Endo-xylanase and endo-cellulase-assisted extraction of pectin from apple pomace

• Degradation of xylans is crucial for efficient pectin extraction from apple pomace.
• 50 U endo-xylanase per gram apple pomace ensures 19.8% pectin extraction efficiency.
• 50 U endo-cellulase per gram apple pomace provides 15% pectin extraction efficiency.
• Cooperation of cellulase and xylanase decreases pectin extraction efficiency.
• Mass and composition of pectin extracted with cellulase and xylanase are different.

Pectins were extracted from apple pomace with monoactive preparation of endo-xylanase and endo-cellulase. The process was conducted for 10 h in conditions of pH 5.0 at 40 °C, with constant shaking. Endo-xylanase application resulted in the highest extraction efficiency of pectins (19.8%). The obtained polymer was characterised by a very high molecular mass, high level of neutral sugars – mainly arabinose, galactose and glucose, and very high DM (73.4). It also contained the highest level of protein and phenols. Pectin extracted with endo-cellulase had 1.5 fold lower molecular mass but contained significantly more GalA (70.5%) of a high degree of methylation (66.3%). The simultaneous application of both enzymatic preparations resulted in their cooperation, leading to a decrease of both the extraction efficiency and the molecular mass of pectin. However, this pectin was distinguished by the highest GalA (74.7%) and rhamnose contents.