Dual-frequency ultrasonic-assisted extraction of pumpkin polysaccharides: Process optimization, structural characterization, and antioxidant activity

Pumpkin polysaccharides (PP) possess valuable bioactivities, yet conventional extraction suffers from low efficiency and structural degradation. In this study, dual-frequency ultrasound-assisted extraction (DF-UAE, 20/40 kHz) was applied to enhance PP extraction efficiency and to elucidate frequency-dependent extraction mechanisms. Compared with hot-water extraction (HWE), DF-UAE achieved a 1.78-fold higher extraction yield (21.55 vs. 12.11 g·100 g -1 ) and a 1.54-fold greater total sugar content. Response surface optimization yielded 40.51 ± 0.35 g·100 g -1 . DF-UAE reduced specific energy consumption by a factor of 0.9 and CO 2 emissions by 0.9, with an estimated industrial payback period of 8 months.…

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  Department of Science and Technology of Jilin Province