Extraction of bioactive compounds from buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) fruit by eco-friendly solvents: Chemical and functional characterization

Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) is a palm tree found in several regions of Latin America. Buriti fruit is a rich source of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and phenolic compounds. Thus, the aim of this study was to extract bioactive compounds from buriti fruit by ethanol and a supramolecular solvent system (SUPRAS) formed by octanoic acid aggregates. The extracts were evaluated for total carotenoids, β-carotene, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. Additionally, SUPRAS extracts were characterized for antibacterial activity and modulating effect. The extraction of β-carotene with SUPRAS showed a yield of 5.82 ± 0.05 mg/g for the peel and 26.7 ± 0.02 mg/g for the pulp. In relation to total phenolic compounds, the yields were 32.1 ± 1.2 μg GAE/g for the peel and 24.53 ± 4.9 μg GAE/g for the pulp. The presence of gallic acid, quercetin and catechin stand out regarding the phenolics identified. The extracts showed antioxidant activity, with an emphasis on the extracts obtained by SUPRAS, which presented EC50 (concentration required to obtain a 50% antioxidant effect) for the ABTS radical sequestration of 3.00 μg/mL for the peel and 0.84 μg/mL for the pulp. When combined with norfloxacin and gentamicin antibiotics, the extracts also showed a synergistic action against multi-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Thus, the extraction of bioactive compounds from buriti fruit using a safe, biocompatible, biodegradable and environmentally friendly solvent such as SUPRAS represents potential for developing new pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and functional foods. [Display omitted] •Supramolecular solvent (SUPRAS) based on octanoic acid was obtained.•SUPRAS was efficient in extracting bioactive compounds from buriti fruit.•Extracts showed antioxidant activity with higher values than the BHT standard.•SUPRAS extracts modulated the action of antibiotics against resistant bacteria.•SUPRAS extracts presented potential for developing new products.