Combination of cold plasma and sonication for efficient carotenoid extraction from Capsicum annuum L.: Optimization, mechanism exploration, and food application

The combined cold plasma and sonication extraction (CPSE) was proposed for carotenoid extraction from Capsicum annuum L. wastes. CPSE was optimized based on response surface methodology, realizing the highest total carotenoids content of 45.24 ± 0.97 mg/100 g. UPLC-APCI-MS/MS confirmed 27 carotenoids in extracts, with lutein palmitate being the predominant compound. The carotenoid extracts (50 mg/mL) conveyed strong DPPH (77.45 % ± 0.61 %) and ABTS (89.60 % ± 1.69 %) radical scavenging capabilities. Compared with the control group, the acid and peroxide values decreased to 0.12 ± 0.03 mg/g and 0.022 ± 0.003 g/100 g in the extracts groups, respectively. The extraction mechanism involves cold plasma pretreatment disrupting the external structure of CPs, followed by sonication-assisted release of carotenoids, driven by hydrogen bonding interactions and conforming to the second-order kinetic model. Fried with carotenoid extracts improved visual and textural attributes of potato strips. This study is conducive to the value-added application of food waste.