Chemical and Photochemical Profiles of Selected Vietnamese Fruit By-Products
Lê Xuân Sơn
Phu Yen Vocational College, Tuy Hoa Award, Đăk Lăk 560000, Vietnam.
Nguyễn Duy Nhứt
Institute of Oceanography, VAST, Nha Trang Award, Khánh Hòa 570000, Vietnam.
Nguyễn Đình Thuất *
Institute of Oceanography, VAST, Nha Trang Award, Khánh Hòa 570000, Vietnam.
Nguyễn Văn Long
Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, 140 Lê Trọng Tấn Street, Tay Thanh Award, Ho Chi Minh 700000, Vietnam.
Nguyễn Duy Linh
Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, 12 Nguyễn Văn Bảo, Hạnh Thông Ward, Ho Chi Minh City-700000, Vietnam and Department of Science and Technology, Lam Dong Province, 36 Trần Phú Street, Xuân Hương - Đà Lạt Award, Lâm Đồng 660000, Vietnam.
Đặng Thị Thanh Tuyền
Graduate University of Science and Technology, VAST, 18 Hoàng Quốc Việt street, Cầu Giấy Award, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam and Caty Food Company Limited, 104 Chu Văn an Street, Bình Thạnh Award, Ho Chi Minh City-700000, Vietnam.
Đặng Xuân Cường
Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, 140 Lê Trọng Tấn Street, Tay Thanh Award, Ho Chi Minh 700000, Vietnam.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study characterized the chemical, mineral, and photochemical properties of underutilized tropical fruit by-products in Vietnam—banana pseudostems, dragon fruit peels, and durian husks—to assess their potential in biomaterials, nutraceuticals, and circular agriculture.
Study design: Experimental cross-sectional compositional analysis with international benchmarking.
Place and Duration of Study: Ho Chi Minh University of Industry and Trade, Vietnam. Samples were collected from U Minh Thượng (An Giang), Bình Thuận, and Đắk Lắk.
Methodology: Freeze-dried and ground samples were analyzed for proximate composition, minerals, polyphenols, carotenoids, and betalains using AOAC methods, HPLC–DAD, and UV–Vis/fluorescence spectroscopy. All analyses were performed in triplicate (n = 3).
Results: Banana pseudostems were rich in cellulose (38.4%) and hemicellulose (22.5%), highlighting their suitability as lignocellulosic feedstocks. Dragon fruit peels contained betalains (2.45 ± 0.12 mg/g DW) and polyphenols (12.4 mg GAE/g DW), confirming strong antioxidant and pigment potential. Ri6 durian husks exhibited distinct carotenoid and phenolic acid profiles, with elevated calcium (355 mg/100 g DW) and phosphorus (138 mg/100 g DW). Photochemical assays revealed UV-absorbing activity of banana phenolics, photolability of dragon fruit betalains, and stability of durian carotenoids. Comparative analysis with India, Thailand, and Malaysia confirmed Vietnamese samples fall within global ranges while demonstrating cultivar-specific advantages.
Conclusion: These findings highlight Vietnamese banana pseudostems, dragon fruit peels, and Ri6 durian husks as promising agro-industrial by-products. Their valorization into bioplastics, natural pigments, nutraceuticals, and compost aligns with circular bioeconomy goals and supports sustainable resource utilization.
Keywords: Banana pseudostem, red dragon fruit, Durian husk (Ri6 cultivar), proximate composition, polyphenols and carotenoids, photochemical properties, mineral composition, Vietnam