Optimization of bioactive compounds by ultrasound extraction and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry in fast-growing leaves

[Display omitted] •Ultrasonic extraction of bioactive compounds from Eucalyptus globulus leaves was studied.•Key parameters on extraction capacity of 21 terpenes and 8 polyphenols were determined.•Bioactive molecules have been determined in leaves extracts by GC–MS/MS.•Analytical method developed was applied in leaves of 12 fast-growing crops. Fast-growing crops are of great economic importance in the production of paper pulp and energy. The commercialization of the bioactive components from underutilized parts could provide additional value to these crops. In the present study, chromatography gas coupled to mass spectrometry triple quadrupole (GC–MS/MS) and ultrasound extraction technique was used in the bioactive compounds determination in fast-growing crops leaves. Twenty-one terpenes and eight polyphenolic bioactive compounds were studied. Prior to GC–MS/MS, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) - stir bars preconcentration and trimethylsilane (TMS) derivatization steps were used for terpenes and polyphenolic compounds, respectively. Several parameters (pH, temperature, ethanol–water mixtures, ultrasound power, and ultrasound time) of the extraction step were optimized by central composite experimental design. Ethanol content, ultrasound power, and ultrasound time were the parameters that most influence the extraction efficiency of terpenes in biomass residues, while for polyphenolic compounds it was temperature and ultrasound time. The optimal ultrasound extraction conditions for terpenes were 60% ethanol, pH 4, 80 W, 40 °C, and 15 min, whereas for polyphenolic compounds they were 60% ethanol, pH 4, 120 W, 50 °C, and 15 min. The detection limits (LOD) were in the range of 0.200–3.02 µg kg−1 and 7.9–540 µg kg−1 for terpenes and polyphenolic compounds, respectively. The developed analytical method was applied to twelve fast-growing leaves (Leucaene (diversifolia and leucocephala), Eucalyptus (globulus and urograndis), Populus (I214 and AF2), Prosopis (alba and juliflora), Robinia, Tagasaste, Ulmus pumila, and Paulownia). Eucalyptol was the mayor terpene present in all the plants studied, while chlorogenic and quinic acid were the mayor phenolic compounds.