Investigation of the usage opportunities of pitahaya grown from Turkey using biotechnological methods in various industries

Pitahaya, which is very rich in bioactive substances, is known to be protective against various metabolic disorders. In this study, antimicrobial activity of red Pitahaya fruit and peel water extracts against test microorganisms was determined by disc diffusion, micro-dilution, and macro-dilution methods. The extracts were determined to have high antimicrobial activity against pathogenic test microorganisms. It was determined that the extracts did not form an inhibition zone diameter or had low inhibition zone diameters against lactic acid bacteria isolated from human milk at different concentrations (1 mg/disc, 2 mg/disc and 4 mg/disc). The antimicrobial activity of red Pitahaya peel water (KPKS) extract against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and Limosilactobacillus fermentum MA-7 was investigated by macro-dilution method. 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml concentrations KPKS extract decrease in viable cell counts of C. albicans ATCC 10231 occurred at 0., 24., and 48. hours. It was determined that the rate of decrease by 57.831% at the end of 48. hours decreased. At the same concentrations, an increase in the number of viable cells of the L. fermentum MA-7 was observed. It was determined that it increased the viability (%) rate by 134.831% at the end of 48. hours at a concentration of 100 mg/ml. The extract stimulated the growth of L. fermentum MA-7 at the concentration it inhibited C. albicans ATCC 10231. The sun protection factor (SPF) of red Pitahaya fruit and peel water extracts with natural components instead of the synthetic preservatives we use to protect against the damage of UV-B rays and the SPF values of the extract cream mixtures were determined. It was determined that the Pitahaya fruit and peel aqueous extracts had 24.99 and 20.04 had SPF values. In addition, it was determined that the extracts in the extract cream mixture increased the SPF value of the control (cream) group. In conclusion, the possibilities of using red Pitahaya fruit and peel water extracts in various industries were determined by using biotechnological method.