Deep eutectic solvent-ultrasound synergy for simultaneous extraction-modification of Pyrus pyrifolia peel pectin and cellulose nanocrystals: multifaceted physicochemical and structural characterization

This study presents a novel cascade strategy utilizing deep eutectic solvent DES-ultrasound synergy for the simultaneous valorization of Pyrus pyrifolia peel waste, co-producing functional pectin and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). The optimized choline chloride-formic acid DES system (1:3 molar ratio, pH 2.3, 85 °C) yielded 13.02% pectin and 2.36% CNC, higher conventional acid extraction (8.77% pectin, 2.12% CNC).verify that this process enables continuous extraction. Through in-process demethoxylation, the extracted pectin was converted to low-methoxyl pectin (LMP), exhibiting enhanced gelling functionality suitable for reduced-additive food applications. Concurrently, sequential acid hydrolysis yielded high-purity CNC suitable for use as nano-reinforcements in biodegradable materials. This zero-waste approach establishes a green platform for agro-industrial residue valorization, aligning with circular economy principles. Graphical abstract