<i>Opuntia ficus-indica</i> Pruning Waste Recycling: Recovery and Characterization of Mucilage from Cladodes

The present work focuses on the proximate physical and chemical profile of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage, mechanically extracted from cladodes, a waste pruning in traditional organic cactus pear orchards Italy (San Cono, Sicily). mechanical extraction increased mucilage yield to 30% dry weight. Physical characterization concerns pH, viscosity, free acidity density, useful for emulsifying capacity. Spectrophotometric analysis was applied assess total carbohydrates, proteins, uronic acids, polyphenols content antioxidant DART-MS SEM-EDX were performed evaluate functional components relative amounts minerals, respectively. From main results by-product, addition preponderant carbohydrates content, shows high concentration calcium potassium fair amount health-promoting phytochemicals, which make it good candidate different type industrial applications.