Apple pomace (AP) is a byproduct of juice processing, rich in nutritionally important compounds like carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, dietary fiber, and minerals. It is a potential feedstock for sugar-based biorefineries. This study explored AP physicochemical and bioactive compounds and their hydrolysis to extract fermentable sugar. Results showed that AP had a below-neutral pH, moisture, acidity, and ash. The AP contained crude fiber (27.22%), total sugar (36.75%), and reduced sugar (12.22%). The extracts contained minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron, boron, and zinc. A GC-MS study analyzed the phytochemicals present in AP extracts, revealing prominent antibacterial activity. The optimal conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis were found to be 1 mg/g substrate of cellulase and pectinase at 50°C and pH 5.0 at 24 h of incubation. Enzymatically hydrolyzed AP showed a high yield of reducing sugar (38.33%) compared to non-hydrolyzed AP (12.22%). The study suggests that AP, currently discarded as industrial bio-waste, is still a source of phytochemicals with significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Centre of Advanced Innovation Technologies VSB Technical University of Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic

Department of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Health Jimma University Jimma Ethiopia

Department of Pharmacy Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University Gopalganj Bangladesh

Division of Research and Development Lovely Professional University Punjab India

Faculty of Medicine University of Porto Porto Portugal

Life and Health Sciences Research Institute School of Medicine University of Minho Braga Portugal

School of Bioengineering and Food Technology Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences Solan Himachal Pradesh India

School of Biological and Environmental Sciences Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences Solan Himachal Pradesh India

School of Water Energy and Environment Cranfield University Cranfield UK

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