Intensified green-based extraction process as a circular economy approach to recover bioactive compounds from soursop seeds (Annona muricata L.)

Soursop (Annona muricata L.) seeds, which is a residue obtained from juice agro-industries, were subjected to supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and subcritical water extraction (SWE) in single or combined mode to extract the potential value-added compounds. Different extraction methods were evaluated in terms of the extraction yield, phenolics content, antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP), and Maillard reaction products. The extracts were analyzed using SEM, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS techniques. The temperature and a combination of high-pressure techniques positively affected the overall results (SFE + SWE), affording nonpolar and polar extracts rich in phenolics and antioxidant compounds. SEM analysis showed that the use of SFE caused modifications in the cell wall, and the oil fraction was rich in fatty acids. Twenty-nine compounds associated with soursop seed extracts were detected for the first time using LC-MS/MS, showing the potential of the raw material as well as promoting resource re-utilization in circular economy.

Automated summary

Soursop seeds were extracted using SFE and SWE, with a combination of high temperature and high pressure techniques resulting in extracts rich in phenolics and antioxidant compounds. SEM analysis showed modifications in the cell wall due to SFE, with the oil fraction being rich in fatty acids.