Abstract

This study investigates the impact of two different drying techniques and two extraction protocols on the recovery and bioactivity of phytochemicals present in kinnow (Citrus reticulata) and mosambi (Citrus limetta) peels. The fruit peels were collected from Jaipur, Rajasthan, and were processed using sun drying and tray drying methods, then subjected to conventional solvent extraction and ultrasonication using various solvents including 50% methanol, 50% ethanol, water, and a 1:1 methanol-ethanol mixture. The extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant potential via 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and yeast. The results indicate that tray drying followed by ultrasonication with a 50% methanol produced the most potent extracts in terms of both antioxidant and antimicrobial efficacy. This work supports the use of citrus peel waste as a low-cost, sustainable source of natural bioactive compounds for potential application in food preservation and nutraceuticals.

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