Eco-Friendly Method to Extract Healthy Compounds from Winemaking By-Products

Jim Crocker
14th August, 2024

Eco-Friendly Method to Extract Healthy Compounds from Winemaking By-Products

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa developed an eco-friendly method to extract antioxidants from grape seeds using carboxylic acid-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs)
  • The optimal extraction conditions involved a 50% water addition to the DES, an 85-second extraction time, and a grape seed mass of 0.1 grams, yielding high phenolic content and antioxidant activity
  • This new method is more efficient and sustainable than traditional techniques, supporting environmental conservation and economic viability in the winemaking industry
The recovery process for bioactives from discarded by-products of the winemaking industry holds significant potential for addressing environmental and economic challenges. This study, conducted by Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, investigates the extraction of phenolic antioxidants from grape (Vitis vinifera) seeds using carboxylic acid-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs)[1]. The aim is to propose an environmentally friendly method optimized through a multivariate approach. Grape seeds, a by-product of winemaking, are rich in bioactive compounds with potential applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Previous research has highlighted the importance of grape seed extracts in disease prevention due to their antioxidant properties[2]. Traditional methods for extracting these compounds have evolved, yet there is a continuous need for more efficient and sustainable techniques[3]. In this study, researchers designed carboxylic acid-based DESs with various molar ratios (1/1, 1/2, and 2/1). They used two polyols, glycerol and ethylene glycol, as hydrogen bond donors, while formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid were selected as hydrogen bond acceptors. The process parameters, including water content, extraction time, and solid mass, were analyzed to optimize the extraction process. This was achieved using a Box-Behnken design in conjunction with response surface methodology to determine the best combination for the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity yields. The results revealed that the optimal conditions for maximum TPC yield (153.17 ± 0.003 mg-GAE/g-GS) and antioxidant activity yield (82.26 ± 0.004 mg-GAE/g-GS) involved a 50% water addition into the DES (ethylene glycol/acetic acid, 1/1), an extraction time of 85 seconds, and a grape seed mass of 0.1 grams. These findings demonstrate a significant improvement in extraction efficiency compared to traditional methods. The use of carboxylic acid-based DESs as extraction solvents is a notable advancement. DESs are a class of green solvents known for their low toxicity, biodegradability, and ease of preparation. They offer a sustainable alternative to conventional organic solvents, which are often harmful to the environment. This study's approach aligns with the principles of green chemistry, which emphasize the reduction of hazardous substances in chemical processes. Previous studies have employed various techniques to enhance the extraction of bioactive compounds from grape seeds. For instance, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has been shown to significantly improve the extraction of phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and anthocyanins from grape seeds[4]. However, the current study's use of DESs presents an even more environmentally friendly method, reducing the need for high-energy inputs and potentially harmful solvents. The integration of response surface methodology (RSM) in this study allowed for a systematic and efficient optimization of the extraction process. RSM is a collection of mathematical and statistical techniques useful for modeling and analyzing problems in which several variables influence the outcome. By using RSM, the researchers could identify the optimal conditions for maximum yield of phenolic antioxidants, demonstrating the method's robustness and reliability. The findings from this study contribute to the growing body of research focused on sustainable extraction methods for bioactive compounds from agricultural waste. By optimizing the use of DESs for extracting phenolic antioxidants from grape seeds, this study provides a valuable framework for future research and industrial applications. The approach not only enhances the value of winemaking by-products but also supports the principles of a circular economy, where waste materials are repurposed into valuable products. In conclusion, the research conducted by Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa presents a novel and environmentally friendly method for extracting phenolic antioxidants from grape seeds using carboxylic acid-based DESs. This method offers significant improvements in extraction efficiency and sustainability compared to traditional techniques, contributing to the broader goals of environmental conservation and economic viability in the winemaking industry.

EnvironmentSustainabilityBiotech

References

Main Study

1) Developing a recovery process for bioactives from discarded by-products of winemaking industry based on multivariate optimization method: Deep eutectic solvents as eco-friendly extraction media.

Published 13th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1002/pca.3434

Related Studies

2) Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Seed Oil: A Functional Food from the Winemaking Industry.

https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9101360

3) Bio-Based Compounds from Grape Seeds: A Biorefinery Approach.

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23081888

4) Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and anthocyanins from grape (Vitis vinifera) seeds.

https://doi.org/10.1021/jf9001439


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