Enzyme-Assisted Extraction of Lycopene from Watermelon Fruits: Effect of Hydrolysis Parameters on Lycopene Yield

This study aims to explore influence of process parameters on lycopene recovery from watermelon fruits. Investigations were carried out with respect to lycopene content as the main indicator following randomized single factor routine. Examined hydrolysis parameters included used enzyme, enzyme concentration and hydrolysis duration. In addition, physicochemical measurements of the watermelon fruit was also performed. Results showed that the highest lycopene content (14,125±0.271 g/ml) could be attained at enzyme concentration of 2.4% (v/v), hydrolysis time of 60 min under cellulose enzyme treatment. The enzymatic treatment was also shown to be capable of significantly lowering viscosity and improving lycopene yield.