Waste Management of Apple Pomace: Extraction of Antimicrobial Molecules Using Green Technologies

This review focuses on the utilization of apple waste for antimicrobial applications, aiming to enhance its value. The use of sub- and supercritical fluids for extracting biological molecules is emphasized as a promising eco-extraction technology. The study highlights the significant antimicrobial activities observed in the extracts obtained from apple waste. Furthermore, the influence of extraction and storage conditions on the chemical profile and biological activity of these extracts is discussed. Supercritical CO₂ extraction was found to produce higher quality extracts compared to conventional methods, primarily due to the absence of air and light. To maintain the chemical and biological properties of the extracts, it is crucial to carefully control the pretreatments, drying processes, and storage conditions of the apple waste. Lastly, this review explores the potential enhancement of biological activities through physicochemical functionalization methods.