Production, Extraction, and Applications of Eco-Enzyme Derived from Citrus Fruit WasteIf you are interested in products related to the research phase in this field, please contact for further inquiries.
Eco-Enzymes represent a groundbreaking innovation in the field of bio-environmental protection. These multifunctional solutions are derived from the fermentation of citrus fruit waste, transforming what is typically discarded into a valuable resource. The production process involves a careful blend of citrus peels, brown sugar, and water, fermented over several months to yield a complex, dark brown liquid rich in various enzymes and metabolites. This liquid not only reduces waste but also offers a wide range of applications, from cleaning and gardening to promoting plant growth.
Fig 1. Formation of Eco-Enzyme: (a) mixture in air air-tight container, (b) white layer formed after two weeks, (c) brown crude filtrate after 3 months. (Vama L. A. P. S. I. A., et al., 2020)
Citrus peels, such as those from sweet limes, oranges, and lemons, are collected from local vendors and juice shops. These peels are thoroughly washed under running tap water to remove any dirt or contaminants. The peels are then chopped into small pieces to increase the surface area for fermentation.
The chopped citrus peels are mixed with a solution of 500 grams of brown sugar dissolved in 5 liters of water. This mixture is placed in an airtight plastic container and incubated for three months. During the initial phase, the mixture is stirred daily to release gases produced by fermentation. In the second month, the solution is mixed once every two weeks, and in the third month, it is mixed once in the middle of the month. This careful stirring process ensures proper fermentation and the development of the desired enzymes and metabolites.
Enzyme Assay
Metabolite Identification
Eco-Enzyme is rich in various metabolites, including flavonoids, alkaloids, quinones, saponins, and cardenolides. These compounds contribute to the solution's multifunctional properties.
| Alkaline Reagent Test | A sample of Eco-Enzyme is treated with a 20% NaOH solution. The intense yellow color changes to colorless upon the addition of dilute HCl, confirming the presence of flavonoids. |
| Wanger's Reagent Test | The Eco-Enzyme sample is treated with Wanger's reagent, resulting in a reddish-brown precipitate, indicating the presence of alkaloids. |
| Keller Test | The sample is treated with glacial acetic acid and FeCl3 solution, followed by the addition of concentrated H2SO4. A brown ring at the interface confirms the presence of deoxy sugars, characteristic of cardenolides. |
| Ferric Chloride Test | The Eco-Enzyme extract is treated with 5% ferric chloride. The formation of a deep blue color indicates the absence of phenols. |
| Foam Test | The sample is vigorously shaken with water. The formation of foam indicates the presence of saponins, which are natural detergents. |
| Quinones Test | The sample is treated with concentrated HCl. The formation of a yellow precipitate confirms the presence of quinones. |
The acetic acid content in Eco-Enzyme is quantified by titrating the sample against 1M NaOH. The presence of phenolphthalein indicator turns pink, indicating the endpoint. The Eco-Enzyme contains approximately 0.084 mL of acetic acid per 10 mL, making it acidic. This acidity can be neutralized by dilution.
Eco-Enzyme exhibits antimicrobial properties against various bacteria, including Pseudomonas spp., E. coli, and Bacillus spp. The highest antimicrobial activity is observed against Bacillus spp., with an 18 mm zone of inhibition. This property makes Eco-Enzyme a natural alternative to chemical disinfectants.
Eco-Enzyme significantly enhances plant growth. In experiments, seedlings treated with Eco-Enzyme showed a generation time of 6 days, compared to 9 days for untreated seedlings. The seedlings treated with Eco-Enzyme also exhibited greater vigor, indicating that Eco-Enzyme can be a valuable addition to organic gardening.
Eco-Enzyme is a multi-purpose product derived from kitchen waste, offering significant ecological benefits. It reduces waste, minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, and promotes sustainable living. By repurposing citrus fruit peels, Eco-Enzyme provides a natural, eco-friendly solution that aligns with the principles of the circular economy.
Eco-Enzyme represents a remarkable innovation in the realm of sustainable living. By transforming citrus fruit waste into a versatile solution, it offers a multitude of benefits, from enhancing plant growth to serving as an effective cleaning agent. Its production is cost-effective, and its applications are diverse, making it a valuable addition to any household or garden. As we strive for a more sustainable future, Eco-Enzyme stands as a shining example of how waste can be repurposed into something incredibly useful and eco-friendly.
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Reference
This article is for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.
