Formulation of açaí (E. oleracea Mart.) Pulp and seeds extracts by co-precipitation in Supercritical Antisolvent (SAS) technology

Abstract

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is a black-purple berry, typically found in Amazon Rainforest, and a natural phytochemical source, which shows a high content of polyphenols and flavonoids, with remarkable properties as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and natural dye. The precipitation and encapsulation of Açaí extracts with biopolymers by Supercritical Anti-Solvent (SAS) process were investigated and proposed as primary formulation to protect the active compounds from early degradation and its application in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and alimentary products. The extractives were obtained from pulp and seeds by Pressurized Microwave assisted Energy (PMAE)(300 W,1.5 bar) using acidified ethanol/water (1:1v/v) as a solvent. The extracts were characterized in terms of total polyphenols content (TPC). The SAS process was carried out by semi-continuous batch at constant conditions (40 °C,100 bar). Particle morphology was studied by SEM, TGA and FTIR. The best results were obtained when ethanol and PVP were applied, obtaining a particle size reduction and an increment of TPC.