Desenvolvimento de extrato a partir da extração de compostos bioativos de camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia McVaugh) por solventes eutéticos profundos naturais

Abstract

Camu-camu is a fruit native to the Amazon, widely recognized for its high vitamin C content and its rich composition of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, conventional methods of extracting these compounds often involve the use of toxic solvents, which can be harmful to both the environment and health. Recently, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) have emerged as a safer and more sustainable alternative, standing out for their biodegradability and ability to efficiently extract bioactive compounds. This study aimed to develop antioxidant-rich extracts from camu-camu using NADES and to investigate their potential for This work focused on the development of bioactive compound-rich extracts from camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), aiming to provide a sustainable alternative to conventional extraction methods. The overall objective of the study was to extract bioactive compounds from camu-camu using NADES, promoting a sustainable extraction method. Additionally, the specific objectives included: selecting the most efficient NADES solvent for extracting bioactive compounds; evaluating the influence of fruit ripeness on extraction yield; conducting physicochemical analyses, such as spectrophotometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), to characterize the obtained compounds; and assessing the stability of the antioxidante. Different NADES systems were used, combining solvents such as choline chloride, glucose, and malic acid. The extraction was performed with ultrasound assistance to maximize the release of bioactive compounds, and the samples were subjected to antioxidant potential analyses (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and FT), as well as pH, density, and spectroscopy analyses to identify the compounds present. In vitro digestibility was simulated to assess the stability of the compounds after digestion. The results showed that the use of NADES enabled efficient extraction of antioxidant compounds, with particular emphasis on systems containing malic acid and glucose, which resulted in higher concentrations of anthocyanins. In vitro digestibility indicated a reduction in the antioxidant potential of the samples, suggesting that the digestive process affects the stability of these compounds. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed that the samples showed moderate activity against cancer cells, with IC50 values ranging from 21-200 μg/mL. It is concluded that the use of natural deep eutectic solvents offers an eco-friendly and effective alternative for extracting bioactive compounds from camu-camu, with promising prospects for application in functional foods and nutraceuticals. However, digestibility reduces the antioxidant capacity, highlighting the importance of further studies on the bioavailability of these compounds in the human body. This work contributes to the valorization of natural resources from the Amazon, promoting environmentally friendly and economically viable extraction methods.