Based on the results, a multi-step extraction scheme including ultrasound pretreatment
followed by enzymatic hydrolysis and then microemulsion extraction of tomato waste was led to an
extended separation of the lycopene with minor surfactant use (mass ratio of saponin to lycopene 20:1).
Under the optimized conditions, the efficiency showed an increase of just over 100% compared to initial experiment
outcome. MET using saponin along with mild pre-treatments can be a simple, rapid, green and low-priced
technique for lycopene extraction from tomato industrial waste and possibly other vegetable sources.