Supercritical fluid extraction of free amino acids from broccoli leaves

The extraction of free amino acids (AAs) from broccoli leaves using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with CO2 modified with methanol, is presented in this work. The effect of the different variables was studied, showing the percentage of methanol a strong influence on the extraction. The best results in terms of extraction yield were obtained at 250 bar, 70 °C, 35% methanol as organic modifier, a flow rate of 2 mL/min, and 5 min and 30 min as static and dynamic extraction times, respectively. The extraction yield obtained with the SFE method was comparable to that obtained employing conventional solvent extraction with methanol–water (70:30) and minor than using water, but the relative proportion of the AAs in the extracts was very different. For example, the use of SFE allowed the enrichment in proline and glutamine of the extracts. The selected conditions were applied to obtain SFE extracts of broccoli leaves from different varieties (Naxos, Nubia, Marathon, Parthenon and Viola). The highest levels of AAs were found in the SFE extracts from the Nubia variety.

► SFE was applied to the extraction of free AAs from broccoli leaves. ► The extraction yield was comparable to that obtained employing conventional solvent extraction with methanol–water (70:30). ► SFE extracts have a higher proportion of proline and glutamine. ► The highest amount of essential AAs was found in the Nubia extracts. ► The highest values of total free AAs were obtained in the order Nubia, Naxos and Parthenon.