Optimized Single-Step Recovery of Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Compounds from Raspberry, Strawberry and Blackberry...

Area of Science:

• Food Chemistry
• Extraction Technology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Berry pomaces are rich sources of valuable bioactive compounds.
• Conventional extraction methods often use harsh solvents and are inefficient.
• Developing sustainable and efficient extraction techniques is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize an ultrasound-enzyme-assisted extraction (UEAE) for simultaneous recovery of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds from berry pomaces.
• To identify the most suitable enzyme and extraction conditions.
• To compare UEAE with conventional solvent extraction methods.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme screening identified a thermostable alkaline protease.
• Ultrasound (US) was combined with the enzyme in simultaneous extraction.
• Definitive screening design (DSD) optimized parameters like US amplitude, pH, enzyme-substrate ratio, solid-liquid ratio, time, and temperature.
• Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analyzed polyphenolic compounds.
• DPPH radical scavenging assay measured antioxidant activity.

Main Results:

• The optimized UEAE process achieved high yields of polyphenols and oil from raspberry, strawberry, and blackberry pomaces.
• UEAE extracted all polyphenols, with 75% of active polyphenols and up to 75% of oil.
• Extracted lipophilic compounds were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), tocols, and phytosterols.
• Major polyphenolics identified included ellagitannins and ellagic acid conjugates.

Conclusions:

• UEAE is a highly efficient, one-step method for simultaneous extraction of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds from berry pomaces.
• This green extraction technique offers a sustainable alternative to conventional solvent-based methods.
• The recovered compounds possess significant antioxidant activity and nutritional value.