Application of supercritical technology in the recovery of bioactive compounds from murici (Byrsonima crassifolia)

Abstract

FC Seabra Pires*, AP de Souza e Silva, MC Rodrigues Ferreira, GI de Almeida Campos, LM Martins Siqueira, AL de Barros Souza Campos and RN de Carvalho Junior*

The murici (Byrsonima ssp.) is a fruit that is spread throughout the Amazon region and presents marked sensory characteristics and therapeutic properties associated with the presence of lutein, quercetin, fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids and long-chain triglycerides of the fruit. Although these antioxidants are naturally present in murici, processing and the storage of the fruit affects its content, activity, and bioavailability. Therefore, supercritical fluid extraction of murici pulp appears as an alternative promising for applications of various products acquired by green technology obtaining desired characteristics such as high selectivity of bioactive compounds, high purity, shorter extraction times, higher yields compared to other types of extraction and absence of toxic organic solvents. Through this technology, it is possible to lead future perspectives for the application of murici products in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.