Effects of particle sizes on structural and physicochemical properties of pomelo peel powders

Abstract

The structural and physicochemical properties of pomelo peel powders with different particle sizes were investigated. The MasterSizer and scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that three pomelo peel powders with different particle sizes were successfully prepared via jet milling, of which the average diameters (d(90)) were 53.43 ± 0.49, 27.73 ± 0.13, and 20.15 ± 0.17 µm. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and low field nuclear magnetic resonance analysis indicated that the functional groups of pomelo peel powders were not affected by particle size; while the crystal region, proportion of immobile water (A22) and free water (A23) decreased with reduced particle size. The decrease in the proportion of immobile water and free water resulted in reduced solubility and water‐holding capacity of pomelo peel powders with the smallest particle size. Our findings suggest that the desirable properties of pomelo peel powders can be designed by appropriate particle size. Practical application The study investigated the structural and physicochemical properties of pomelo peel powders with different particle sizes. The data indicated that the desirable properties of pomelo peel powders can be designed by appropriate particle size. The study may be useful for the utilization of pomelo peels as a raw food material.

Characterization and Functionality of Cellulose from Pomelo Fruitlets by Different Extraction Methods

“…Anhydrous ethanol was adopted as the dispersant, stirring speed was 800 r/min, and determining temperature was 25 °C. The values of D [4,3] , D [3,2] , d (10) , d (50) , d (90) , and the specific surface area were recorded, where D [4,3] is the volume-weighted diameter, D [3,2] is the surface-weighted diameter, and d (10) , d (50) , and d (90) represent the average diameter at which 10%, 50%, and 90% of the particles are smaller, respectively [ 12 , 22 ].…”

“…Pomelo, a specialty citrus fruit, is abundantly harvested in Fujian Province, China [ 12 , 13 ]. Pomelo fruitlets are mainly generated from the pomelo growth process, the state of hormones in the reproductive organs, and removal of old or young leaves.…”

Physicochemical properties and structure characterization of microcrystalline cellulose from pomelo fruitlets

“…fruitlets and commercial MCC as reported previously (Zheng, Hong, et al, 2021). Samples were frozen, sublimated, gilded with current of 40 mA, subsequently observed with SEM under accelerating voltage of 3.0 kV.…”

“…Pomelo fruitlets contain fiber rather than pulp. In general, it is discarded during cultivation, causing 200,000–350,000 tons of waste every year (He et al, 2022; Zheng, Hong, et al, 2021). Our previous study found that pomelo fruitlets are an ideal raw material to extract cellulose via ultrasonic assisted alkaline hydrogen peroxide hydrolysis, of which the yield is 15.79 ± 1.18% (He et al, 2022).…”

“…Merr . ], one of citrus fruit, is mainly cultivated in Jiangxi, Fujian, Hunan, and Guangdong Province, China (He et al, 2022; Liu et al, 2021; Wei et al, 2021; Zheng, Hong, et al, 2021). Pomelo fruitlets contain fiber rather than pulp.…”