Functional investigation and applications of the acetylesterase activity of the Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck peel

Abstract

The hydrolysis of acetyl moieties on a set of commercially relevant substrates was performed by employing the whole tissue of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck peel as an efficient biocatalyst in mild reaction conditions with high degree of regioselectivity. The reaction is done in aqueous media and the product is easily recovered. Optimal reaction conditions were deduced and two practical applications were investigated: the elaboration of acetylglicerols and the preparation of vitamin K₁ precursor. Peel waste (flavedo and albedo) from orange juice manufacturing was successfully employed as a biocatalyst.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Citrus sinensis
• acetate hydrolysis
• enzymatic biocatalysis
• acetins
• vitamin K1

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Financial supports from “Fondo di Finanziamento della Ricerca di Ateneo (FFR2018)” and PON a3_00053-PLASS are gratefully acknowledged. ¹H (400 MHz) and ¹³C (100 MHz) NMR data were provided by Centro Grandi Apparecchiature – UNINetLab - Università di Palermo funded by P.O.R. Sicilia 2000-2006, Misura 3.15 Quota Regionale.