Valorization of Arbutus unedo Bagasse using Eutectic Solvents for Cosmetic Applications

02/12/2024

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.

Autores da comunidade :

• 

  J

  João Francisco da Costa Alcobia

  ist196605

Orientadores desta instituição:

• 

  M

  Maria Beatriz Pinto Pereira Palma Nobre

  ist136051

• 

  I

  Isabel Maria Delgado Jana Marrucho Ferreira

  ist129097

chemical-engineering - Engenharia Química

por - Português

Instituto Superior Técnico