Supercritical fluid extraction of oleoresin from Capsicum annuum industrial waste

This work aimed to explore the potential of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) to obtain oleoresin from Capsicum annuum pepper (Jalapeno) industrial waste. SFE was carried out with CO2 at different conditions, exploring temperatures of 40 and 60 °C, pressures of 200 and 250 bar and the absence and presence of cosolvent (ethanol). Soxhlet extractions were performed using ethanol, acetone, and n-hexane for comparison purposes. The temperature variation and the addition of cosolvent (ethanol) were significant in increasing the total extracted mass of oleoresin, although the pressure did not have a significant effect. The total mass yields obtained by SFE varied between 9.38 and 10.08%, while for Soxhlet, the yields ranged between 8.45 and 15.5% (w/w). The extracts presented bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, fatty acids, and carotenoids but did not show significant antioxidant activity. The kinetic behavior of SFE with CO2 was analyzed using the overall extraction curves and by fitting two kinetics models (logistic and spline) to the data. The models presented a good fit and allowed the calculation of important parameters. A brief economic assessment showed that SFE of oleoresin from the studied industrial waste can be considered profitable. [Display omitted] •Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of Jalapeno industrial waste was performed.•Temperature rise and ethanol addition increased the oleoresin yields.•The oleoresin obtained from Jalapeno industrial waste contains bioactive compounds.•The extraction kinetic parameters were used to design a process.•Initial economic evaluation showed that the process can be profitable.