Comparative Optimization of Microwave and Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds and Proteins from...

This study investigates the optimization of extraction processes for bioactive compounds and proteins from the mushroom Craterellus cornucopioides by comparing Microwave-Assisted Extraction and Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction. Using Response Surface Methodology, the effects of temperature or amplitude, time, and solvent type were evaluated on total phenols, flavonoids, proteins, glutathione content, and antioxidant capacity measured by DPPH and FRAP assays. Additionally, the antimicrobial potential of the extracts was screened against various pathogens. Results demonstrated that water was the most effective solvent for nearly all parameters across both techniques, providing a unified optimum in the ultrasound system at six minutes and one hundred percent amplitude. However, a notable exception was observed for glutathione recovery in the microwave system, where ethanol proved superior to water. Ultrasound-assisted extraction consistently outperformed microwave extraction in protein yield and overall antioxidant potential, offering a more robust approach regarding process efficiency and bioactive yield. In conclusion, while both green techniques enhance recovery, ultrasound extraction with water establishes itself as the most consistent method for the simultaneous extraction of bioactives.