Sequential extraction as a pioneering method to separate resin from bacuri fruit shell

Abstract

Sequential extraction (SE) using supercritical CO₂ plus ethanol was applied to separate resin from bacuri fruit shell, where process parameters such as particle size, pressure and cosolvent use were studied. The extracts obtained were also analyzed for phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. The extraction results showed that SE was able to separate the resin, which is the first report described in the literature, resulting in a patent. Furthermore, the smaller particle size (0.25 mm) showed the higher extraction rates, providing good yields of lipid extracts (up to 10.09 wt%) and ethanolic extracts (up to 13.78 wt%). The extracts presented good levels of phenolic compounds, which was associated with its high antioxidant capacity. Thus, the application of SE added value to bacuri fruit shell, enabling new strands for potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, placing this by-product in the Amazon bioeconomy scenario.