A. Di Mauro et al., Recovery of hesperidin from orange peel by concentration of extracts on styrene-divinylbenzene resin, J AGR FOOD, 47(10), 1999, pp. 4391-4397
This paper describes a new procedure for obtaining hesperidin from the wast
e orange peel of the citrus industry. It is based on the adsorption of dilu
te extracts of hesperidin on a styrene-divinylbenzene (SDVB) resin and the
desorption in much more reduced volumes by means of alkaline eluents. Hespe
ridin immediately precipitates with good yield and high purity after acidif
ication of the concentrated solutions, thus overcoming disadvantages due to
the high dilution. Different experiments were carried out to examine opera
ting conditions in each phase of the process. Hesperidin was extracted from
peel with an aqueous saturated Ca(OH)(2) solution, allowing precipitation
of calcium pectates from colloidal pectins that can interfere in the subseq
uent phases of adsorption and separation of hesperidin. The clear extracts
were neutralized to optimize adsorption on resin. The most effective eluent
was 0.5 N NaOH solution containing 10% ethanol. Recycling of the crystalli
zation liquor improved the yield and purity of the product and reduced the
acid amount required for neutralizing fresh alkaline extracts. Resin must b
e washed after each adsorption-desorption cycle and regenerated after five
cycles. Results can constitute a useful starting point for an industrial ap
plication. A flow scheme of the process is also reported.