Functional investigation and applications of the acetylesterase activity of the Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck peel

The hydrolysis of acetyl moieties on a set of commercially relevant substrates was performed by employing the whole tissue of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck peel as an efficient biocatalyst in mild reaction conditions with high degree of regioselectivity. The reaction is done in aqueous media and the product is easily recovered. Optimal reaction conditions were deduced and two practical applications were investigated: the elaboration of acetylglicerols and the preparation of vitamin K1 precursor. Peel waste (flavedo and albedo) from orange juice manufacturing was successfully employed as a biocatalyst.