Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Carotenoids from Ripe Papaya (Carica papaya) Powder: Kinetic Yield and Bioactive Profile Characterization

Abstract:

This study optimized the processing configurations for ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to isolate bioactive carotenoids and structural polyphenols from dried ripe papaya (Carica papaya) powder using an aqueous ethanol system. The independent processing parameters were systematically monitored across three extraction temperatures (45°C, 55°C, and 65°C) and four discrete contact intervals (15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes). The optimal operating benchmark was established at 55°C for a processing duration of 25 minutes, achieving a maximum gravimetric extraction yield of 87.50 ± 0.02%. Detailed biochemical profiling of the pure extract under these optimized parameters revealed high baseline densities of target lipophilic pigments and functional bioactive components: a β-carotene content of 85.315 ± 0.02 mg/100g, a lycopene content of 55.568 ± 0.02 mg/100g, a total phenolic content (TPC) of 205.70 ± 0.03 mg/100g, and an overall free-radical scavenging capacity of 25.00 ± 0.02%. The empirical evidence confirms that localized acoustic cavitation effectively disrupts the rigid matrix framework of the fruit powder, introducing a highly efficient, ecologically sustainable, and clean-label processing technique for generating high-value functional botanical ingredients tailored for modern food applications.