Using Ultrasound-assisted Extraction Research Articles

ULTRASOUND-ASSISTED EXTRACTION OF STARCH FROM OIL PALM TRUNK: AN OPTIMIZATION BY RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY

Higher production of palm oil in Malaysia has resulted in a significant amount of oil palm biomass including oil palm trunk (OPT). OPT has been studied as an alternative starch source. To date, reports on the extraction of starch from OPT using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) are limited. The application of UAE is considered to be a simpler and effective way in starch extraction compared to conventional extraction methods. This study aims to investigate the potential of ultrasound-assisted extraction to extract starch from OPT, and optimization using response surface methodology. A three-factor central composite design (CCD) was designed to determine the effects of variables on response. The three variables involved in the study, namely: sonication temperature (45-65°C), sonication time (30-60 min) and sodium metabisulfite concentration (0.5-1.5% w/v). All of the data were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The R2 value (95.6%) and model (p <0.0001), indicating the acceptability of the model and significance in the interaction between independent variables. At the optimum conditions of 52.84°C temperature, 30.66 min exposure time and 0.58% w/v sodium metabisulfite concentration, the starch yield achieved its optimum value by 34.21%. Therefore, this study proved the potential of UAE in extracting higher OPT starch.

Assessment of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations in leather by ICP-MS: a multivariate analysis of an eco-friendly approach

ABSTRACT Due to the metal-complex dyes used in tannery industries, potentially toxic metals can be present in leather. However, publications regarding metal determination in leather are scarce, and most sample preparation procedures are still time-consuming. Therefore, a simple and straightforward sample preparation approach using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was proposed for the determination of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in leather samples by ICP-MS. A full factorial design 23 was used to investigate the extraction conditions. Fitted conditions were obtained at a ratio of 100 mg: 1.0 mL (sample:HNO3 14.0 mol L−1), ultrasound-assisted extraction time of 55 min at 75 ± 3°C. The method´s accuracy was evaluated through the comparison of results with those obtained using microwave-assisted digestion (MWAD) approach. The UAE results were statistically similar to the MWAD, according to the Student t-test (α = 0.05) and linear regression analysis. Limits of detection (LOD), at mg kg−1 range, and method precision (RSD <11%) were suitable for the analytes´ determination in leather. The proposed method was successfully applied to analyse 18 different leather samples. The results were < 0.3 to 53.19 mg kg−1 for Cd, <0.2 to 484.61 mg kg−1 for Cu, <0.02 to 211.31 mg kg−1 for Pb and < 0.02 to 379.22 mg kg−1 for Zn, respectively. The proposed method is simple and faster than the traditional acid digestion sample preparation. Moreover, according to green analytical chemistry, the method scored 82 points on the Eco-Scale, confirming the proposed method as environmentally friendly.

Green Processing of Black Raspberry Pomace: Application of Sonotrode-Based Extraction Technique and Particles from Gas-Saturated Solutions (PGSS) Technology.

The aim of this study was to develop, for the first time, anthocyanin-enriched fractions from black raspberry pomace (BRP) using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) via sonotrode and the Particles from Gas-Saturated Solutions (PGSS) process. UAEs with different amplitudes and sonication times were evaluated and showed relevant effects on the yields of target analytes. The raspberry pomace extracts were formulated in a powder form by PGSS using glyceryl monostearate as a carrier at different extract-to-carrier ratios of 1:11, 1:5, and 1:3. The effects of all variables were evaluated in terms of extraction yield, total phenolic content, and encapsulation yield. UAE was strongly affected by amplitude, and the highest amplitude (100%) provided the best results for extraction yield and total phenolics. HPLC of UAE extracts and powders was utilized for quantification of polyphenol compounds, showing cyanidin-3-rutinoside as a main compound, followed by cyanidin-3-glucoside, rutin, ellagic acid, and gallic acid. These results show that these time-efficient and high-performance techniques enable the production of natural fractions from industrial BRP with acceptable characteristics to be used for the development of nutraceuticals and different food formulations.

Rice bran stabilization using autoclave and optimization of crude rice bran oil recovery using ultrasound-assisted extraction

This research aimed to stabilize rice bran to reduce enzymatic reactions and optimize rice bran oil extraction using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The optimization was performed using response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that rice bran oil has three primary fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, palmitic). Stabilization of rice bran using an autoclave (121 °C) for 10 min was recommended, with oil yield (14.2%), free fatty acid/FFA (0.41%), and gamma oryzanol (16.1 ppm). The storage significantly affected oil yield and gamma oryzanol but not FFA (p&gt;0.05). The untreated and stabilized rice bran FFA during 18-day storage ranged from 1.33 to 5.73% and 0.41 to 1.12%. This confirmed that stabilization could inactivate lipase enzymes by reducing FFA. The optimization showed that the linear model best explained oil yield, total phenol content (TPC), and antioxidant activity (IC50), while the 2FI model was best fitted for gamma oryzanol. The optimal condition was found for UAE extraction at an amplitude of 90% and a time of 30 min. Verifying optimal conditions resulted in oil yield (13.6%), TPC (44.8 mg GAE/g), IC50 (207.2 ppm), and gamma oryzanol (15.8 ppm). Further in-depth studies are required to investigate using green solvents in the UAE and gamma oryzanol purification.

Supercritical CO2 and ultrasound extraction and characterization of lipids and polyphenols from Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. pollen

The phytochemical profile of Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. pollen was characterized in terms of phenolic compounds and fatty acids. Fatty acids were extracted from pollen using supercritical CO2 and characterized by GC-FID. The main constituents found in the extract were palmitic and oleic acid accounting for 50% of all fatty acids. The polyphenols were extracted from exhausted material after CO2 extraction using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and aqueous methanol solution as solvent. The major compounds identified in the UAE extract by UHPLC-DAD-QqTOF-MS belonged to flavonoid glycosides (isorhamnetin O-rutinoside-rhamnoside) and phenolamides (di-p-coumaroylputrescine, N′,N''-di-p-coumaroyl-N'''-caffeoylspermidine, and N′,N'',N'''-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine isomers). The UAE extraction of flavonoids and phenolamides was optimized considering time, temperature, methanol percentage and solvent-solid ratio. The determined optimized conditions were: temperature of 66.1 °C, time of 44.9 min, solvent-solid ratio of 49.9 mL/g and 70.1% of aqueous methanol solution as a solvent. The statistically significant impact on the extraction of the analyzed compounds had the solvent-solid ratio and methanol percentage as well as interactions between those two parameters. The optimized conditions may be useful for efficient extraction of fractions rich in bioactive compounds e.g. N′,N'',N'''-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine with proven biological potential.

Metabolite profiling of anticancer compounds in Saussure lappa based on UPLC-QToFMS/MS

Background: Saussure lappa is a plant of the Asteraceae family that has been known as a medicinal plant to treat cancer. However, there is still a lack of data about the metabolite profiling of this extract and target activity in the cancer signaling pathway. Objective: This study aimed to identify metabolites and evaluate the anticancer activity of Saussure lappa active ingredients. Method: The root sample was extracted using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) with 96% ethanol solvent. Evaluation of the anticancer activity of the compounds was carried out using the PASS SERVER tools. Result: About 17 metabolites have been characterised. Interestingly, Saussureamine B, C, D, costunolide, and dehydrocostus lactone showed highly antineoplastic potential properties with several possible activities such as apoptosis agonists, MMP9 expression inhibitors, and Transcription factor NF-kappa B inhibitors. Conclusion: The root extract of Saussure lappa is highly recommended to be developed as an anticancer drug candidate.

Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of Platycodon grandiflorum polysaccharides and evaluation of its structural, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity

The study aimed to improve the extraction rate of Platycodon grandiflorum roots polysaccharides (PGPs) using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). A comparative analysis was undertaken to evaluate polysaccharides content, molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide composition, preliminary structure, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic activity of UAE in comparison with heating water extraction (HWE). The optimum extraction conditions included a liquid-to-material ratio of 20 mL/g, ultrasonic power of 150 W, extraction temperature of 70 ℃, and extraction time of 20 min, resulting in a significantly greater polysaccharides (12.011 ± 0.91 %) compared to HWE (7.62 ± 0.18 %). Through Sephacryl S-100 column elution, two homogenous fraction (PGP-U extracted with UAE and PGP-H extracted with HAE) were obtained.The molecular weight of PGP-U and PGP-H was 3.14 kDa and 3.44 kDa, respectively, mainly composed of different proportions of fourteen monosaccharides. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectra experiment results showed that the two polysaccharides were pyranose ring with α- and β-glycoside bond. PGP-U and PGP-H exhibited specific antioxidant activities, encompassing total reducing force, scavenging of DPPH radicals, ABTs radicals and hydroxyl radicals in vitro, along with mitigation of H2O2-induced damage in HepG2 cells. Moreover, PGP-U exerted significantly stronger inhibitory activities against α-amylase and α-glucosidase and could significantly enhances the glucose uptake capacity and intracellular glycogen content of insulin-resistant HepG2 (IR-HepG2) cells.

Exploration of In-vitro Antidiabetic Activity of ZnO NPs and Ag NPs Synthesized using Methanolic Extracts of Alpinia mutica and Tradescantia spathaeca Leaves

Diabetes might be cured with the use of medicinal herbs and environmentally friendly production of metallic nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and ZnO NPs. The methanolic leaf extracts of Alpinia mutica and Tradescantia spathaeca were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), respectively, for in-vitro evaluation. Methanolic leaf extracts of A. mutica and T. spathaeca were used to create AgNPs and ZnO NPs under ambient conditions using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Their ability to block alpha- and beta-amylase confirmed the in-vitro antidiabetic efficacy of methanolic leaf extract of plant (MLEP), AgNPs, and ZnO NPs. In this study, α- amylase activity of ZnO and nanoparticles of silver produced from natural sources will be evaluated in an effort to lessen the toxicity and negative effects of the inhibitor used to treat diabetes. Antidiabetic action was especially impressive in the ZnO and silver nanoparticles produced using methanolic extracts of A. mutica and T. spathaeca. Because of their promising in-vitro antidiabetic action with alpha-amylase activity, MLEP of A. mutica and T. spathaeca, AgNPs, and ZnO NPs show promise for future medical uses.

New selective and sustainable ultrasound-assisted extraction procedure to recover carnosic and rosmarinic acids from Rosmarinus officinalis by sequential use of bio-based solvents

Carnosic (CA) and rosmarinic (RA) acids are the primary phenolic acids in hydrophilic rosemary extracts. Their combination exhibits high antioxidant activity and can be explored in several applications. This study aimed to develop an extraction procedure using bio-based solvents to recover two rosemary extracts, one rich in CA and the other in RA. By using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and a pool of 34 solvents, we evaluated nominal power (W), extraction time (min), and solvent water percentage (% H2O) regarding yield and selectivity. The authors propose a sequential UAE procedure validated by applying ethanol 99.5 % (v/v), 240 W, and 5 min to recover a rich fraction of 24.0 mgCA.gbiomass−1; followed by a second step using AmAc:LA (1:2 M ratio), 20 % H2O (m/m), 320 W, and 5 min that resulted in 8.4 mgRA.gbiomass−1. Our results indicate that modulating the solvent composition and process temperature is critical to increasing extraction yields and selectivity.

Optimisation of ultrasound-assisted extraction of carotenoids and antioxidant activity from Citrus reticulata Blanco peels (Wilking mandarin)

AbstractA large amount of waste, especially the outer part of citrus fruits (peel), is generated after consuming the pulp and it remains unused. The valorisation of this waste by recovering its bioactive compounds seems interesting. The aim of this study was to find the optimal conditions using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) that yield the highest carotenoid content and better antioxidant activity from Citrus reticulata Blanco peels.Response surface methodology (RSM) through Box–Behnken experimental design was used to optimise the conditions for carotenoid extraction using UAE. Hexane concentration, temperature, and sonication time were selected as the main factors.The results revealed that all independent variables affected the responses. The optimal UAE conditions for hexane concentration, temperature, and sonication time were 60.76%, 36.45 °C, and 37.32 min, respectively. The values of total carotenoid content (TCC) and total antioxidant activity (TAA) obtained by UAE were higher than those obtained by the maceration extraction method.It can be concluded that the medium and extraction parameters, including hexane concentration, temperature, and sonication time, significantly influenced the recovery of carotenoids and antioxidant activity. The optimisation study allowed determining the appropriate conditions to maximise both responses. Compared to conventional maceration, the UAE method was superior and more efficient for extracting carotenoids from C. reticulata Blanco peels.

Edible Oil sebagai Pelarut Ekstraksi Karotenoid dari Kulit Labu Kuning (Cucurbita moschata)

Carotenoids are pigments found in various types of fruits and vegetables that provide yellow, orange, and red colors. This study aimed to extract yellow pumpkin skin using edible oil solvents. The extraction process was carried out using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method with virgin coconut oil (VCO) and palm kernel oil (PKO). Yellow pumpkin peel powder with sizes of 40 mesh and 100 mesh were extracted with variations in extraction time (30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 90 minutes) and variations in solid-to-solvent ratio (1:10, 1:20, 1:30, 1:40, and 1:50). UV-Vis spectrophotometer analysis was used to determine the concentration of the extraction results. According to the research results, the best carotenoid concentration of 2513.44 ppm was obtained using PKO solvent with a powder size of 100 mesh, extraction time of 30 minutes, and powder-to-solvent ratio of 1:10.

Optimization and kinetics modeling of phenolics extraction from coffee silverskin in deep eutectic solvent using ultrasound-assisted extraction

This research investigates the effect of extraction parameters on total phenolic content (TPC) and the antioxidant capacity of coffee silverskin (CS) extract using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) in deep eutectic solvent (DES). The optimization was carried out in two stages: (i) the optimization of the UAE condition with the highest TPC; and (ii) a four-factor Box-Behnken design (BBD) to optimize the UAE condition with the optimal TPC; 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity; and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The results showed that the optimal UAE condition with the highest TPC was 150–250 μm CS particle size; 1,6-hexanediol as hydrogen bond donor (HBD); 1:7 HBA:HBD molar ratio; and 30% (w/w) water content, given choline chloride (ChCl) as hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), 30 min extraction time and 30 ° C extraction temperature. The BBD-based optimal UAE condition was 30% w/w water content, 45 mL/g liquid/solid ratio, 90 min extraction time and 85 ° C extraction temperature, given the CS particle size of 150–250 μm and the HBA:HBD molar ratio of 1 (ChCl): 7 (1,6 hexanediol), achieving 19.19 ± 0.20 mg GAE/g CS for TPC, 24.06 ± 1.77 mg TE/g CS for DPPH radical scavenging capacity, and 59.13 ± 4.55 mg Fe (II)/g CS for FRAP. The experimental results were in good agreement with the BBD-based predicted results (22.40 mg GAE/g CS for TPC, 24.09 mg TE/g CS for DPPH, and 59.43 mg Fe(II)/g CS for FRAP). The two-site kinetics model best fitted the experimental data, with R2 of 0.991–0.999.

Optimisation of ultrasound-assisted lipid extraction in the pretreatment of purple-spotted bigeye fish skin

The present work investigated the defatting of purple-spotted bigeye fish skin to obtain lipid prior to hydrolysis for gelatine production. Lipid was extracted using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The drying temperature of the skin on lipid recovery and preliminary kinetic of UAE were studied before a two-stage extraction was optimised by employing response surface methodology. Qualities of lipids and of the remaining solids after extraction were then analysed. The optimal drying temperature was found to be 80°C. The kinetic study that followed indicated that the highest extraction rate was achieved at 30°C, and from UAE using ethanol (UAEE) and sequential UAE using hexane (UAEH), the maximum percentage of total lipid recovery was 91.326 at 30°C, 37 kHz, and 60 min. The qualities determined by peroxide, conjugated diene, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and acid values showed that the extracted lipid could be suitable for industry, while the remaining solid could be used as material for gelatine production.

Brown seaweed: Fucus vesiculosus as a feedstock for agriculture and environment protection

A comprehensive approach to the management of brown seaweed—Fucus vesiculosus was presented. An algal extract, which served as a biostimulant of plant growth was produced using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The concentration of the extract (20, 40, 60, 80, 100%), which had the greatest influence on biometric parameters of radish, was determined in germination tests. The seaweed itself as well as the produced post-extraction residue were used in doses of 2 and 4 g/kg as soil additives, stimulating plant growth in the initial phase. Pot tests for sorghum carried out under optimal conditions (20% extract and 2 g/kg of soil additive) had a positive effect on the plant weight, length and the content of chlorophyll in comparison with the control group treated with distilled water. Additionally, preliminary studies on the bioremediation of soil contaminated with Zn(II) ions with the use of both soil additives were performed. It was shown that the immobilization of Zn(II) ions in the soil by the applied additives reduced the bioaccumulation of zinc in the aerial part of plants as compared with the group cultivated in the contaminated soil but without additive. Accordingly, by producing plant biostimulants by UAE it was also possible to successfully manage the post-extraction residue following the concept of a bio-based economy.

Extraction and modification of protein from sesame oil cake by the application of emerging technologies

Present work evaluated the extraction yield and quality of protein from defatted sesame meal (DSM) using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), low-temperature microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and moderate electric field-assisted extraction (MEFAE). It was observed that the application of emerging technologies as pre-treatments significantly increased protein yield from 26.4% (without pre-treatments) to 38.9% (with UAE 450 W–20 min), 36.05% for MAE (with 500 W–20 min) and 32.75% for MEFAE (with 100 V–30 min) and improved the functional properties of Sesame protein isolate (SPI). FTIR revealed Amide I to III bands in SPI, with characteristic changes in protein secondary structure. The treated sample showed higher thermal stability evident from the denaturation temperature increase from 203.41 to 221.40 °C. The protein's microstructure in this study was transformed using various extraction techniques into a compact structure with a wrinkled surface. MAE-SPI showed maximum Invitro protein digestibility as 94.44%. The molecular weight profile revealed that the SPI samples' protein bands had molecular weights between 6.5 and 200 kDa. SDS-PAGE results revealed a change in the intensity of protein bands, and all of the main allergen protein bands were degraded.

Black Mangrove Powder Extracts with Variation of Temperature and Length of Time using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE)

Black mangrove fruit, which is often found in mangrove forest regions of Indonesia, is one source of natural antioxidants that has the potential to be utilized as raw material for functional foods. This investigation focused on black mangrove powder extracts' chemical and phytochemical contents using an ultrasonic-assisted extraction technique. 70% ethanol was used as a solvent for the extraction process. Temperature and extraction time were the two treatments used in this study. A1=30°C, A2=35°C, and A3=40°C for the extraction temperatures, and B1=15 minutes, B2=20 minutes, and B3=25 minutes for the extraction times. Total phenol, total flavonoid, tannin, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity were among the test’s parameters. This research used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two components and three replications. Furthermore. To identify the ideal concentration of black mangrove powder extracts, the data were statistically evaluated using ANOVA at a significance level of 95%, and then processed using DX13.0® Software’s Response Surface Methodology (RSM) Optimal Custom Design tool. The ideal circumstances were attained at a temperature of 50°C for 10 minutes, with a desirability value of 0.80. It is anticipated that the best option will result in a yield of 38.34%. nutritional breakdown: crude fibers at 1.88%, ash at 0.33%, fat at 1.332%, protein at 4.40%, and water at 9.17%. and phytochemical components, including tannins (0.11%), total phenols (1778.07 g GAE/g), flavonoids (92.11 g GAE/g), vitamin C (5.84 mg), and antioxidant activity (43.33%). This research suggests that the conversion of black mangroves into nutrient-rich products has an increase in added value and has potential nutritional and phytochemical contents.

Targeted HPTLC Profile, Quantification of Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids, and Antimicrobial Activity of Dodonaea angustifolia (L.f.) Leaves and Flowers

In East Africa, Dodonaea angustifolia (L.f.) is a well-known medicinal herb. Its leaf is primarily studied in light of its ethnobotanical use. In terms of phytochemistry and biological activity, its flower is not studied. In a prior study, our team looked into phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic levels. This study aims to compare the profiles and biological activities of the leaf and flower samples of D. angustifolia and to present therapeutic alternatives. The leaf and flower sample powders were extracted with methanol using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). HPTLC profile was obtained using CAMAG-HPTLC equipped with VisionCATS software. Antimicrobial agar well diffusion assay and minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) were determined. The leaf and flower extracts of D. angustifolia showed antibacterial activity with a MIC value of 20 µg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes. Similarly, 40 µg/mL was found to be effective against Aspergillus flavus. D. angustifolia flower is a rich source of flavonoids and phenolic acids. Because of its antibacterial properties and profile, which are almost the same, the flower is emerging as a viable option for medicinal alternatives.

Extraction of phenolic and flavonoids compounds from kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.) using ultrasound assisted extraction

The objective of this research is to conduct the preliminary phytochemical screening of phenolic and flavonoid compounds from leaves and bast fibres of Hibiscus Cannabinus L that been extracted using Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE). This study was conducted to evaluate the comparative phytochemical screening test of kenaf leaves and kenaf bast fibres using Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE) with water and absolute ethanol as extraction solvent and different extraction times. Phytochemical screening was carried out with the crude extracts by tested with ferric chloride test for phenolic compounds meanwhile sodium hydroxide 10% test for flavonoid compounds. The major finding of this research is the presences of phenolic and flavonoid compounds by the colour changes using the phytochemical screening test. In phenolic compound test, bast fibres shown the orange colour for ethanol solvents while for water shows dark orange with precipitate. Meanwhile, leaves give dark green colours for water and for ethanol the dark green colour was more intense. In flavonoid compound test, both water and ethanol solvent for bast fibres samples shows pale yellow while leaves show yellow for water and bright yellow for ethanol. Overall, the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds was confirmed in Hibiscus Cannabinus L. The result shown the kenaf leaves gives the most positives presences of both compounds according by the colour changes in water and ethanol solvents. The extracts from locally grown kenaf shows the presences of phenolic and flavonoid compounds which can be used as antibiotics for diseases.

Preparation of Bioactive De-Chlorophyll Rhein-Rich Senna alata Extract.

Senna alata leaves display various biological activities as a result of their rhein and phenolic composition. The objective of this study was to develop bioactive de-chlorophyll rhein-rich S. alata extracts. The rhein content was quantified using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) method. The best process parameters for maximizing rhein were established using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The optimal conditions for the parameters were determined using the Box-Behnken design (BBD); 95% v/v ethanol was used as the extraction solvent at 59.52 °C for 18.4 min with a solvent-to-solid ratio of 25.48:1 (mL/g) to obtain the predicted value of rhein at 10.44 mg/g extract. However, the color of the rhein-rich extract remained dark brown. For the removal of chlorophyll, liquid-liquid extraction with vegetable oils and adsorption with bleaching agents were employed. The bleaching agents were significantly more effective at removing chlorophyll and had less of an effect on the reduction in rhein content than vegetable oils. The presence of rhein and phenolics in the de-chlorophyll extracts might be responsible for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. These findings indicate that rhein-rich extract and its de-chlorophyll extracts possess sufficient biological activities for the further development of cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

Optimization of a simple, effective, and greener methodology for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon extraction from human adipose tissue.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmentally persistent organic pollutants formed during incomplete combustion and pyrolysis processes. Humans are continuously exposed to PAHs which are linked to severe health effects such as diabetes, cancer, infertility, and poor foetal development, amongst others. PAHs are lipophilic compounds prone to accumulating in adipose tissue. Even though adipose tissue is the ideal matrix to assess over time accumulation of lipophilic pollutants, only a few analytical methods have been developed for this matrix. Aiming to reduce the existent gap, a method for the extraction of PAHs from adipose tissue samples using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was developed. The behaviour of PAHs (retention, adsorption, and volatilization) over several steps of the analytical procedure was studied. Validation tests were performed on the optimized method. PAHs were quantified using a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system equipped with a photodiode array (PDA) and fluorescence (FLD) detector inline. The method achieved a low matrix effect and presents low method detection (MDL) and quantification (MQL) limits, showing suitability for a selective and sensitive determination of PAHs in adipose tissue. The extraction is performed with 0.4 g of adipose tissue and 6 mL of n-hexane and it does not require clean-up afterwards. Additionally, an Eco-Scale score of 74 and an Analytical GREEnness score of 0.66 were obtained. The method achieved is effective, simpler, greener, and easy to perform, being an alternative to conventional extraction methods. Furthermore, this method can be used as a multi-analyte methodology since it has been previously validated by the authors for the analysis of other lipophilic compounds. Naphthalene (Naph), acenaphthene (Ace), fluorene (Flu), phenanthrene (Phe), anthracene (Ant), fluoranthene (Fln), pyrene (Pyr) and benzo[k]fluoranthene (B[k]Ft) were found in all the tested adipose tissue samples.