Optimization of green PLE method applied for the recovery of antioxidant compounds from buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) shell

[Display omitted] •Use of “green methods” for the recovery of antioxidant compounds from buriti shell.•The RSM was useful for the optimization of the PLE conditions.•The raw material was an important source of carotenoids and phenolic compounds.•7 phenolics were reported for the first time in association with buriti.•The extracts present potential for application in different industry segments. Buriti fruit, with high content in carotenoids and antioxidant compounds, is well appreciated for its organoleptic characteristics. However, its shell, an agroindustrial residue, is mostly discarded. Therefore, to verify the technological potential of the buriti shells, the aim of this this study was to evaluated the antioxidant potential of the extracts from buriti shell obtained by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) with ethanol/water mixtures. PLE optimization was performed by response surface methodology, with all results maximized at the conditions of 71.21 °C and with 91.58% of ethanol. The yields values varied from 16.82 to 25.16%, total carotenoids from 23.38 to 1056.59 μg β-carotene equivalent g−1, total phenolic content from 143.37 to 172.02 mg Gallic acid equivalent g−1, DPPH from 31.04 to 48.62 μg.mL−1, and ABTS from 1.87 to 2.70 mmol TEAC. g−1. Therefore, considering the lack of studies about buriti shell, the present work provides valuable results that confirm the PLE relevance to enhance the value of this neglected material.