Optimization of Pressurized Hot Water Extraction of Flavonoids from Momordica foetida Using UHPLC-qTOF-MS and Multivariate Chemometric Approaches

Abstract

Pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) has been classified as a green extraction technology, which is used for the extraction of bioactive compounds from plants. However, very few optimization strategies for the efficient extraction of bioactive compounds have been done. In the current study, optimization of PHWE of flavonoids from Momordica foetida was attempted with the aid of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-qTOF-MS) and multivariate chemometric models. Plant metabolite extraction was achieved by altering the extraction temperature (100–300 °C) during PHWE. UHPLC-qTOF-MS analysis of the extracts revealed temperatures between 150 and 250 °C to be optimal for the extraction of flavonoid molecules. Furthermore, analysis of the data using multivariate models such as principal component analysis (PCA) revealed various flavonoid distribution patterns between extracts obtained using these various temperatures. In addition, isomeric flavonoids with similar structural core conformations were also seen to be differentially extracted at the various temperatures. The use of UHPLC-MS and high-dimensional chemometric models allowed for comprehensive optimization of the PHWE. The use of MS in combination with PCA is an excellent approach to evaluate the quality and content of pharmacologically relevant metabolites from subcritical fluid plant extracts.