Multiobjective optimization ofPhoenix dactyliferaL. seeds extraction: Mixture design methodology for phytochemical contents and antibacterial activity

On the basis ofPhoenix dactyliferaL. seeds, the effect of acetone, ethanol, and water on total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and antibacterial activity againstListeria monocytogenes,Staphylococcus aureus,Salmonella enterica,andEscherichia coliwas examined. Here, the augmented simplex-centroid mixture design was implemented. All the independent and response variables were fitted to linear, quadratic, and special cubic models. The best results were obtained for the ternary mixtures, presenting TPC, TFC, TAC,L. monocytogenes,and anti-S. entericaactivities; acetone-ethanol (53.32%-45.31%) with 25.46 mm for anti-S. aureusand acetone-water (50.19%-48.11%) with 24.56 mm for anti-E. coliactivities were the best solvent mixtures. Optimal mixture predicted for highest phytochemical content corresponds to 22.39%, 37.37%, and 40.24% of acetone, ethanol, and water, respectively. While the optimal extraction mixture predicted for anti-foodborne pathogens activities contains 39.72% of acetone, 18.87% of ethanol, and 41.41% of water. Practical applications Recently, the tendency toward application of phytochemicals as safer antimicrobial agents has been increased. In this regard,Phoenix dactylifera L. seeds have high antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. This work demonstrated that solvent mixtures have been shown to extract significantly amounts of phenolic compounds with antibacterial activity. Thus, date palm seeds extracts can be used as natural and niche preservatives for the pharmacy, food, and cosmetics industries.