Spondias tuberosa Seed as a Source of Bioactives by an Optimized Microwave-Assisted Green Extraction

Sep 29, 2026

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Umbu (Spondias tuberosa Arruda) is a native Brazilian Caatinga fruit whose pulp drives agroindustrial processing, while depulping leaves about 25% residue as seed. This study recovers seed bioactives through microwave-assisted solid–liquid extraction using propylene glycol as a greener solvent. A design varying propylene glycol (15–85%) and temperature (59–201 °C) was applied, measuring TPC and antioxidant performance via DPPH•, ABTS•+, and FRAP. Optimal conditions (201 °C, 60% propylene glycol) and 15 min extraction increased TPC by 41%. UPLC-HRMS/MS indicated phenolic dominance, with SPF 13 at 30 mg/mL, and the 25% extract showed no toxicity in the G. mellonella model.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Food waste as a bioactive resource

Phenolics and health/cosmetic relevance

Market drivers for natural extracts

Umbu fruit and seed composition

Conventional solvent limitations

Green solvent approach and propylene glycol rationale

This article is licensed under CC-BY 4.0 [http://pubs.acs.org/journal/acsodf](http://pubs.acs.org/journal/acsodf) Article Spondias tuberosa Seed as a Source of Bioactives by an Optimized Microwave-Assisted Green Extraction Ester Fonseca da Conceĩao, Carolline Margot Albanez Lorentino, Thayssa da Silva Ferreira Fagundes, Alex de Aguiar Novo, Claudete Norie Kunigami, André Luis Souza dos Santos, Davyson de Lima Moreira, Eliane Przytyk Jung, and Leilson de Oliveira Ribeiro * Cite This: ACS Omega 2025, 10, 59108−59120 Read Online | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | ACCESS | Metrics & More | | Article Recommendations | | *sı Supporting Information | ABSTRACT: Umbu (Spondias tuberosaArruda) is a native Brazilian Caatinga fruit. The pulp is the main product of its agroindustrialization; however, depulping generates approximately 25% of residue. This study aimed to recover bioactive compounds from umbu seed through a more sustainable approach, using propylene glycol as a solvent in microwave-assisted solid−liquid extraction. Additionally, the study evaluated the chemical profile, photoprotective action, and in vitro toxicity. An experimental design using percentage of propylene glycol (15−85%) and temperature (59−201 °C) as independent variables was adopted. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity by DPPH•, ABTS•+, and FRAP were evaluated as responses. The highest response values were observed at 201 °C and 60% propylene glycol. Adjusting the extraction time to 15 min resulted in a 41% increase in TPC. According to UPLC-HRMS/MS analysis, the optimized extract is mainly composed of phenolic compounds. It showed a sun protection factor of 13 at 30 mg/mL. Furthermore, the 25% extract showed no toxicity in the G. mellonella model. Therefore, the use of propylene glycol as a green solvent in microwave-assisted extraction favored the recovery of bioactive compounds from umbu seed, enabling the production of a bioproduct with potential cosmetic application. ■ INTRODUCTION A large amount of solid and liquid food waste is generated worldwide, representing a significant environmental issue. This waste originates from various stages of the food supply chain including industrial food processing, quality deterioration during retail handling, food service operations, and household consumption. However, byproducts such as fruit peels, seeds, stems, and processed vegetable residues are rich in bioactive compounds, including phenolics, vitamins, carotenoids, and alkaloids.1 Bioactive compounds derived from plants and fruits have attracted considerable research interest due to their technological potential and health benefits.2 Among these are phenolic compounds, which are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and can be found in fruit peels and seeds. They are beneficial for human health due to their high antioxidant potential, neutralizing the formation of free radicals involved in oxidation processes. Studies link the consumption of these substances against the effects of age-related disorders and diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. They also play a significant role in the cosmetic industry as natural antioxidants and photoprotective agents.3−5 In this context, the rising demand for natural ingredients across multiple sectors has been a key driver of growth in the plant extract industry. Valued at 36.7 billion USD in 2023, this global market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 11.3% between 2024 and 2032. These figures underscore the scientific and industrial relevance of research aimed at waste materials for sustainable developing plant extracts from applications.6 Umbu (Spondias tuberosa Arruda) is a fruit tree native to the Brazilian Caatinga and belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. Many bioactive compounds have been described in its phytochemical composition, such as quercetin, rutin, and vitamin C. Furthermore, t

FAQs

What residue from umbu processing was targeted in this study?

The study targeted umbu seed residue generated during depulping, which accounts for approximately 25% of the byproduct stream.

How was the extraction optimized?

Optimization used microwave-assisted solid–liquid extraction with propylene glycol, varying solvent percentage (15–85%) and temperature (59–201 °C) and then evaluating TPC and antioxidant responses.

What were the main bioactive findings from the optimized extract?

UPLC-HRMS/MS showed the optimized extract was mainly composed of phenolic compounds, with strong photoprotective activity (SPF 13 at 30 mg/mL) and no toxicity in the G. mellonella model for the 25% extract.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Fahsai