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Integrated sonication-assisted deep eutectic solvent for extraction of antibacterial compounds from cacao shells
Yuni Kusumastuti1,2, Jordan Maulana Ma'arif2, Muh Irsal2
1Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada Jalan Grafika 2 Yogyakarta 55284 Indonesia yuni_kusumastuti@ugm.ac.id.
RSC Advances
|April 20, 2026
Summary
Cacao shells, rich in bioactive compounds, were valorized as an antibacterial agent using green extraction. Optimized sonication-assisted deep eutectic solvent (SAE-DES) extraction yielded potent antibacterial compounds effective against E. coli and S. aureus.
Area of Science:
- Green Chemistry and Sustainable Processes
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Food Science and Technology
Background:
- Cacao shells are a rich source of bioactive compounds, offering potential for high-value applications.
- Valorization of agricultural waste like cacao shells aligns with sustainable practices and circular economy principles.
- There is a growing demand for natural antibacterial agents derived from plant-based sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the application of cacao shell waste as a source of antibacterial agents.
- To develop and optimize green extraction processes for isolating bioactive compounds from cacao shells.
- To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of the extracted compounds against specific pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Green extraction using sonication-assisted deep eutectic solvent (SAE-DES) with a choline chloride-lactic acid-based solvent.
- Optimization of extraction parameters (temperature, solid-to-solvent ratio, DES concentration) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken design.
- Characterization of extracts using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and quantification of total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content.
Main Results:
- Optimal extraction conditions identified: 80 °C, 1:10 solid-to-solvent ratio, and 62.65% DES concentration.
- High yields of total phenolic content (4.94 ± 0.10 g GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (5.97 ± 0.09 g RE/g) were achieved.
- FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of phenolic functional groups, and the extract demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully demonstrated the potential of cacao shell waste as a sustainable source for antibacterial agents.
- SAE-DES extraction, optimized via RSM, is an effective green method for obtaining bioactive compounds from cacao shells.
- The extracted compounds show promising antibacterial properties, supporting their application in various industries.
