Enhanced conditions to obtain a clarified purple araca (Psidium myrtoides) fruit extract

This study evaluated the kinetics of extraction for bioactive compounds from purple araca fruit followed by the microfiltration process for extract clarification. The parametric study showed time (up to 60min) and temperature (313, 333, 353, and 363K) influences on the extraction of bioactive compounds from purple araca fruit. Extraction kinetics were adjusted to the second order kinetic model (R-2>0.9871). The best extraction conditions were at 353K for 45min. Purple araca fruit extract presented total phenolic and flavonoid contents of 5.290.12 mg(GAE) g(-1) and 2.79 +/- 0.09 mg(Rutin) g(-1), respectively, FRAP value of 21.77 +/- 1.10 mg(FeSO4) g(-1) and DPPH antioxidant capacity of 48.85 +/- 2.02%. Concentrations of gallic acid, (-)-Epicatechin, and (-)-Epigallocatechin were 132.01 +/- 1.22, 127.03 +/- 1.45, and 60.45 +/- 0.59 mu gg(-1), respectively. The microfiltration process with an acetate cellulose membrane of 0.22 mu m pore size was efficient for clarifying the purple araca fruit extract, with steady state flux of 4.17x10(-6) m(3)s(-1)m(-2) and reductions in total solids from 2.83 +/- 0.01 to 1.43 +/- 0.02%, without significant reductions in the concentration of bioactive compounds. These results suggest the valorization of purple araca fruit as a promising source of bioactive compounds for cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and food industries and application of the microfiltration process for clarification purposes. Practical Applications: Purple araca (Psidium myrtoides) is a tropical and exotic fruit with considerable concentration of bioactive compounds. The purple araca fruit extract presents higher concentration of bioactive compounds than other fruits from the same Psidium species, such as the guava fruit. Suggested aqueous extraction conditions are temperature and time of 80 degrees C 45min, respectively. The microfiltration process is then proposed for extract clarification, with substantial reductions in total solid concentration and turbidity, without reducing bioactive compound concentrations. Thus, the microfiltered purple araca fruit presents suitable characteristics to be used as a ready-to-drink product or to be submitted for further concentration processes.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the kinetics of extraction and microfiltration process for purple araca fruit extract, showing that 353K for 45 minutes is the optimal extraction conditions. Microfiltration with a 0.22 μm pore size membrane efficiently clarified the extract without significant reductions in bioactive compound concentrations.