Determining Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Kumquat and Pomelo Fruits for Potential use in Active Packaging

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: Special, 115 - 121, 28.12.2025

Sinan Uzunlu , Didem Selluncak , Ayşe İrem Kılıç , Salim Sezer Arslan

https://doi.org/10.31015/2025.si.19

Abstract

Increasing attention has been given to tropical fruits not only due to their sensory attributes but also because of their functional and health-promoting properties associated with their bioactive composition. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, and carotenoids offer many health benefits in terms of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. The purpose of the current study was to determine antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of kumquat (Fortunella spp.) and pomelo (Citrus maxima) fruits. The peel (edible exocarp) and seeds of kumquat and the inedible parts of pomelo fruit (albedo; white mesocarp, and segment peel; segment epidermis and juice sac stalk) were assessed with the aim of valorisation for waste management and contributing to the circular economy. The parts of the fruits mentioned were extracted with water and ethanol for kumquat and pomelo, respectively, and their antioxidant activities were assessed. Antimicrobial activities of the extracts were monitored against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., and Candida albicans. Pomelo segment peel was studied at three concentrations (100%, 10%, and 1%), whereas the remaining extracts were used at 100% for antimicrobial evaluation. Pomelo segment peel showed higher antioxidant activity than pomelo albedo, kumquat peel, and kumquat seed. Pomelo segment peel at 1% concentration exhibited antimicrobial activity. While pomelo albedo only showed antimicrobial activity against E. coli. Aqueous extracts of kumquat peel and kumquat seed exhibited antioxidant activity but showed no antimicrobial activity against the microorganisms studied. Pomelo segment peel exhibited high antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, which promises significant contributions to the food industry. Using these wastes is believed to promote environmental sustainability and support the circular economy.

Keywords

Kumquat , Pomelo , Bioactivity , Active Packaging , Waste Management

Thanks

We thank Dr. Sibel Gümüş (Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya) for providing clinical bacterial isolates, and Dr. Muharrem Gölükçü and Dr. Demet Yıldız Turgut (Batı Akdeniz Agricultural Research Institute, Antalya) for rotary evaporation and antioxidant analyses of plant extracts.

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