Annatto Research Articles

Green extraction of colorants from achiote seeds for dyeing mordanted nylon fabric

The extraction of sustainable colorants requires energy efficient technology for their eco-application in different fields. For current study on nylon fabric, the natural dye from achiote (Bixa orellana) has been extracted in aqueous and acidic media and valorized through microwave (MW) radiation. MW treatment has been applied to both extracted biomolecule and nylon fabric up to 10 min and the dyeing variables were optimized using statistical model. For getting permanent shades eco-salts of Al (III) and Fe (II) as well as biomolecules from waste plant materials (pomegranate and myrobalan) were utilized. ISO methods for assessment of colorfast shades have been employed. It was found that for nylon, by MW treatment of the dye material and polymeric stuff for 4 min, good color yield in terms of color strength (K/S=29.52) is obtained. It has been observed that when MW treated extract (pH=6) is employed at 40 °C for 55 min, good quality shade of high strength is obtained by using selected amounts of eco-chemical and organic molecules. It is concluded that MW treatment should be given to dyeing process for getting effective yield and tannin based green molecules as organic mordant can used to make dyeing process more ecofriendly and sustainable.

Diethylene glycol-zinc chloride based deep eutectic solvent for green extraction of bixin compound

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are ionic liquid alternatives that replace volatile and flammable organic solvents. DESs are formed by hydrogen bond interaction between the hydrogen bond donor (HBD) and the hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA). We prepared DES using zinc chloride (ZnCl2) as HBA and diethylene glycol (DEG) as HBD. Formed DES was applied to extract the bixin contained in annatto seeds. The homogenous liquid mixtures were analysed for their pH, viscosity, density, conductivity, thermal properties, and solubility in various solvents. Bixin extracted using DES was identified by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), UV–Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1HNMR). The mixtures with a mole fraction of ZnCl2 0.1 (DES1), 0.2 (DES2), and 0.3 (DES3) are liquid at room temperature. The analysis results prove that bixin has been successfully extracted using DES, where DES1 was better for bixin extraction than DES2 and DES3, with extracted bixin levels of 32.42, 28.84, and 0.46 mg g-1 by dry seeds mass, respectively. In this case, DES1, DES2, and DES3 could extract 62.17, 55.31, and 0.88 % of bixin from the entire total bixin contained in annatto seeds. The DES can be used for bixin extraction using a relatively simple method based on the results obtained.

Bixin Combined with Metformin Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and Antioxidant Defenses in Obese Mice.

Bixin (C25H30O4; 394.51 g/mol) is the main apocarotenoid found in annatto seeds. It has a 25-carbon open chain structure with a methyl ester group and carboxylic acid. Bixin increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes, which may be interesting for counteracting oxidative stress. This study investigated whether bixin-rich annatto extract combined with metformin was able to improve the disturbances observed in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice, with an emphasis on markers of oxidative damage and antioxidant defenses. HFD-fed mice were treated for 8 weeks with metformin (50 mg/kg) plus bixin-rich annatto extract (5.5 and 11 mg/kg). This study assessed glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) activity in plasma, fluorescent AGEs (advanced glycation end products), TBARSs (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances), and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the liver and kidneys. Treatment with bixin plus metformin decreased body weight gain, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased AGEs and TBARSs in the plasma, liver, and kidneys. Bixin plus metformin increased the activities of PON-1, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px. Bixin combined with metformin improved the endogenous antioxidant defenses in the obese mice, showing that this combined therapy may have the potential to contrast the metabolic complications resulting from oxidative stress.

Dyeing of jute with annatto seeds and other natural dyes

Dyeing of jute with annatto seeds and other natural dyes

Effect of the Structural Modification of Plant Proteins as Microencapsulating Agents of Bioactive Compounds from Annatto Seeds (Bixa orellana L.).

This project studied the use of lentil protein (LP) and quinoa protein (QP) in their native and modified states as carrier material in the encapsulation process by the ionic gelation technique of annatto seed extract. Soy protein (SP) was used as a model of carrier material and encapsulated bioactive compounds, respectively. The plant proteins were modified by enzymatic hydrolysis, N acylation, and N-cationization to improve their encapsulating properties. Additionally, the secondary structure, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), solubility as a function of pH, isoelectric point (pI), molecular weight (MW), the content of free thiol groups (SH), the absorption capacity of water (WHC) and fat (FAC), emulsifier activity (EAI), emulsifier stability (ESI), and gelation temperature (Tg) were assessed on proteins in native and modified states. The results obtained demonstrated that in a native state, LP (80.52% and 63.82%) showed higher encapsulation efficiency than QP (73.63% and 45.77%), both for the hydrophilic dye and for the annatto extract. Structural modifications on proteins improve some functional properties, such as solubility, WHC, FAC, EAI, and ESI. However, enzymatic hydrolysis on the proteins decreased the gels' formation, the annatto extract's encapsulated efficiency, and the hydrophilic dye by the ionic gelation method. On the other hand, the modifications of N-acylation and N-cationization increased but did not generate statistically significant differences (p-value > 0.05) in the encapsulation efficiency of both the annatto extract and the hydrophilic dye compared to those obtained with native proteins. This research contributes to understanding how plant proteins (LP and QP) can be modified to enhance their encapsulating and solubility properties. The better encapsulation of bioactive compounds (like annatto extract) can improve product self-life, potentially benefiting the development of functional ingredients for the food industry.

Comparative bioactivity assessment of bixin pigment and associated phytochemicals extracted from annatto seeds using conventional and green solvents.

Nutraceuticals, that include food ingredients and bioactives from natural products, confer physiological health benefits and protection against chronic diseases. Annatto is a tropical shrub grown in Central and South America and parts of India. Its seeds are rich in the edible carotenoid-derived apocarotenoid pigment, bixin, which is used as a natural colorant in food, textiles, and cosmetics, and is now gaining attention for its potential health-promoting attributes. Here, we compared a green solvent (ethyl lactate) based extraction of bixin and associated metabolites in annatto seeds (crushed and seed coat) with two other conventional solvents (acetone and acid-base). Bixin was characterized in the extracts using UV-visible- and FTIR-spectroscopy and thin-layer chromatography. The bixin-containing solvent extracts were then profiled for other co-existing metabolites using GC-MS analysis, which were found to be sesquiterpenes, terpenes, terpenoids, phytosterols, and tocotrienols. Their bioactivity was evaluated based on antioxidant and wound-healing efficacies and compared with pure bixin, using NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells in-vitro. Pure bixin, as well as the annatto solvent extracts, showed strong antioxidant and wound healing properties, wherein pure bixin and green solvent extract (ethyl lactate coat) exhibited higher levels of antioxidant activity, achieving 46.00% and 44.60% reduction in MDA levels, respectively, as well as enhanced wound-healing activity, with 54.09% and 53.60% wound closure within 24 h. The green solvent extracts of annatto seeds revealed: (a) differential bioactive profiles in annatto seeds (crushed and seed coat) in comparison with other solvents, and (b) strong antioxidant and wound healing properties. Thus, ethyl lactate extraction shows strong potential for sustainable environmental friendly production of functional foods/nutraceuticals from annatto seeds.

From Extraction to Stabilization: Employing a 22 Experimental Design in Developing Nutraceutical-Grade Bixin from Bixa orellana L.

Bixin is the main carotenoid found in the outer portion of the seeds of Bixa orellana L., commercially known as annatto. This compound is industrially employed in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food formulations as a natural dye to replace chemical additives. This study aimed to extract bixin from annatto seeds and obtain encapsulated bixin in a powder form, using freeze-drying encapsulation and maltodextrin as encapsulating agent. Bixin was extracted from annatto seeds employing successive washing with organic solvents, specifically hexane and methanol (1:1 v/v), followed by ethyl acetate and dichloromethane for subsequent washes, to effectively remove impurities and enhance bixin purity, and subsequent purification by crystallization, reaching 1.5 ± 0.2% yield (or approximately 15 mg of bixin per gram of seeds). Bixin was analyzed spectrophotometrically in different organic solvents (ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, dimethylsulfoxide, chloroform, hexane), and the solvents chosen were chloroform (used to solubilize bixin during microencapsulation) and hexane (used for spectrophotometric determination of bixin). Bixin was encapsulated according to a 22 experimental design to investigate the influence of the concentration of maltodextrin (20 to 40%) and bixin-to-matrix ratio (1:20 to 1:40) on the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and solubility of the encapsulated powder. Higher encapsulation efficiency was obtained at a maltodextrin concentration of 40% w/v and a bixin/maltodextrin ratio of 1:20, while higher solubility was observed at a maltodextrin concentration of 20% w/v for the same bixin/maltodextrin ratio. The encapsulation of this carotenoid by means of freeze-drying is thus recognized as an innovative and promising approach to improve its stability for further processing in pharmaceutical and food applications.

Obtaining Bixin- and Tocotrienol-Rich Extracts from Peruvian Annatto Seeds Using Supercritical CO2 Extraction: Experimental and Economic Evaluation.

Currently, Bixa orellana L. extracts are used as a color source in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries because they are important as a potential source of antioxidant activity. The extraction is carried out by conventional methods, using alkaline solutions or organic solvents. These extraction methods do not take advantage of the lipid fraction of annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seeds, and the process is not friendly to the environment. In this work, the objective was to obtain an extract rich in nutraceuticals (bixin and tocols) of high antioxidant power from Peruvian annatto seeds as a potential source for a functional food or additive in the industry using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Experiments related to extraction yield, bixin, tocotrienols, tocopherols, and antioxidant activity were carried out. The SFE was performed at 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C, and 100, 150, and 250 bar with 0.256 kg/h carbon dioxide as the supercritical solvent (solvent-to-feed ratio of 10.2). Supercritical extraction at 60 °C and 250 bar presented the best results in terms of global extraction yield of 1.40 ± 0.01 g/100 g d.b., extract concentration of 0.564 ± 0.005 g bixin/g extract, 307.8 mg α-tocotrienol/g extract, 39.2 mg β-tocotrienol/g extract, 2 mg γ-tocopherol/g extract, and IC50 of 989.96 μg extract/mL. Economical evaluation showed that 60 °C, 250 bar, and 45 min presented the lowest cost of manufacturing (2 × 2000 L, COM of USD 212.39/kg extract). This extract is a potential source for functional food production.

One-step ultrasound-assisted recovery of yellow-orange-red natural coloring from defatted annatto seeds: A cleaner processing alternative

The interest in natural colorants derived from sustainable processes has prompted research into obtaining bixin from defatted annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seeds. Bixin is a compound that imparts yellow-orange-red coloration, known for its high biodegradability, low toxicity, and wide industrial applicability. Meanwhile, high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) technology has emerged as a promising method for extracting natural colorants, offering higher yields through shorter processes and minimizing thermal degradation. Although some studies have demonstrated the efficiency of HIUS technology in bixin extraction, research on the effects of acoustic cavitation on the properties of the colorant remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of HIUS-specific energy levels (0.02, 0.04, 0.12, and 0.20 kJ/g) on the chemical, physical, and morphological characteristics of annatto extracts containing bixin and geranylgeraniol. Single-step extractions of bixin using ethanol as a solvent were evaluated at various acoustic powers (4.6, 8.5, 14.5, and 20 W) and extraction times (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 min) to determine their impact on the yield of natural colorant extraction. Increasing the acoustic power from 4.6 to 20 W and extending the extraction time from 0.5 to 5 min resulted in higher yields of natural colorant, likely due to the effects of acoustic cavitation and increased heat under more intense conditions. However, elevated levels of mechanical and thermal energy did not affect the chemical properties of the colorant, as indicated by UV–Vis and FTIR spectra. Conversely, higher specific energies yielded colorants with a more intense red hue, consistent with increased bixin content, and altered the microstructure and physical state, as observed in X-ray diffractograms. Nevertheless, these alterations did not impact the solubility of the colorant. Therefore, employing a cleaner extraction procedure aided by one-step ultrasound facilitated the recovery of natural colorants and contributed to the biorefining of annatto seeds, enabling the production of a rich geranylgeraniol colorant through a sustainable approach.

Natural pigments and antioxidants properties of annatto extract at various pH of distilled water solvent and extraction times

Annatto is a natural colouring agent obtained from the outer coats of the seeds of the Bixa orellana. Carotenoid pigment in annatto consists of bixin and norbixin. Pigment extraction from annatto seeds is commonly done by indirect extraction using organic solvents and direct extraction using oil or aqueous alkali. This research aims to characterize the natural pigment and antioxidants of annatto extract. The annatto was extracted by maceration using distilled water at various pH and extraction times. The distilled water pH variations used in this study were 4, 7, and 9 while the extraction times were 5, 7.5 and 10 mins. Analyzing bixin and norbixin revealed the potential of annatto extract as a natural pigment, while phenol and flavonoids disclose the potential as a natural antioxidant. The results showed that varying pH of distilled water and time of extraction influences the bixin, norbixin, total phenol, and flavonoid contents of annatto extract. Annatto extraction using distilled water produces higher levels of bixin than norbixin. The highest levels of bixin (61.06%) were built in distilled water pH 7 for 7.5 mins of extraction, while the highest levels of norbixin (30%) were produced in distilled water pH 7 for 10 mins. Extraction using pH 4 creates a higher level of total phenol while increasing the extraction time up to 10 mins decreased the total phenol content. However, high levels of flavonoids were made in extraction using alkaline pH distilled water (pH 9) for 10 mins. The results showed that all extracts have the potential as natural pigments and antioxidants.

Viability of organic sources as a sustainable highlighter pen ink

Highlighter pens have been essential tools for students, instructors, and office employees for many years. They are used to emphasize specific information in written texts, making it easier to recognize, remember, and retrieve later. This study proposed the use of organic sources to create solvent-based highlighter pen ink. Specifically, it aimed to determine the viability of using organic sources such as Annatto seeds and blue butterfly pea as sustainable highlighter pen ink and to assess if there was a significant difference between the physical properties of commercial and organic highlighters. An experimental research design was applied, wherein the researchers produced two concentrations of ink and observed which concentration was suitable as highlighter pen ink. The study involved forty (40) students from the College of Education at Laguna University who tested the organic highlighters in one day and answered a validated questionnaire. The results revealed that Annatto seed highlighter pen ink exhibited a more intense color, while blue butterfly pea highlighter pen ink had a mild odor. As a result, respondents strongly agreed on the physical properties of the two organic sources as highlighter pen ink. However, both organic sources resulted in show-through, meaning that the ink could be seen through to the other side, usually due to thin paper or bold ink. Additionally, the study showed that both Annatto seed and blue butterfly pea highlighters were acceptable. However, Annatto seed highlighter was preferred due to its better ink qualities. The research also indicated that there was no significant difference between the physical properties of commercial and organic highlighters, suggesting that highlighter pens made from organic sources can be used as sustainable alternatives. The researchers encouraged further investigation into the advantages of using natural inks derived from organic sources in ecologically friendly and sustainable production methods. This study opens possibilities for utilizing organic materials as alternatives to traditional highlighter pen inks, contributing to environmentally conscious practices in the stationery industry.

Bromatological analysis of annatto (Bixa orellana) seeds

Objective: The objective of this study was to carry out a bromatological and physicochemical analysis of local annatto seeds and a commercial paste.
 Design/methodology/approach: The vegetal material used were local annatto seeds to which physicochemical analysis was carried out to determine ashes (Kirk et al., 1996), moisture (weight difference), dry matter (Nielsen, 2019), proteins (Kjeldah, AOAC, 1980), FDA and FDN (Van Soest and Wine, 1967), fat (Soxhlet, 1990). In addition, bromatological analysis was carried out on the samples and the commercial paste (Vázquez, 2001).
 Results: The results obtained from the physicochemical analysis varied in ranges, where the M3 sample (dark heart-shaped annatto without filaments) presented the highest values. Regarding the bixin content, the highest percentage with 4.09 % was obtained in the M2 sample (heart-shaped red annatto without filaments) and the commercial paste was the lowest with 0.56 %.
 Limitations on study/implications: The importance of carrying out the bromatological and physical-chemical analysis of the local annatto seeds was to determine which of the local samples and the commercial paste contain the highest amount of bixin. The antioxidant properties of bixin, together with a long shelf life in addition to its well-established safety characteristics, result in a very promising natural coloring agent in the food industry, given that it is an FDA-approved food additive: E160 b.
 Findings/conclusions: The physicochemical analyzes varied in ranges, where the M3 sample (dark heart-shaped annatto without filaments) presented the highest values. The highest bixin content was found in the smooth heartwood red variety and the lowest value in the commercial paste.

Characterization of Bixin by UV-Visible Spectroscopy and HPLC, and Its Application as Latent Fingermark Developer

Fingerprints are essential for human identification and are valuable tools in criminal investigations. The pursuit of new materials for digital printing is expanding, with increasing interest in natural compounds such as bixin, sourced from annatto seeds. Despite its traditional use as a natural dye with medicinal properties, the potential of bixin in papilloscopy remains largely untapped. In this study, we meticulously extracted bixin from annatto seeds and meticulously developed composites incorporating zinc carbonate (bixin/ZnCO3) and kaolinite (bixin/kaolinite). UV-visible spectroscopy was used for characterization, and the extracted bixin showed absorption peaks at 429, 453, and 481 nm, which were very similar to standard peaks at 429, 457, and 487 nm. The two samples also had the same retention times (7.07 min) according to further liquid chromatography analysis. Sweat pores were easier to detect thanks to the effectiveness of the bixin/ZnCO3 and bixin/kaolinite composites in creating high contrast sebaceous and natural latent fingerprints. These results highlight the composites’ potential as novel and fascinating instruments for papilloscopy applications, which might also improve forensic investigations.

Acrylic yarns pre-treated with different mordants and their dyeing potential with annatto dye

The study aimed to identify the best conditions for dyeing acrylic fiber with natural annatto dye, considering the presence of metallic mordants such as alum and ferrous sulfate, and evaluating the influence of soy milk or the absence of a mordant. Exhaust dyeing tests were conducted with the extract at different pH ranges to understand the behavior of the carotenoids bixin and norbixin in annatto seeds. Color intensity was measured by spectrophotometry, while colorfastness tests were performed to assess color transfer. The alum mordant showed less colorfastness than dyeing without a mordant, suggesting interference in dye fixation despite high color intensity values. On the other hand, the ferrous sulfate mordant exhibited limited leveling but high colorfastness. The natural pH range of the extract with soy milk mordant demonstrated good colorfastness and moderate intensity, resulting in a light-yellow shade. These findings underscore the complexity of interactions between natural dyes, synthetic fibers, and different mordants, emphasizing the importance of considering various factors to optimize desired outcomes in acrylic fiber dyeing.

Development and optimization of temperature and pressure-assisted mechanical extraction system for enhancing the bixin yield from annatto seeds

Development and optimization of temperature and pressure-assisted mechanical extraction system for enhancing the bixin yield from annatto seeds

Biochemical Studies of Annatto Coloured Guava Beverages on Storage

A study was carried out on biochemical studies of guava beverages during storage in Laboratory of the Department of Post-harvest Technology, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya during 2018-19. Pink or red guava is generally used in processing industry due to its attractive pulp colour, making a significant contribution to food industry. Colour is an integral part of any processed food product since colour makes the processed food product attractive. In the present experiment, different amounts of annatto seed were used for adding color to white fleshed guava beverages, i.e., RTS and Squash. The results reveal that 0.8 g annatto seeds were found the most appropriate quantity for colouring one-litre RTS and 2 g annatto seeds for coloring one litre squash. It was also observed that the guava RTS and squash retained normal annatto color for eight months, thereafter, both the beverages started showing non-enzymatic browning during storage. The extract of annatto seeds was also found to act as preservative for both the processed products of guava.

BROMATOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF ANNATTO (Bixa orellana L.) SEEDS

Objective: to carry out a bromatological and physicochemical analysis of local annatto seeds and a commercialpaste.Materials and Methods: local annatto seeds to which a physicochemical analysis was carried out whereash, humidity (weight difference), dry matter, proteins were determined. ADF and NDF, fat, and in addition,bromatological analysis was carried out on the samples and the commercial pasta.Results: sample M3 (dark heart-shaped annatto without filaments) presented the highest values. The bixincontent was recorded with 4.09% in sample M2 (heart-shaped red annatto without filaments) and thecommercial paste was the lowest with 0.56%.Limitations and Implications of the study: the importance of performing the bromatological and physicalchemicalanalysis of annatto seeds of local genotypes determined which of the local samples and the commercialpaste are the ones that contain the greatest amount of bixin.Findings and Conclusions: Sample M3 (dark heart-shaped annatto without filaments) presented the highestvalues. The highest bixin content was found in the smooth heart-red variety and the lowest value in thecommercial pasta.

Análise de cor em sementes de urucum (Bixa orellana L.)

Abstract Brazil has emerged as the world's largest producer of annatto seeds (Bixa orellana L.). Fortunately, the increase in national production has been accompanied by an improvement in the quality of this raw material. Annatto is a typical crop of small producers who usually use their empirical knowledge to evaluate the quality of the crop. Thefore, the visual observation of the color of annatto seeds has been considered a quality standard by many producers. To evaluate the scientific evidence, the present study evaluated annatto seeds from 51 accessions of the germplasm bank of the Agronomic Institute (Instituto Agronômico de Campinas - IAC) to determine a possible correlation between the pigment’s contents and the color of annatto seeds as well as the influence of humidity on this correlation. The correlations between the concentrations of pigments, humidity, lipids, and color (L*, a*, b*) were also evaluated. The color was evaluated using a colorimeter with measurements of the CIE L*, a*, b* scale. Only the correlation between the variables moisture and lipids was considered strong through the simple correlation, while the variables bixin content and coordinate a* presented a significant correlation while eliminating the effect of moisture (partial correlation). Thus, a correlation between the red color and the bixin concentration of annatto seeds was observed even though it was a weak correlation. In turn, the color difference (ΔEab) between the samples with higher and lower bixin contents was only 1.44. This difference indicates that large variations in the bixin concentrations may lead to small color changes in the annatto seeds, impairing the use of this criterion for quality control of these seeds.

Effect of Solvents on Extraction of Bixin from Bixa orellana Seeds as Natural Colorant in Lip Gloss Formulation

The seeds of annatto (Bixa orellana) are identified as a plant with significant potential as a coloring agent. They are applied in food, textiles, paint, and cosmetics. Specifically in cosmetics, Bixa orellana has been particularly used as a colorant of lipstick. The reddish-orange color of annatto seed is primarily due to bixin content. This study focused on the effect of solvent i.e. ethanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate on the extracted annatto seeds (bixin) characteristics and utilization in lip gloss formulation. The extraction was performed for 90 minutes at 50°C using a stirrerequipped extractor by varying the solvent. The results indicated that acetone yielded the highest bixin content at 13.43 mg/g of seeds, followed by ethyl acetate with 8.12 mg/g, and ethanol with the lowest bixin content at 2.82 mg/g. Then the extract was concentrated by a rotary vacuum evaporator and centrifuge to obtain the precipitate of the extract. The highest yield with acetone solvent was 2.019%, while the yield with ethanol and ethyl acetate solvents were 1.603% and 0.282% respectively. Meanwhile, the result of the evaluation test of lip gloss indicates that ethyl acetate solvent showed the optimal formulations due to the evaluation of homogeneity, pH, irritation, and hedonic tests.

Technical-economic evaluation of lipo- and water-soluble fractions from annatto seeds by green technology

PurposeThe objective of this study was to evaluate the technical-economic process efficiency of obtaining simultaneous lipo-soluble (LSF) and water-soluble (WSF) fractions from annatto seeds.Design/methodology/approachThe batches of annatto seeds were submitted to the refrigerated solid-liquid extraction process in four stages: pre-extraction, aqueous extraction, separation by decantation and filtration. After that, LSF and WSF from annatto seeds were obtained. The process efficiency and the quality of LSF and WSF were analyzed in terms of average yield and bioactive compounds (bixin, norbixin, phenolics and flavonoids) and their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, they were economically evaluated in terms of costs of manufacturing and profitability parameters.FindingsThe process was efficient in terms of overall average yield (LSF = 8.68% and WSF = 2.76%) (w/w) and in terms of quality, mainly with higher average yields of bixin (82.34% in LSF) and norbixin (29.59% in WSF) (w/w). The concentration of bioactive compounds in the fractions promoted an increase in inhibiting free radicals (DPPH* and ABTS*+) and in the ferric-reducing power (FRAP). LSF showed a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.06 mg mL-1 for S. aureus and 0.13 mg mL-1 for S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis. The lowest manufacturing costs were obtained for the LSF due to its higher extraction yield compared to the WSF. Plants on an industrial scale of 100 and 1000 L were considered economically viable, with a return on investment of 5 and 2 years.Originality/valueThus, fractions (WSF and LSF) can be applied as natural additives, as sources of bioactive compounds for nutraceutical and/or pharmaceutical, and in the development of other innovative processes. These results have practical applicability for pharmaceutical and food industry.Highlights Green processing of annatto seeds obtains fractions rich in antioxidant compounds.Efficiently presents a high yield of bixin and other bioactive compounds.Effective in concentrating compounds that inhibit microbial growth.Fractions are more accessible sources of bioactive compounds for isolation.Cost of manufacturing (COM) and profitability are studied.