Extraction of bioactive compounds from palm (Elaeis guineensis) pressed fiber using different compressed fluids

•Maximum extraction yield using CO2 was 4.55 wt%.•Maximum extraction yield using LPG was 1.52 wt%.•Supercritical CO2 provided extracts with higher biological activities.

Compressed liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and CO2 were used for the extraction of bioactive compounds from palm pressed fiber (Elaeis guineensis). The influence of temperature and pressure on extraction yield, chemical composition, antioxidant activities towards superoxide and hydroxyl radicals and the sun protection factor were studied for each solvent. Maximum extraction yield was 4.55 wt% using supercritical CO2 at 60 °C and 25 MPa, which was about three times higher than the yield using compressed LPG. The highest antioxidant activities and sun protection factor were also obtained at this condition. The chemical profiles were similar for both solvents, where lauric, palmitic and oleic acids corresponded to 80% of the total fatty acids determined in the extract. Antioxidant compounds such as α-tocopherol, squalene, β-carotene and β-sitosterol were also determined. CO2 was the best solvent for extraction of bioactive compounds from pressed fiber palm, due to the highest extraction yield, antioxidant activities and sun protection factor.

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