Green extraction of carotenoids from mango peel wastes using hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents: A synergistic approach

Hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), composed mainly of fatty acids, were explored as a sustainable method for extracting carotenoids from mango peel waste. The caprylic:capric acid (3:1, C8:C10) and pelargonic:capric:lauric acid (3:1:1, C9:C10:C12) combinations achieved high yields of 99.17 ± 1.68 and 98.12 ± 0.78 /g dry weight, respectively. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize sonication time (15–30 min), microwave intensity (13.25–27.31 W/g), and microwave duration (1–3 min). The antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP) and color parameter were higher than those obtained using the conventional method. The extracts remained stable for 45 days at –18°C, and a switchable hydrophobic solvent enabled carotenoid recovery.