Hydrolysis of flavanones from orange peel and evaluation of anticancer potential using naringinase immobilized on corn cob powder

The management of waste from global orange production represents an environmental and economic challenge. In this study, the extraction of flavanones from orange peel albedo was optimized as a sustainable and economical alternative to purified substrates. The extracts obtained, rich in naringin, narirutin, hesperidin, neohesperidin and rutin, were enzymatically hydrolyzed by the naringinase complex, whose α-L -rhamnosidase and β-D -glucosidase activities transformed these compounds into prunin and naringenin. Their effect was evaluated in cell viability assays in the SW480 line, identifying compounds with potential biological activity in colon cancer prevention. Purification of naringinase increased its affinity for α-L -rhamnosidase activity, while its immobilization in corn cob powder allowed improving its reusability and stability, retaining up to 75 % of its initial activity after 10 consecutive cycles. By using whole extracts without purification, this study proposes a more viable and scalable approach for the valorization of citrus waste for biological purposes. • Freeze-drying improved yield (5.45 ± 0.02 mg/g) and preserved compounds using 75 % methanol within 30 min. • Purified naringinase showed better α -L-rhamnosidase selectivity, ideal for prunin production. • Immobilized enzyme retained 72 % activity after 8 weeks at 4 °C and stayed active througth 10 reuse. • Albedo flavanones and hydrolyzed naringin showed strong anticancer effects on SW480 cells (IC50 ≤ 0,25 mg/mL).