Comparative study of Polyphenol Extraction using Physical Techniques and Water as a solvent: A Sustainable Approach for the Valorization of Apple Pomace

Apple pomace is a common by-product of local apple processing industry. It mainly consists of a mixture of peels, pulp residues and seeds and has been demostrated as a potential source of bioactive polyphenols. Among these, Phloretin and Phloridzin revealed the greatest potential due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and possible applications as cosmeceuticals were explored. In this study, a sustainable approach for the valorisation of apple pomace by recovering these polyphenols through unconventional extraction methods and solvents is proposed. In order to replicate environmentally friendly operating conditions, Microwave-Assisted extraction and Ultrasound-Assisted extraction were performed at the laboratory scale as physical techniques and water was used as the extraction solvent.The results have been evaluated in terms of Total Polyphenol Content and preliminary characterisation analyses of the apple pomace samples were conducted. Statistical tools and kinetic modelling were employed to optimise the extraction process. Based on results obtained under optimal conditions, the extraction methods were compared and the one yielding the highest polyphenol content was selected. The findings of this study contribute to the sustainable utilization of apple pomace and offer insights into the potential applications of the recovered polyphenols as innovative natural nutraceutical adn dermatological products.