Microwave-assisted Extraction Research Articles

Phytochemical characterization and biological evaluation of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) extracts: A systematic experimental study

Lemongrass () is widely used in traditional medicine, with growing interest in its pharmacological properties. This study aims to systematically investigate the phytochemical composition and biological activities of lemongrass extracts, focusing on optimizing extraction methods and evaluating their therapeutic potential.Various extraction techniques were employed, including solvent-based methods (ethanol, methanol, and water) and green extraction approaches (ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted extraction). Phytochemical profiling was conducted using qualitative and quantitative techniques, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The biological activities of the extracts were assessed through in vitro assays for antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS), antimicrobial (agar diffusion), anti-inflammatory (COX inhibition), and cytotoxicity activities (on HeLa, MCF-7, and HEK-293 cell lines). Ethanol extracts showed the highest yield of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. These extracts also exhibited significant antioxidant activity with DPPH and ABTS assays. The antimicrobial tests revealed strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, while the COX inhibition assay indicated notable anti-inflammatory effects. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated selective toxicity toward cancer cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7) with minimal effects on normal cells (HEK-293). Lemongrass extracts, particularly those obtained via ethanol extraction, exhibit promising antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. These findings highlight its potential for pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications, warranting further investigation in vivo and in clinical trials.

Microwave-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from Commiphora gileadensis leaf and their characterization

Commiphora gileadensis (C. gileadensis) is a plant traditionally used in many parts of the world for medicinal purposes. However, the benefits of this plant are yet to be uncovered due to the use of conventional extraction methods during its extraction. Hence, there is a need for more efficient and environment-friendly extraction methods for optimum recovery of the bioactive components of C. gileadensis. This study aims to evaluate the impact of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) process parameters (individually and in combination) on the recovery of phenolic compounds from C. gileadensis leaf. One-Factor-At-a-Time (OFAT) optimization method was used in this work to study the impact of varying the MAE process parameters (sample: solvent ratio, microwave power, ethanol concentration, and extraction temperature) on the optimum yield of phenolic compounds. The obtained phenolic compounds were characterized using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) for tentative identification of the component phytochemicals of the extract. The results showed that the optimal process condition of microwave power at 300 W, solvent/sample ratio of 1:10 g/mL, solvent concentration of 40 % v/v, and extraction temperature of 40 °C gave the maximum extraction yield of 33.20 ± 0.42 % w/w, total phenolic content (TPC) of 114.65 ± 3.14 mg GAE/g d.w., and total flavonoids content (TFC) of 37.56 mg QE/g d.w.). Furthermore, the GC-MS analysis identified 25 phenolic compounds with good antioxidant activities from the extracts. Therefore, MAE is considered a non-conventional green method for improved extraction of phenolic compounds from C. gileadensis leaf compared to the existing conventional extraction methods.

Characterization of carbon dots from fructus gardeniae (Zhi-zi) and gardenia charcoal (black Zhi-zi) via microwave-assisted extraction.

We employed a straightforward microwave-assisted extraction technique to investigate the presence of carbon dots (CDs) in Chinese herbal extracts derived from fructus gardeniae and gardenia charcoal, designated as CDs-1 and CDs-2, respectively. The found CDs exhibited unique photoluminescence with quantum yields of 0.95% for CDs-1 and 1.81% for CDs-2, indicating significant potential for bioimaging applications. Both CD types maintain approximately 80% of their fluorescence intensity after 120 min of continuous 365 nm UV exposure, underscoring their stability and suitability for prolonged biological studies. Moreover, antioxidant activity tests showed that CDs-2 have a higher scavenging capacity, with an SC-50 value of 21.7 μg/mL, compared to 35.9 μg/mL for CDs-1, attributed to their higher content of surface functional groups during the extraction procedure. Notably, the results indicated that the carbonization process of fructus gardeniae leads to the formation of CDs, suggesting a potential link between traditional herbal treatments and modern nanotechnology. This research demonstrates that active compounds in Chinese herbal medicine could possess therapeutic properties when adsorbed on the surface of CDs.

Green biorefinery of walnut husk: Phenolic extraction and ethanol production

Microwave and ultrasound techniques were utilized on walnut green husk (WGH) to extract valuable phenolic compounds and enhance the residual biomass's susceptibility to hydrolysis for subsequent ethanol production. The aim was to optimize process variables in order to achieve an integrated biorefinery with the zero-waste-base standpoint. For microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), four-time levels (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 5 min) and power settings (300, 450, 600, and 800 W) were tested. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was conducted at a frequency of 28 kHz and power of 100 W over varying time intervals (2, 6, 10, 14, 18, and 22 min). Generally, higher power settings and longer extraction times produced higher contents. Specifically, the maximum total phenolic content (TPC) (220.13 mg GAE/g-DW), total flavonoid content (TFC) (63.21 mg catechin/g-DW), and DPPH scavenging activity (86.13 %) were achieved using the highest power and longest extraction time for MAE. Similarly, the longest UAE time resulted in the highest TPC (214.32 mg GAE/g-DW), highest TFC (58.44 mg catechin/g-DW), and DPPH scavenging activity (76.15 %). Moreover, increased microwave power and longer extraction times favored glucose and ethanol yields, with maximum yields of 55.30 % and 36.67 %, respectively, obtained at 800 W for 5 min. For UAE, the highest glucose and ethanol yields (52.33 % and 34.16 %, respectively) were obtained at 22 min. Conversely, lower extraction times and power settings for microwave, as well as shorter ultrasound times, were beneficial for lignin removal. The application of MAE and UAE in the WGH biorefinery process enhanced the extraction of phenolics and improved biomass hydrolysis, leading to more efficient, sustainable, and economically viable production of biofuels and bioproducts.

Improving the Extraction of Polyphenols from Cocoa Bean Shells by Ultrasound and Microwaves: A Comparative Study.

The extraction of bioactive compounds from food by-products is one of the most important research areas for the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. This research aimed to evaluate the efficiency of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) and Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE), either alone or in combination, of phenolic compounds from cocoa bean shells (CBSs). These extraction techniques were compared with conventional methods, such as under simple magnetic stirring and the Soxhlet apparatus. After the preliminary characterization of the gross composition of CBSs, the total polyphenol content and radical scavenging of extracts obtained from both raw and defatted cocoa bean shells were investigated. Quantification of the main polyphenolic compounds was then performed by RP-HPLC-DAD, identifying flavonoids and phenolic acids, as well as clovamide. The application of MAE and UAE resulted in a similar or superior extraction of polyphenols when compared with traditional methods; the concentration of individual polyphenols was variously influenced by the extraction methods employed. Combining MAE and UAE at 90 °C yielded the highest antiradical activity of the extract. Spectrophotometric analysis confirmed the presence of high-molecular-weight melanoidins, which were present in higher concentrations in the extracts obtained using MAE and UAE, especially starting from raw material. In conclusion, these results emphasize the efficiency of MAE and UAE techniques in obtaining polyphenol-rich extracts from CBS and confirm this cocoa by-product as a valuable biomass for the recovery of antioxidant compounds, with a view to possible industrial scale-up.

Exploring antioxidant potential of agricultural by-products: a systematic review.

Agricultural waste sourced from various activities that occur along the agricultural supply chain including post-harvest, processing, and consumption processes, can pose a threat to ecosystem balance and community welfare. Data shows that agricultural by-products have the potential to be utilized because they contain antioxidant compounds. This systematic review study aims to identify and assess the antioxidant activity of agricultural by-products through various extraction methods. This systematic review collected literature in the last 10 years (2013-2023) from Google Scholar, Semantic, and Scopus-indexed articles with the help of Publish or Perish. Using the help of boolean operators (AND) and (OR) in searching using keywords. The steps applied adapt the PRISMA method (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), including identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion. Literature collection data shows that the dominant processing method used is the solvent extraction method to determine the antioxidant value of various agricultural waste by-products. Followed by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) methods. A wide range of antioxidant activity values were found depending on the type of agricultural waste and processing technique. One potential utilization of agricultural wastes rich in antioxidant content is as additives in formulations in the cosmetic industry. Agricultural waste by-products have high potential of antioxidant content, depending on the type of waste and extraction method. The dominant agricultural waste used is by-products from the fruit group. The utilization of agricultural waste that is rich in antioxidants has the potential to be utilized in the cosmetic industry.

Research on the preparation of cellulose nanocrystals from balsa wood using microwave-assisted synergistic deep eutectic solvent and H2O2 extraction

Utilizing natural balsa wood as the raw material, cellulose was prepared using microwave-assisted chlorocholine chloride/lactic acid deep eutectic solvents (DES) in synergy with H2O2, followed by further preparation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) via ultrasound treatment. Initially, the optimal process for balsa wood cellulose preparation was explored through single-factor and response surface experiments involving microwave-assisted DES in synergy with H2O2 treatment. Subsequently, cellulose nanocrystals were prepared using ultrasound, and the resulting materials were characterized and analyzed for their chemical composition, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nanoparticle size distribution, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, and thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). The results indicate that the yield of cellulose after microwave-assisted DES in synergy with H2O2 treatment can reach 42.96%. Furthermore, the cellulose nanocrystals obtained after ultrasound treatment exhibit a particle size ranging from 10 to 20 nm, with an average length of 515.9 nm, a crystallinity of 86.72%, and demonstrate good dispersion and thermal stability.

Extraction of Centella asiatica herb using microwave-assisted solvent extraction: Optimization of crude extract using Box-Behnken design

Centella asiatica, is renowned in traditional medicine for its diverse applications, such as treating lupus, skin ailments, leprosy, fever, gastrointestinal issues, mental disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and enhanced cognitive functions. Microwave-assisted solvent extraction (MASE) was chosen as a more effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly extraction method than the conventional method used to extract Centella asiatica. This study aims to optimize the extraction process for Centella asiatica using the Box-Behnken Design experimental approach. The experimental results showed that the highest yield, 62.25 %, was obtained at a microwave power of 450 W, feed-solvent (F/S) ratio of 0.05, and extraction time of 5 min. The lowest yield, 20.69 %, was obtained at a microwave power of 450 W, F/S ratio of 0.10, and extraction time of 10 min. The critical parameters under investigation include extraction time, microwave power, and F/S ratio. Employing Box-Behnken design (BBD) allows the identification of conditions that provide optimal results. The results showed the optimum conditions to achieve a maximum extraction yield of 62.4912 % were microwave power of 546.18 W, F/S ratio of 0.05 g/mL, and extraction time of 5.10 min.

Extraction, Characterisation and Utilisation of Bioactive Compounds from Date Fruit

Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.), known for its rich bioactive compounds, was the focus of this study, which aimed to optimize microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) methods for isolating these compounds and developing fortified milk with added date syrup. The research evaluated total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) under varying microwave frequencies, extraction times, and plant-to-solvent ratios. Date fruits were procured, cleaned, processed into powder, and subjected to various MAE conditions, with standard spectrophotometric methods used to quantify TPC and TFC. Optimal extraction conditions for maximum TPC (37±1.1 mg GAE/g) and TFC (460±0.6 mg QE/g) were identified at a microwave frequency of 720 W, an extraction time of 5 minutes, and a plant-to-solvent ratio of 1:15, highlighting the significant influence of microwave power and extraction time on phenolic and flavonoid contents. Furthermore, the research explored the nutritional enhancement of milk through fortification with date syrup, assessing the fortified milk for total soluble solids (TSS), pH, TPC, and TFC, which demonstrated an improved nutritional profile. This research provides valuable insights into the MAE of date fruits and the potential of date syrup in developing functional food products, guiding future studies and industrial applications aimed at enhancing the nutritional and functional properties of food products.

Advances and challenges in the fractionation of edible oils and fats through supercritical fluid processing.

Petrochemical solvents are widely used for the extraction and fractionation of biomolecules from edible oils and fats at an industrial scale. However, owing to its safety concerns, toxicity, price fluctuations, and sustainability, alternative solvents and technologies have been actively explored in recent years. Technologies, such as ultrasound and microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, supercritical fluid fractionation, and sub-critical water extraction, and solvents, like ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents, are reported for extraction and fractionation of biomolecules. Among them, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and fractionation are some of the most promising green technologies with the potential to replace petrochemical-based conventional techniques. The addition of cosolvents, such as water, ethanol, and acetone, improves the extraction of amphiphilic and polar compounds from edible oils and fats. Supercritical fluid processing has diverse applications, including concentration of solutes, selective separation of desired molecules, and separation of undesirable compounds from the feed material. Temperature, pressure, particle size, porosity, flow rate, solvent-to-feed ratio, density, viscosity, diffusivity, solubility, partition coefficient, and separation factor are the fundamental factors governing the extraction and fractionation of desired biomolecules from lipids. Supercritical fluids stand alone compared to conventional fluids, because of their tunable solvent properties. Overall, it is to be noted that supercritical fluid-based methods have lots of scope to replace conventional solvent-based methods and progress toward the creation of sustainable food-processing techniques. This review critically evaluates the parameters responsible for the extraction and fractionation of biomolecules from edible oils and fats under supercritical conditions.

Recent Advancements in Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Flavonoids: A Review

Recent Advancements in Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Flavonoids: A Review

Effect of extraction method on total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Terminalia catappa (L.) leaves

The potential for encountering free radicals poses a significant concern. Ketapang (Terminalia catappa L.) is a plant with antioxidant properties due to secondary metabolites, specifically phenolic compounds. The objective of this study was to determine the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of ketapang leaves through the utilization of several extraction techniques. The extraction of Ketapang leaves is conducted using various methods, namely maceration, stirring-assisted extraction (SAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) with 1:10 solid-solvent ratio. The total phenolic content of the Ketapang leaf extract was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu technique and quantified using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer set at a wavelength of 782nm. Meanwhile, antioxidant activity measurements were carried out using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and measured at a wavelength of 516nm. The study investigated the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Ketapang leaf extract using the maceration method of stirring-assisted extraction (SAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), respectively, were 68.495%+2.891, 75.709%+0.106, 84.269%+0.159, and 65.065%+3.965 mgGAE/g and 20.891, 17.569, 15.427, and 21.353 µg/mL. The findings of this study indicate that the ultrasound-assisted extraction technique exhibits the greatest overall phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Keywords: antioxidant, Terminalia catappa, total phenolic content, ultrasound-assisted extraction

Comparative studies on characterizations and cytotoxicity of oil extracted from Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) G2 spore using Soxhlet extraction and microwave-assisted extraction

This study aimed to compare the characteristics, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity of Ganoderma lucidum G2 spore (GLS) oil extracted using two different extraction methods, including Soxhlet extraction (SLE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The SLE method yielded higher oil content than the MAE method. MAE-extracted oil showed higher lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) values but lower redness (a*) values. Both methods provided similar fatty acid compositions in GLS oils, including palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid as major components. Higher saturated fatty acid content was found in SLE-extracted oil, while MAE-extracted oil had increased levels of mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. The oil obtained from SLE showed slightly higher di- and tri-glycerides than that obtained from MAE (P < 0.05). Furthermore, MAE-extracted oil had high oxidative stability as indicated by lower levels of conjugated diene (CD), peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and free fatty acids (FFA) as compared to SLE (P < 0.05). MAE-extracted oil had a higher total triterpenoid content than SLE-extracted oil (P < 0.05). Also, MAE-extracted oil showed lower DPPH radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA) than SLE-extracted oil (P < 0.05). FTIR spectra of both samples exhibited similar functional groups. Additionally, oils obtained from both processes (at 0.1–10 µg/mL) showed low toxicity on Caco-2 cells (P > 0.05). Therefore, GLS oil with high antioxidant activity and oxidative stability, especially oil extracted by MAE, could be a food supplement for health. Also, the MAE used was a potential implement for extracting oil from GLS.

Antioxidant capacity and phenolic profile of defatted seed powder derived from organically grown vine crops

Grape seeds derived from winemaking pomace represent a significant waste stream with potential for valorization due to their rich phenolic content. The present study aimed to assess the phenolic composition and antioxidant potency of defatted grape seeds powder (DP) resulting after oil extraction through three different methods (i.e., cold stirring (ST), ultrasound-assisted extraction (US), and microwave-assisted extraction (MW)) from two grape varieties (i.e., Fetească Regală and Merlot) grown under organic farming conditions. The phenolic profile was determined using High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and mass spectrometry operating in electrospray ionization positive mode, while the total phenolic content was determined using an adapted Folin-Ciocalteu technique, The samples' antioxidant properties were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging ability assessments, as well as Cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity and Ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. The phenolic qualitative profile differed between the two varieties and was unaffected by the defatting method. Instead, at the level of each variety, significant variations (p&lt;0.05) were observed in the quantity of phenolic compounds, depending on the defatting method. Moreover, the total phenolic content was significantly higher in the MW-DP compared to ST-DP and US-DP (p&lt;0.05), particularly from Fetească Regală grape seeds. The DPPH assay demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity in MW-DP from Fetească Regală. The study underscores the importance of the extraction methods and grape variety on the phenolic profile and antioxidant potency of DP. These findings suggest potential applications in pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and cosmetics, offering sustainable solutions for grape pomace utilization.

Unripe bael pulp pectin extraction and characterization using the microwave assisted method.

In this study, pectin was extracted from unripe bael using a microwave-assisted extraction technique. Optimization was done based on independent and dependent parameters. Pectin yield was the dependent variable in the study, whereas the independent factors were microwave power, time, and solid solvent ratio. Pectin extraction was carried out using different combinations of microwave power (180, 360, 540 watts), time (1, 2, 3 minutes), and the ratio of solid-solvent (1:20, 1:30, 1:40 g/mL). Using Box-Behnken response surface methodology, 17 experimental runs were performed. A microwave power of 360 watts, a time of 3 minutes, and a solid solvent ratio of 1:20 g/mL were the ideal parameters that achieved the maximum pectin yield of 19.8%. The yield of pectin was analyzed using multiple regression statistical analysis. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of pectin yield was studied, which revealed an equivalent weight of 263.15, a methoxyl content of 9.92 percent, anhydrouronic acid content of 123.2%, and a degree of esterification of 45.71%.

A matter of extraction – Extraction yields and ratios of faecal lipid biomarker from archaeological soils using Soxhlet, microwave-assisted and accelerated-solvent extraction

The performance of Soxhlet (SOX), microwave-assisted (MAE) and accelerated-solvent extraction (ASE) in the analysis of faecal lipid biomarkers (FLB, Δ5-sterols, stanols, stanones) from archaeological soils was investigated to assess effectiveness and reproducibility of the extraction methods. Results from two Anthrosols that were analysed in six replicates show that SOX achieves significantly higher extraction yields for individual substances and steroid sums than MAE, while ASE produces the lowest lipid yields. Regarding the FLB ratios, which are used for sourcing of faeces, the three extraction methods show comparable values with three out of five ratios differing significantly between different soil samples. The reproducibility of extraction yields decreases with SOX > ASE > MAE, as well as for concentrations <100 ngg−1 sediment. Analyses of six different soils indicate a weak influence of soil properties (pH, texture, total organic carbon and cation exchange capacity) on the effectiveness of extraction methods. From our study we conclude that the classical SOX is still the preferred extraction approach when reliably higher FLB yields are of foremost interest or low concentrations are expected, as it is most effective and reproducible. However, considering the drawbacks of SOX (high extraction times and high solvent consumption), MAE and ASE appear to be comparably attractive for extracting FLBs in archaeological contexts. In addition to comparable FLB ratios, MAE and ASE are economically more efficient, as they reach a higher sample throughput and waste lower amounts of extractant.

Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidants for Cosmetic Applications Using Polyol-Based Technology.

The utilization of polyols as green solvents for extracting bioactive compounds from plant materials has gained attention due to their safety and inert behavior with plant bioactive chemicals. This study explores the sustainable extraction of phenolic compounds and natural antioxidants from coffee silverskin using the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method with polyol-based solvents: glycerin, propylene glycol (PG), butylene glycol (BG), methylpropanediol (MPD), isopentyldiol (IPD), pentylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, and hexylene glycol (HG). A comparative analysis was conducted on conventional and non-conventional solvent extractions, focusing on their impact on the bioactive compounds of MAE, encompassing parameters such as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities like the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay (DPPH), the 2,2'-azino-bis(-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging assay (ABTS), and the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP). The highest values were observed for TPC with aqueous-1,2-hexanediol extraction (52.0 ± 3.0 mg GAE/g sample), TFC with aqueous-1,2-hexanediol extraction (20.0 ± 1.7 mg QE/g sample), DPPH with aqueous-HGextraction (13.6 ± 0.3 mg TE/g sample), ABTS with aqueous-pentylene glycol extraction (8.2 ± 0.1 mg TE/g sample), and FRAP with aqueous-HG extraction (21.1 ± 1.3 mg Fe (II) E/g sample). This research aims to advance eco-friendly extraction technology through natural plant components, promoting sustainability by minimizing hazardous chemical use while reducing time and energy consumption, with potential applications in cosmetics.

Microwave-assisted extraction of Trang peppercorn (&lt;i&gt;Piper nigrum&lt;/i&gt; Linn.) and its α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and immune-stimulation

Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes insulin production problems and excessive blood sugar. Patients who cannot control their sugar are more susceptible to infection. The objective of this study is to explore the phytochemical contents, α-glucosidase inhibitory effects, and immune stimulation of three Trang peppercorn (&lt;i&gt;Piper nigrum&lt;/i&gt; Linn.): black (BP), red (RP), and white (WP). The study uses DI water as a solvent and employs MAE at 500 and 300 Watts (W) of power, with extraction times of 30 and 50 seconds (sec), respectively. The MAE extracts made with 500 W of power for 30 sec had higher amounts of extraction yields (%), TPC, TFC, piperine (%), fatty acids, and α-glucosidase inhibitory than the extracts made with 300 W of power for 50 sec (p &lt; 0.05). The BP and WP extract exhibited the highest inhibitory effects against baker's yeast and maltase α-glucosidase with IC&lt;sub&gt;50&lt;/sub&gt; values of 2.09±0.75 mg/mL and 1.70±0.05 mg/mL, respectively, while the RP extracts showed an inhibitory effect against sucrase with an IC&lt;sub&gt;50&lt;/sub&gt; value of 3.02±0.04 mg/mL. Interestingly, the BP, RP, and WB extracts with 500 W for 30 sec and 300 W for 50 sec at a concentration range of 1.00-200 µg/mL can stimulate the macrophage cell's process of taking up foreign substances and increase the creation of NO. This study revealed that MAE promotes Trang peppercorn phytochemical yields and biological activities, which may be used to make traditional diabetic medication and boost the immune system.

Ocean Plastics: Extraction, Characterization and Utilization of Macroalgae Biopolymers for Packaging Applications

This review details the extraction, characterization and utilization of seaweed-derived biopolymers for future packaging applications. The review is contextualized within the broader scope of the challenge of plastic pollution and the current urgent need for more sustainable packaging materials. Macroalgae (or seaweed) has been highlighted as a promising source of biopolymers, most commonly sodium alginate, agar and carrageenan, for reasons such as a rapid growth rate and decreased environmental impact when compared with terrestrial plant life. Extraction methods detailed include traditional solvent-based extraction and more sustainable developments such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction and bead milling. This review additionally presents the characterization techniques most pertinent in determining the applicability of these biopolymers in packaging applications. Properties of key importance to the development of sustainable packaging materials such as thermal properties, mechanical strength, barrier properties and biodegradability are highlighted in comparison to conventional petroleum-based plastics. This review concludes by realistically identifying the challenges faced by implementing seaweed-based biopolymers into packaging structures, such as cost-effectiveness, scalability and performance while suggesting future directions to mitigate these issues and improve the commercial viability of these materials for the packaging industry.

Nutraceutical Valorization of Exhausted Olive Pomace from Olea europaea L. Using Advanced Extraction Techniques.

Exhausted olive pomace (EOP) represents the principal residue of olive pomace. Several studies have optimized the extraction of specialized metabolites from the EOP of Olea europaea L., but a comparison between different extractive methods has not been made. For this reason, the present investigation aims to compare four different extractive methods by using water and 15% ethanol/water as extractive solvents. Specifically, based on extract antioxidant activity, the methods compared were maceration (MAC), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE). Between these, the UAE and ASE hydroalcoholic EOP extracts were demonstrated to have the highest antioxidant activity. Subsequently, these extracts were investigated for their hypoglycemic and antiradical activity using in vitro cell-free and cell-based assays, respectively. ASE hydroalcoholic EOP extract demonstrated the greatest ability to inhibit the α-amylase enzyme and an in vitro antioxidant activity comparable to N-acetyl cysteine in HepG2 cells. UAE and ASE extracts' phytochemical characterization was also performed, identifying seven phenolic compounds, including 3-hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and, for the first time, salidroside. The ASE hydroalcoholic EOP extract was the richest from a phytochemical point of view, thus confirming its major biological activity. Therefore, ASE and 15% ethanol/water may represent the best extractive method for EOP nutraceutical valorization.