Industrial application of different parts of citrus plants in biotechnology sectors

Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) and Citrus reticulata fruit is widely consumed the world over for its sweet juice. The peels, pulps and seeds may have some nutrients and antimicrobial properties but are essentially discarded with attendant waste generation. In this study, antimicrobial properties have been analysed in peels, pulp and seeds of Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) and Citrus reticulata (kinnow). Phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoid, saponin, terpenoids, proteins, carbohydrates and phenolic compounds. Flavonoid was extracted from these extracts and its quantity was analyzed using aluminium chloride assay methodology. They will be further characterized using thin layer chromatography. These extracts showed effective zone of inhibition against growth of pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus bacteria. These flavonoids could be used for synthesis of nanoparticles and used commercially in biotechnology sectors.