Optimization of Alternative Techniques for the Extraction of Natural Pigments from Beetroot Waste

The increasing demand for natural compounds with functional properties in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries highlights the importance of sustainable sourcing. Beetroot, rich in betalains, with significant antioxidant potential, is a prime candidate for valorization, especially considering the considerable waste generated during its processing. Recovering these discarded materials not only reduces waste but also provides a valuable source of bioactive substances that can add significant value to various industries. This study focuses on optimizing ultrasound-assisted aqueous extraction (UAE), a versatile and environmentally friendly technology, for recovering these pigments. UAE offers several advantages, including reduced solvent usage, operational simplicity, and the ability to preserve the biological activity of extracted compounds, making it suitable for industrial implementation. Our experimental approach utilized a full factorial design to evaluate the influence of key variables: solvent type (water, ethanol, and 50% ethanol-water) and extraction time (20, 30, and 40 minutes), while maintaining a constant temperature. Following extraction, a sequential process of filtration, hydrodistillation, and oven drying was performed to separate and purify the bioactive compounds. Results consistently showed extraction yields ranging between 9% and 12% across all samples. These findings underscore the potential of UAE as an efficient method for extracting valuable natural pigments from beetroot waste, contributing to a more sustainable agri-food chain and creating new avenues for high-value product development.