DOI: https://doi.org/10.14456/jsat.2025.8
Abstract
Cocoa pod husk (CPH), a major by-product of cocoa processing, is an abundant yet underutilized biomass
rich in bioactive compounds with promising applications in food, cosmetic, and cosmeceutical industries. This study
explored the potential of pulsed electric field (PEF)–assisted green extraction combined with water–ethanol solvent
systems to enhance the recovery of bioactive constituents from CPH. The influence of solvent polarity and PEF
pulse numbers on extraction performance were systematically evaluated. Extractions were carried out using water
and water–ethanol mixtures at ratios of 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75 (v/v), under a PEF treatment at an electric field
strength of 6 kV/cm with pulse numbers ranging from 1,000 to 5,000. The resulting extracts were characterized in
terms of total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents, reducing sugar levels, antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP
assays), and tyrosinase inhibitory activity. The findings revealed that extraction efficiency was strongly dependent
on both solvent composition and PEF parameters. Hydroethanolic solvents with intermediate polarity, particularly
50–75% ethanol, significantly enhanced the extraction of phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins compared with water
or higher ethanol concentrations. The application of moderate PEF pulse numbers (1,000–3,000 pulses) effectively
promoted cell membrane permeabilization, thereby improving mass transfer and facilitating the release of
intracellular bioactive compounds. Antioxidant activities determined by DPPH and FRAP assays showed consistent
trends, with the highest antioxidant capacity observed under hydroethanolic extraction conditions combined with
moderate PEF treatment. Notably, tyrosinase inhibitory activity was maximized in water and hydroethanolic
extracts, suggesting that enzyme inhibition is primarily governed by the selective extraction and synergistic
interactions of specific phenolic constituents rather than total phenolic content alone. This study demonstrates that
PEF-assisted extraction using environmentally friendly water–ethanol solvents is an efficient and sustainable
strategy for the valorization of cocoa pod husk, highlighting its strong potential as a functional ingredient for food,
cosmetic, and cosmeceutical applications.
Keywords: Pulse Electric Field, Cocoa Pod Husk, antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibitor, SDG 12, BCG model
Received: December 21, 2025. Revised: December 21, 2025. Accepted: December 21, 2025.
