Green Extraction of Anthocyanins from Red Dragon Fruit Peel Using Choline Chloride-Urea Deep Eutectic Solvents: A Sustainable Valorization Strategy Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This study proposes a sustainable extraction strategy for anthocyanins from red dragon fruit peel using a choline chloride:urea (1:2) deep eutectic solvent (DES) system, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 3, 9, and 12. Extraction conditions were optimized through Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology, targeting temperature (25-45 °C), phase ratio (0.5-2), and solid-liquid ratio (1:10-50 g/mL). The optimal parameters (33°C, 1:1.7 phase ratio, and 48:1 mg/mL solid–liquid ratio) achieved a 99.5% yield (29.15 mg/100 g) of total anthocyanins, outperforming conventional techniques. The FTIR confirmed the structural integrity of both DES and anthocyanins, with hydrogen bonding facilitating efficient solubilization under mild, non-degradative conditions. This environmentally friendly method transforms agricultural waste into high-value antioxidants, advancing circular bioeconomy principles. The approach offers scalable potential for application in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, reinforcing responsible production practices while promoting innovation in green extraction technologies.