Optimization of the Extraction of Polyphenols and Antioxidant Capacity from Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth Fruit by Response Surface Methodology

The purpose of this research was to optimize the extraction conditions of polyphenols from murici ( Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth) using the response surface methodology. Temperature (from 10 to 70°C), acetone concentration (from 10 to 100%), extraction time (from 0 to 160 min), and solid-liquid ratio (from 20 to 140 mg/mL) were investigated as independent variables in order to obtain the optimal conditions for extraction and to maximize the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH) of obtained extracts. Experimental results were fitted to the second-order polynomial model where multiple regression and analysis of variance were used to determine the fitness of the model and optimal condition for investigated responses. The solid-liquid did not interfere in the two responses. The results showed that for TPC extraction, the optimal conditions were obtained with an acetone concentration of 44%, a temperature of 29°C, and an extraction time of 51 min. For DPPH, the optimal conditions were the following: an acetone concentration of 45%, a temperature of 40°C, and an extraction time of 53 min. The use of such conditions allowed the maximum extraction of antioxidant murici at a lower cost of production, which may contribute to large-scale industrial applications and future pharmacological research.