Master's Thesis
Valorization of Arbutus unedo Bagasse using Eutectic Solvents for Cosmetic Applications
— 2024
Key information
Authors:
Supervisors:
Published in
12/02/2024
Abstract
The arbutus unedo L. (strawberry tree) fruits are commonly used to produce the traditional drink “Aguardente de Medronho”. During the production process large quantities of bagasse are produced and are often discarded without proper treatment or reuse. This study explores the valorization of the bagasse by extracting the phenolic compounds (PCs) using green solvents and extraction methods, with the intention of employing the produced extract in emulsions. Maceration and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) were the employed extraction methods, along with different betaine and proline-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). The obtained extracts were evaluated for their TPC, TFC and AA. The screening performed for the different solvents showed that NADES were able to outperformconventional solvents, with Pro: PPG (1:4) with 30% of water showing the best results. PLE was able to improve even further the results, using Pro: PPG (1:4) with 30% water at 75ºC and at 1500 psi, using 2 static extraction cycles of 15 minutes. The most effective extracts were incorporated into a cosmetic formulation, with the PLE extract maintaining properties comparable to the control. This study is the first to integrate A. unedo bagasse extracts into cosmetics using innovative solvents and methods.
Publication details
Authors in the community:
João Francisco da Costa Alcobia
ist196605
Supervisors of this institution:
Fields of Science and Technology (FOS)
chemical-engineering - Chemical engineering
Publication language (ISO code)
por - Portuguese
Rights type:
Embargoed access
Date available:
09/12/2025
Institution name
Instituto Superior Técnico