28.11%. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization by SEC, GC-MS, FTIR, NMR, UV-Vis, and DSC confirmed the biopolymer's suitability for advanced material design. Rheological analyses revealed strong intermolecular interactions and ion-mediated structuring, particularly in the presence of CaCl2, while NaCl reduced viscosity through electrostatic screening. The extracted polysaccharides were subsequently processed into biodegradable films, plasticized either with glycerol (FPCG) or NADES (FPCN). The NADES-plasticized films exhibited enhanced antimicrobial performance, improved mechanical stability, and superior structural integrity, highlighting the multifunctionality of NADES as both extraction and plasticizing agents. This study provides a circular and eco-efficient pathway for converting citrus waste into high-value biopolymers, offering a new class of NADES-engineered biomaterials suitable for additive manufacturing, sustainable packaging, and biomedical applications.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
