Optimization of Phenolic Compounds Extraction from Flax Shives and Their Effect on Human Fibroblasts

Magdalena Czemplik,Magdalena Działo,Jan Szopa,Anna Kulma,Michał Szatkowski,Urszula Korzun-Chłopicka

doi:10.1155/2017/3526392

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate the most effective technique for extraction of phenolics present in flax shives and to assess their effect on human fibroblasts. Flax shives are by-products of fibre separation, but they were found to be a rich source of phenolic compounds and thus might have application potential. It was found that the optimal procedure for extraction of phenolics was hydrolysis enhanced by the ultrasound with NaOH for 24 h at 65°C and subsequent extraction with ethyl acetate. The influence of the flax shives extract on fibroblast growth and viability was assessed using the MTT and SRB tests. Moreover, the influence of flax shives extract on the extracellular matrix remodelling process was verified. The 20% increase of the viability was observed upon flax shives extract treatment and the decrease of mRNA collagen genes, an increase of matrix metalloproteinase gene expression, and reduction in levels of interleukin 6, interleukin 10, and suppressor of cytokinin signaling 1 mRNA were observed. Alterations in MCP-1 mRNA levels were dependent on flax shives extract concentration. Thus, we suggested the possible application of flax shives extract in the wound healing process.

Highlights

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is widely distributed in the Mediterranean region and temperate climate zone and plays an important role in the food industry and healthcare
The highest amount of phenolics was obtained for extraction with ethyl acetate with prior sodium hydroxide hydrolysis (7.14 mg/g), and the lowest amount was observed for extraction with ethyl acetate (0.74 mg/g)
It is well known that phenolic compounds exist in both free and bound forms in plant cells and that free phenolic compounds are solvent extractable, but bound phenolic compounds, which are covalently bound to the plant matrix, cannot be extracted into water or aqueous/organic solvent mixtures [21]

Summary

Introduction

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is widely distributed in the Mediterranean region and temperate climate zone and plays an important role in the food industry and healthcare. During fibre processing flax shives are separated and are usually considered waste material. Flax shives are a lignocellulosic fibre that helps the plant remain rigid during the growth phase and during production of seed. They are composed of 53% cellulose, 13% hemicellulose, 24% lignin, 1.5% of extractives, and 2% ash [1], differences in the amounts of these polymers, proportions between them, and monomer compositions of flax fibre and shives are reported [2]. Flax shives are used as components in the furniture industry and in a range of forms including bulk transport trucks as well as paper and packaging products. Flax shives are a material conventionally considered a waste product of agricultural production

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion