Integrated Extraction of Carotenoids, Pectin, and Insoluble-Bound Ferulic Acid from Banana Peel

Banana peel, an abundant by-product rich in bioactive compounds, presents high functional and technological potential. Despite its potential, the industrial use of banana peel is limited by enzymatic browning. Thus, this study proposed an integrated sequential extraction process using Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) solvents and simple methodologies. With this approach, it was possible to recover high-value compounds, including (all-E)-lutein (338.05 µg/g DW), pectin (3.81 g/100 g DW), and ferulic acid (212.48 µg/g DW). In addition to maximizing recovery of bioactive compounds, the process preserved the residual lignocellulosic fraction, namely cellulose (23.14 g/100 g DW), hemicellulose (19.91 g/100 g DW), and lignin (29.63 g/100 g DW), suitable for further bioprocesses such as bioethanol production. The strategy demonstrated technological and economic feasibility, reducing operational steps, eliminating the use of chemical agents, and promoting full biomass utilization. The results confirm the potential of banana peel as a platform for obtaining natural and sustainable ingredients, aligned with the principles of biorefinery and the circular bioeconomy.